velvet

Velvet is a type of woven fabric characterized by a soft, dense pile that stands slightly above the base fabric. The surface, or nap, is created by the tightly packed short fibers of the pile, which give velvet its distinctive luster and tactile feel. Velvet can be made from natural fibers such as silk and cotton, or from synthetics such as nylon and polyester, as well as blends. Common varieties include silk velvet, cotton velvet, and synthetic velvet, as well as specialty forms such as crushed velvet and stretch velvet.

Traditionally velvet is produced on a loom with two sets of warp yarns that create a pile backing. The interlacing weave forms a dense surface pile, which is cut to produce the familiar nap. Modern producers also make velvet by using pile woven with different fibers or by finishing mechanical processes. Velvet is prized for its luxurious appearance and is used in clothing, upholstery, curtains, and decorative accessories.

The history of velvet dates to the medieval period in Europe, with earlier forms appearing in the Islamic world. It became a luxury textile associated with nobility and court life, and centers of production developed in places such as Venice, Florence, and Lyon. In the 18th and 19th centuries velvet spread to broader markets with the rise of silk and rayon velvets, and today it is produced in many countries for fashion and interior design.

Care and handling vary by fiber. Silk velvet requires careful cleaning, often dry cleaning; cotton and synthetic velvets may be machine washed on gentle cycles or spot cleaned. Velvet fabrics benefit from gentle brushing with a soft card or clothes brush to restore the nap and avoid crushing the pile.