Velour in towels refers to terry fabric with the pile loops sheared (cut) to create a smooth, velvety surface. Also called velvet or velveteen finish.
How It's Made
- Start with standard terry cloth
- Shear (cut) the loops on one side
- The cut fibres create smooth, dense surface
- Other side may remain looped or also sheared
The shearing removes the tops of loops, creating upright cut fibres instead.
Characteristics
Advantages:
- Smooth, luxurious feel
- Better surface for printed designs
- Colours appear more vibrant
- Looks more decorative
Disadvantages:
- Less absorbent than loop pile
- Cut fibres don't hold water as well
- The smooth side is for show, not function
Common Uses
- Beach towels: Vibrant prints look better on velour
- Decorative towels: Smooth surface for display
- One-sided velour: Loop inside for absorbency, velour outside for looks
Performance
Velour towels absorb less water on the cut side. For functional drying, use the looped side (if present) against skin.
Many velour towels are double-sided terry with only the outer surface sheared. These perform better than fully-sheared velour.
Velour vs Terry
| Aspect | Velour | Terry |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Smooth, cut | Looped |
| Absorbency | Lower | Higher |
| Print quality | Better | Acceptable |
| Feel | Silky | Traditional |
| Best for | Display, beach | Function |
Related Terms
- Terry cloth - Standard looped construction
- Cut pile - General term for sheared fibres
- Pile - Raised surface