Velour is a fabric similar to velvet, with a thick soft nap which makes the fabric luxurious to the touch. Unlike velvet, however, velour is a knit, which changes the properties of the fabric rather dramatically. There are many uses for velour, ranging from upholstery to casual wear. Many fabric supply stores carry velour in an assortment of colors by the yard for convenience.

Because velour is a knit, it is highly stretchy. For this reason, the fabric is often chosen for workout and casual wear, since it will give easily with the movements of the wearer. Velour is typically made from cotton, which makes it plushy, easy to care for, and affordable. It may also be made from artificial materials, such as polyester, depending on the manufacturer and the intended use. Extremely elastic fibers are used by some velour manufacturers to make the fabric a uniquely stretchy and flexible knit.

In upholstery applications, velour is found on couches, car seats, and in draperies. The fabric is often used because it is more giving than velvet, and less likely to become damaged through hard wear. It is also relatively easy to care for, especially when compared with velvet. When velour is used as upholstery, it may be treated with flame-resistant compounds, or made from a flame-resistant thread, to increase safety. This is especially important with draperies.

Some consumers think of velour as a luxury fabric, since it is extremely soft to the touch and it often has a faint shimmer, since the nap fluctuates as it moves, reflecting ambient light. Others may choose to classify velour as a cheap and sometimes gaudy imitation of velvet, since it is often dyed in outrageous colors. The similarity to velvet is often exploited to make luxurious looking clothing for a low price, especially in the theater industry. In fact, the fabrics are so different from each other than these comparisons are somewhat unfair, since each has unique strengths and weaknesses.

The best way to care for velour is to wash it in cold water with like colors. In some cases, velour can be thrown in the drier on a low setting, but it other instances it should be dried flat to avoid damaging the nap. Velour furniture can be cleaned with vacuum attachments, and professionally cleaned it if becomes stained or damaged. Dry cleaning is also an option, although dry cleaning can sometimes distort the nap of the fabric, causing it to look rather peculiar and feel uncomfortable.