Velvet vs. Fleece — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 22, 2024
Velvet is a luxurious fabric known for its soft, dense pile made from silk or synthetic fibers, ideal for formal wear; whereas fleece is a warm, lightweight synthetic fabric designed for casual and outdoor apparel.
Difference Between Velvet and Fleece
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Key Differences
Velvet is traditionally made by weaving two thicknesses of material simultaneously, which are then cut apart to create a soft, dense pile. This process gives velvet its characteristic smooth and luxurious texture. On the other hand, fleece is produced by twisting and knitting synthetic fibers, resulting in a fabric that is exceptionally warm and lightweight.
Velvet is often associated with opulence and elegance, commonly used in formal clothing, upholstery, and draperies. Whereas, fleece is prized for its practicality and comfort, frequently found in casual wear, sportswear, and linings due to its excellent insulation properties.
The care requirements for velvet are more demanding, as it is prone to crushing and often requires dry cleaning to maintain its texture and finish. Fleece, in contrast, is more durable and easier to care for, often machine washable and resistant to shrinking and wrinkling.
In terms of thermal insulation, fleece is superior due to its structure, which traps heat effectively. Velvet, while also warm, is more valued for its visual and tactile appeal rather than its insulative qualities.
The cost of velvet can vary widely depending on its composition, with silk velvet being particularly expensive, reflecting its luxurious status. Fleece, being synthetic and easier to produce, is generally more affordable and widely available.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Made from silk or synthetic fibers
Primarily made from polyester
Texture
Soft, dense pile; smooth and luxurious feel
Light, fluffy, and soft to the touch
Use
Formal wear, upholstery, curtains
Casual wear, sportswear, linings
Care
Requires careful cleaning, often dry clean only
Easy to wash and maintain, machine washable
Thermal Quality
Warm but primarily decorative
High insulation, retains heat well
Compare with Definitions
Velvet
Prone to crushing and requires specific care.
She took her velvet blazer to the dry cleaners to avoid damaging the fabric.
Fleece
A soft warm fabric made primarily from polyester, used especially for sportswear.
Her fleece jacket kept her warm during the hike.
Velvet
Often used in clothing, upholstery, and drapery for its luxurious appearance.
The velvet curtains added a touch of elegance to the living room.
Fleece
Characterized by its lightweight and insulative qualities.
He chose a fleece-lined hat for extra warmth in winter.
Velvet
Known for its smooth and soft texture.
He loved the velvet throw pillow because of its incredibly soft texture.
Fleece
Easy to wash and maintain, often chosen for children's wear.
The children's fleece pullovers were perfect for everyday play.
Velvet
A type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed with a short dense pile.
The royal blue velvet dress looked stunning at the gala.
Fleece
Popular in outdoor gear due to its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
They packed fleece sweaters for their camping trip because they were light yet warm.
Velvet
Traditionally made from silk, but can also be made from synthetic materials like polyester.
She preferred synthetic velvet for its durability and lower cost.
Fleece
Resistant to moisture and quick drying.
The fleece gloves dried quickly after getting wet in the snow.
Velvet
Velvet is a type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it a distinctive soft feel. By extension, the word velvety means "smooth like velvet".
Fleece
The woolly covering of a sheep or goat
He clutched the ram by two handfuls of thick fleece
As the sheep came on board, we grabbed their long shaggy fleeces
Velvet
A closely woven fabric of silk, cotton, or nylon, that has a thick short pile on one side
An armchair covered in velvet
Red velvet curtains
Fleece
A soft warm fabric with a texture similar to sheep's wool, used as a lining material
A reversible fleece jacket
Velvet
A soft fabric having a smooth, dense pile and a plain underside.
Fleece
Obtain a great deal of money from (someone), typically by overcharging or swindling them
The city's cab drivers are notorious for fixing fares and fleecing tourists
Velvet
Something suggesting the smooth surface of velvet.
Fleece
Cover as if with a fleece
The sky was half blue, half fleeced with white clouds
Velvet
Smoothness; softness.
Fleece
The coat of wool of a sheep or similar animal.
Velvet
The soft, furry covering on the developing antlers of deer.
Fleece
The yield of wool shorn from a sheep at one time.
Velvet
The winnings of a gambler.
Fleece
A soft woolly covering or mass.
Velvet
A profit or gain beyond what is expected or due.
Fleece
A soft, warm, lightweight, usually synthetic fabric with a deep pile, used primarily for clothing and blankets.
Velvet
New England See milkshake.
Fleece
A garment, especially a shirt or jacket, made of such fabric.
Velvet
A closely woven fabric (originally of silk, now also of cotton or man-made fibres) with a thick short pile on one side.
Fleece
To defraud of money or property; swindle.
Velvet
Very fine fur, including the skin and fur on a deer's antlers.
Fleece
To shear the fleece from.
