Let me walk you through what velour is, how it is made, and why the warp-knitted version is worth paying attention to.

● Velour vs. velvet – what is the difference?

Velvet is woven and has a short, dense cut pile – typically up to 2 mm. Velour is knitted and has a longer pile – generally 2 to 4 mm . The longer pile gives velour a softer, more plush feel, almost like a fleece. Velour also has more give because it is knitted, making it more comfortable for clothing. Velvet is more formal and structured; velour is casual and comfortable.

● How warp-knitted velour is made.

Our Poly Velour Fabric is produced on warp knitting machines, typically the HKS 3-M in E28 gauge, developed by Karl Mayer . The process works like this: the machine knits a dense base fabric with long underlaps – these are the extended yarns that run across the back of the fabric. During finishing, these underlaps are raised using a brushing or raising process. The raised fibres are then sheared to create a uniform, upright pile surface.

● Upright velour – why the pile direction matters.
Unlike some velvets that can be stroked in one direction (tilting velour), upright velour has fibres that stand straight up . That means the surface looks consistent from any angle, with a matt, velvety shimmer. The cut surfaces of the vertical fibres determine the appearance – not the peripheral surfaces of the filaments . This gives the fabric a full, dense feel that does not change depending on how you look at it.

● Pull-out resistance – a key advantage of warp knitting.
This is one of the biggest technical advantages of warp-knitted velour. The pile-forming layer is firmly tied into the ground by stitches, so the fibres do not pull out easily . This is why warp-knitted velour is used for soft toys and children's products in many countries – the pull-out resistance is a safety requirement . For upholstery, it means the fabric does not shed or lose its pile over time.

● Spandex options for stretch.
Some versions of this fabric include spandex – typically around 4-5% – to give the fabric gentle stretch and better drape . This is popular for apparel applications where comfort and fit matter. Stretch velour is used for evening wear, loungewear, and fitted garments.

● Stock colours.

Wide selection of solid colours available – we can provide the current palette on request.

● Custom colours.

Pantone matching available. Sample charge applies, deducted from final order.

● Printing.

Digital or screen printing available. Minimum order for printed versions is typically 1000m.

● Embossing.

Patterns can be embossed onto the pile surface using heat and pressure.

● Special finishes.

Anti-pilling, wicking/dry fit, UV protection, waterproof, anti-bacterial, chlorine resistant, and high colorfastness options are available.

● MOQ.

500 metres per colour for solid colours; 1000 metres for printed versions . We sometimes accept smaller quantities for stock colours – ask us.

● Lead time.

15-25 working days from deposit confirmation.

● Packing.

Rolls with paper tube inside, PE bag and PP woven bag outside.

● Port.

Shanghai / Ningbo.

● Standard samples (stock colours).

A4-size cuttings are free – you pay shipping. If you have a courier account (FedEx/DHL/TNT), we can ship using your account and you pay nothing for shipping.

● Custom colour samples.

Sample fee applies – covers dye setup. Deducted from your final order.

● Print samples.

For printed versions, sample fee applies and is deducted from the final order.