The main difference between corduroy and velvet is that corduroy is a strong, durable fabric with lengthwise cords or ridges while velvet is a soft, closely woven fabric that has a thick short pile on one side.
Corduroy and velvet are soft fabrics that share many similarities. Corduroy is a ribbed, velvety fabric that’s typically made of cotton or a cotton blend while velvet is a closely woven fabric that has a thick short pile on one side.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Corduroy
– Definition, Features
2. What is Velvet
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Corduroy and Velvet
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Corduroy, Velvet
What is Corduroy
Corduroy is a strong, durable fabric with lengthwise cords or ridges. This fabric looks as it is created from multiple cords laid parallel to each other and stitched together. We call this width of the cord as the size of ‘wale’. When there is a lower wale number, the width of the wale is thicker; for example, a 4-wale fabric is much thicker than 11-wale. Corduroy comes in a wide range of styles, with different colours, wale sizes and fabric weights. We usually use corduroy to make garments like trousers, jackets, waistcoats, and shirts. Wide wale fabrics are more suitable for trousers and upholstery (mainly couches) while medium and fine wale fabrics are more suitable for upper garments.
Corduroy was first developed in the late 18th century as common people’s equivalent to velvet since it was much less expensive and stronger than velvet. This fabric is typically made from cotton or a cotton blend.
What is Velvet
Velvet is a closely woven fabric that has a thick short pile on one side. It has a distinctively soft and smooth feel and a beautiful drape. Velvet can be made from either natural or synthetic fibres like cotton, silk, and nylon. It has been a popular fabric among both men and women since medieval times. Its production process is somewhat complex and difficult. It is made on a special loom that can weave two thicknesses of the material at the same time. Velvet was therefore often considered as a luxurious fabric and is more expensive than other fabrics. In the past, people often associated velvet with nobility and royalty. The first velvet fabrics were made from silk, so they were very expensive. However, there are different types of velvets today in the market, made from different materials and available at various prices.
Velvet has been a popular choice in the fashion industry and home décor for many years due to its high-end feel and appearance. It is a common choice for evening wear and formal dresses. Moreover, in the home décor, velvet is used for upholstery, cushions, and curtains.
Difference Between Corduroy and Velvet
Definition
Corduroy is a strong, durable fabric with lengthwise cords or ridges while velvet is a soft, closely woven fabric that has a thick short pile on one side.
Nature
Velvet appears dressier and more luxurious than corduroy.
Durability
Corduroy tends to be stronger and more durable than velvet.
Price
Corduroy tends to be less expensive than velvet.
Clothes
Generally, corduroy is used for garments like trousers, overcoats, and jackets while velvet is used for dresses for special occasions and evening wear.
Conclusion
The main difference between corduroy and velvet is that corduroy is a strong, durable fabric with lengthwise cords or ridges while velvet is a soft, closely woven fabric that has a thick short pile on one side. Velvet appears dressier and more luxurious than corduroy.
Reference:
1. “What Is Velvet? A Guide to the Different Types of Velvet – 2021.” MasterClass, 8 Nov. 2020, Available here.
2. “All About Corduroy.” Threads Magazine, 12 Nov. 2018, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Corduroy fabric” By ArielGlenn – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “526622” (CC0) via Pxhere
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