Velvet
A female chinchilla; a sow.
Fleece
To cover with a fleece or similar covering.
Velvet
The drug dextromethorphan.
Fleece
(uncountable) Hair or wool of a sheep or similar animal
Velvet
Money acquired by gambling.
Fleece
(uncountable) Insulating skin with the wool attached
Velvet
To cover with velvet or with a covering of a similar texture.
Fleece
(countable) A textile similar to velvet, but with a longer pile that gives it a softness and a higher sheen.
Velvet
(cooking) To coat raw meat in starch, then in oil, preparatory to frying.
Fleece
(countable) An insulating wooly jacket
Velvet
To remove the velvet from a deer's antlers.
Fleece
(roofing) Mat or felts composed of fibers, sometimes used as a membrane backer.
Velvet
To soften; to mitigate.
Fleece
Any soft woolly covering resembling a fleece.
Velvet
(of a cat's claws) to retract.
Fleece
The fine web of cotton or wool removed by the doffing knife from the cylinder of a carding machine.
Velvet
Made of velvet.
Fleece
(transitive) To con or trick (someone) out of money.
Velvet
Soft and delicate, like velvet; velvety.
Fleece
(transitive) To shear the fleece from (a sheep or other animal).
During spring shearing we have to fleece all the sheep in just a few days.
Velvet
(politics) peaceful, carried out without violence; especially as pertaining to the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia.
Fleece
(transitive) To cover with, or as if with, wool.
Velvet
A silk fabric, having a short, close nap of erect threads. Inferior qualities are made with a silk pile on a cotton or linen back, or with other soft fibers such as nylon, acetate, or rayon.
Fleece
The entire coat of wool that covers a sheep or other similar animal; also, the quantity shorn from a sheep, or animal, at one time.
Who shore meLike a tame wether, all my precious fleece.
Velvet
The soft and highly vascular deciduous skin which envelops and nourishes the antlers of deer during their rapid growth.
Fleece
Any soft woolly covering resembling a fleece.
Velvet
Something likened to velvet{1} in being soft or luxurious; as, a lawn of velvet.
Fleece
The fine web of cotton or wool removed by the doffing knife from the cylinder of a carding machine.
Velvet
Made of velvet; soft and delicate, like velvet; velvety.
Fleece
To deprive of a fleece, or natural covering of wool.
Velvet
To pain velvet.
Fleece
To strip of money or other property unjustly, especially by trickery or fraud; to bring to straits by oppressions and exactions.
Whilst pope and prince shared the wool betwixt them, the people were finely fleeced.
Velvet
To make like, or cover with, velvet.
Fleece
To spread over as with wool.
Velvet
A silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
Fleece
The wool of a sheep or similar animal
Velvet
Smooth and soft to sight or hearing or touch or taste
Fleece
Tanned skin of a sheep with the fleece left on; used for clothing
Velvet
Resembling velvet in having a smooth soft surface
Fleece
A soft bulky fabric with deep pile; used chiefly for clothing
Fleece
Outer coat of especially sheep and yaks
Fleece
Rip off; ask an unreasonable price
Fleece
Shear the wool from;
Shear sheep
Common Curiosities
Why is fleece preferred for casual wear?
Fleece is preferred for its comfort, lightweight, and easy care, making it ideal for casual wear.
Is fleece a good fabric for cold weather?
Yes, fleece is excellent for cold weather due to its high insulation properties.
What is the main material used in velvet?
Velvet is primarily made from silk or synthetic fibers like polyester.
How do you prevent velvet from crushing?
Avoid folding and apply minimal pressure when storing velvet garments.
Can velvet be washed at home?
Velvet usually requires dry cleaning to maintain its appearance and texture.
Is velvet suitable for outdoor clothing?
Velvet is generally not suitable for outdoor clothing due to its delicate nature and care requirements.
Is fleece environmentally friendly?
While fleece is synthetic, there are recycled options available to reduce environmental impact.
Are there different types of velvet?
Yes, velvet can vary by the base fabric used, including silk, cotton, and synthetic fibers.
How does the cost of velvet compare to fleece?
Velvet can be more expensive, especially silk velvet, compared to more affordable fleece.
What type of fleece is warmest?
Thicker fleece fabrics with a high loft are typically the warmest.
What distinguishes velvet's texture from other fabrics?
Velvet's notable feature is its dense, soft pile which gives it a unique luxurious feel.
What are common uses for fleece fabric?
Fleece is commonly used for casual and sportswear, blankets, and linings.
Can velvet be made from cotton?
Yes, cotton can also be used to make velvet, offering a different texture and lower cost.
How is fleece made?
Fleece is made by knitting polyester fibers into a fabric and brushing it to increase thickness.
Why is fleece popular in children’s clothing?
Its durability, ease of washing, and soft texture make fleece popular for children's clothing.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
