Apparel Velvets
Micro velvet is a durable fabric made from very fine polyester. The Fairvel micro velvet is silky soft with a beautiful drape, making it great for curtains as well as apparel. It’s crush resistant and lustrous without being shiny. It doesn’t stretch.
Stretch velvet is made with spandex to make it stretchy. It can stretch up to 25% in any direction, so it’s good for clothing and costumes. It’s shinier than the micro velvet.
Crushed stretch velvet is also stretchy and it’s crushed so the nap is facing in different directions, creating an irregular pattern.
Panne velvet is also a crushed velvet, but the pile is flattened just in one direction, so it looks different from the crushed stretch velvet. Unlike all the others, this panne velvet has a knit back instead of woven, so it is also stretchy, but just side to side, not up and down. It’s also a lighter weight than the rest.
Velveteen is similar to velvet, but has a shorter pile, doesn’t drape as easily and has less sheen. It’s often made of cotton.
Upholstery Velvets
JB Martin makes several beautiful upholstery velvets. The Como and Cannes are cotton velvets. They aren’t as shiny as many of the apparel velvets, but have a nice luster and feel. The Cannes velvet has subtle horizontal striations giving it a different look. JB martin also makes luxurious mohair upholstery velvet.
Bella velvet is a micro velvet made out of polyester. It has a very soft feel and isn’t too shiny.
Crypton fabric is known for its durability and stain resistant finish and Crypton Home Velvet is no different. This is the most durable option for upholstery velvet.
You can also get crushed flocked upholstery velvet.
Chenille looks and feels very similar to velvet, but is made using a different process. Velvet has a smooth and even surface, while chenille’s texture is generally more nubby. But both are great upholstery fabrics.