Velvet vs. Flannel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
Velvet is a soft, luxurious fabric with a short dense pile, while flannel is a soft, warm fabric, often made of cotton or wool, with a slightly napped surface.
Key Differences
Velvet and flannel are distinct fabrics that cater to different needs and aesthetics. Velvet is known for its smooth, soft, and shiny surface, making it synonymous with luxury and often used for evening wear, upholstery, and drapes. In contrast, flannel is recognized for its warmth and comfort and is predominantly utilized for making casual and cozy clothing like shirts and pajamas, and bedding, typically seen as more informal and practical.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
The texture and finish of velvet and flannel are significantly different. Velvet is characterized by its short, dense pile, creating a plush and smooth surface. It can be made from various fibers like silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers, depending on the desired outcome and budget. Flannel, conversely, has a slightly napped surface, meaning it has a soft and fuzzy texture, usually crafted from cotton, wool, or a blend of fibers, offering a warm and comfortable feel.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
The weave of velvet and flannel is another point of difference. Velvet is woven with a special construction that includes two thicknesses of fabric being woven together and then cut apart to create the pile effect, contributing to its unique texture. On the other hand, flannel is woven in a manner that allows it to retain heat, making it suitable for colder climates and winter wear. The flannel weave is usually plain or twill, and it’s the brushing process that raises the fibers from the loosely spun yarns to form a soft surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
The occasions and utility for using velvet and flannel also vary. Velvet, with its luxurious appearance and feel, is ideal for elegant and sophisticated occasions, while flannel, with its comforting and warm properties, is preferred for everyday wear and for staying cozy in colder weather. The difference in appearance, texture, and use make velvet and flannel distinct in the world of fabrics.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Comparison Chart
Texture
Soft, plush, and smooth with a short dense pile.
Soft, warm, and slightly napped or brushed.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Common Use
Evening wear, upholstery, drapes.
Casual clothing, bedding, winter wear.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Weave
Special construction to create pile effect.
Usually plain or twill, brushed for softness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Material
Can be made of silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
Typically made of cotton, wool, or a blend.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Occasion
Suited for elegant and sophisticated occasions.
Preferred for everyday and informal wear.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Velvet and Flannel Definitions
Velvet
Known for its dense, plush pile.
The velvet upholstery feels incredibly smooth.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Flannel
Typically made from cotton, wool, or a blend.
She loves her cotton flannel sheets during winter.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Velvet
Can be made from silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
The silk velvet has a particularly luminous sheen.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Flannel
Ideal for casual clothing and bedding.
Flannel pajamas are a must-have for cold nights.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Velvet
A luxurious fabric with a smooth, soft texture.
The velvet gown she wore looked regal.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Flannel
Known for its comfort and warmth.
Nothing beats the warmth and comfort of a flannel blanket.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
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Flannel
Often used for everyday and informal wear.
A flannel shirt is a versatile piece in casual wear.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Flannel
A warm, soft fabric with a napped surface.
The flannel shirt kept him warm in the chilly weather.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Flannel
A soft woven cloth of wool or a blend of wool and cotton or synthetics.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 26, 2023
Flannel
(uncountable) A soft cloth material originally woven from wool, today often combined with cotton or synthetic fibers.
With the weather turning colder, it was time to dig out our flannel sheets and nightclothes.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 26, 2023
Velvet
A closely woven fabric (originally of silk, now also of cotton or man-made fibres) with a thick short pile on one side.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 26, 2023
Flannel
Soothing, plausible untruth or half-truth; claptrap.
Don't talk flannel!
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 26, 2023
Velvet
(cooking) To coat raw meat in starch, then in oil, preparatory to frying.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 26, 2023
Flannel
A cotton fabric with a thick nap on one side, resembling flannel{1}; it is used, e. g. for underwear or sheets; also called flanellette.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 26, 2023
Velvet
(politics) peaceful, carried out without violence; especially as pertaining to the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 26, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 26, 2023
Velvet
The soft and highly vascular deciduous skin which envelops and nourishes the antlers of deer during their rapid growth.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 26, 2023
Velvet
Something likened to velvet{1} in being soft or luxurious; as, a lawn of velvet.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 26, 2023
Flannel
Bath linen consisting of a piece of cloth used to wash the face and body
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 26, 2023
Velvet
Often used for evening wear and drapes.
He chose a velvet curtain for its elegant appearance.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Velvet
Synonymous with luxury and sophistication.
The velvet touch of the fabric is synonymous with opulence.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
FAQs
Is flannel always plaid?
No, flannel refers to the fabric, not the plaid pattern commonly associated with it.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Is flannel suitable for summer?
Typically, flannel is more suitable for colder climates due to its warmth.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can velvet be used for casual wear?
While typically seen as luxurious, some velvet types can be used for casual wear.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is velvet heavy?
Velvet can vary in weight depending on the fibers used and the weave.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Is velvet always made from silk?
No, velvet can be made from silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can velvet be stretched?
Some velvets have stretch, especially those made with synthetic fibers and a knit backing.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Does velvet have a pile?
Yes, velvet is characterized by its short, dense pile.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can flannel be used for formal wear?
Flannel is generally more casual but can be used for certain formal wear like suits.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can flannel be made of synthetic fibers?
Yes, flannel can be made of synthetic fibers, cotton, wool, or a blend.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can velvet be washed in a machine?
Velvet requires careful cleaning, and many types are dry-clean only.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is flannel breathable?
Flannel’s breathability can vary, but it’s generally less breathable than lighter fabrics due to its dense weave.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is velvet suitable for upholstery?
Yes, velvet is a popular choice for upholstery due to its luxurious texture.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is velvet vegan?
Velvet can be vegan if made from synthetic or plant-based fibers like cotton, but silk velvet is not vegan.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Can flannel shrink?
Yes, flannel, especially cotton flannel, can shrink if not properly cared for.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
