Velvet vs. Flannel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Texture
Soft, plush, and smooth with a short dense pile.
Soft, warm, and slightly napped or brushed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Common Use
Evening wear, upholstery, drapes.
Casual clothing, bedding, winter wear.
Weave
Special construction to create pile effect.
Usually plain or twill, brushed for softness.
Material
Can be made of silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
Typically made of cotton, wool, or a blend.
Occasion
Suited for elegant and sophisticated occasions.
Preferred for everyday and informal wear.
Velvet and Flannel Definitions
Velvet
Known for its dense, plush pile.
The velvet upholstery feels incredibly smooth.
ADVERTISEMENT
Flannel
Typically made from cotton, wool, or a blend.
She loves her cotton flannel sheets during winter.
Velvet
Can be made from silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
The silk velvet has a particularly luminous sheen.
Flannel
Ideal for casual clothing and bedding.
Flannel pajamas are a must-have for cold nights.
Velvet
A luxurious fabric with a smooth, soft texture.
The velvet gown she wore looked regal.
Flannel
Known for its comfort and warmth.
Nothing beats the warmth and comfort of a flannel blanket.
Velvet
A soft fabric having a smooth, dense pile and a plain underside.
Flannel
Often used for everyday and informal wear.
A flannel shirt is a versatile piece in casual wear.
Velvet
Something suggesting the smooth surface of velvet.
Flannel
A warm, soft fabric with a napped surface.
The flannel shirt kept him warm in the chilly weather.
Velvet
Smoothness; softness.
Flannel
A soft woven cloth of wool or a blend of wool and cotton or synthetics.
Velvet
The soft, furry covering on the developing antlers of deer.
Flannel
Outer clothing, especially pants, made of this cloth.
Velvet
The winnings of a gambler.
Flannel
Underclothing made of this cloth.
Velvet
A profit or gain beyond what is expected or due.
Flannel
Flannelette.
Velvet
New England See milkshake.
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.
Velvet
A closely woven fabric (originally of silk, now also of cotton or man-made fibres) with a thick short pile on one side.
Flannel
A washcloth.
Velvet
Very fine fur, including the skin and fur on a deer's antlers.
Flannel
A flannel shirt.
Velvet
A female chinchilla; a sow.
Flannel
Soothing, plausible untruth or half-truth; claptrap.
Don't talk flannel!
Velvet
The drug dextromethorphan.
Flannel
Made of flannel.
Velvet
Money acquired by gambling.
Flannel
(transitive) To rub with a flannel.
Velvet
To cover with velvet or with a covering of a similar texture.
Flannel
(transitive) To wrap in flannel.
Velvet
(cooking) To coat raw meat in starch, then in oil, preparatory to frying.
Flannel
(transitive) To flatter; to suck up to.
Velvet
To remove the velvet from a deer's antlers.
Flannel
To waffle or prevaricate.
Velvet
To soften; to mitigate.
Flannel
A soft, nappy, woolen cloth, of loose texture.
Velvet
(of a cat's claws) to retract.
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.
Velvet
Made of velvet.
Flannel
Garments made of flannel, especially underwear.
Velvet
Soft and delicate, like velvet; velvety.
Flannel
A washcloth.
Velvet
(politics) peaceful, carried out without violence; especially as pertaining to the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia.
Flannel
Humbug; nonsensical or evasive talk.
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.
Flannel
Insincere flattery or praise.
Velvet
The soft and highly vascular deciduous skin which envelops and nourishes the antlers of deer during their rapid growth.
Flannel
A soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing
Velvet
Something likened to velvet{1} in being soft or luxurious; as, a lawn of velvet.
Flannel
Bath linen consisting of a piece of cloth used to wash the face and body
Velvet
Made of velvet; soft and delicate, like velvet; velvety.
Flannel
(usually in the plural) trousers
Velvet
To pain velvet.
Velvet
To make like, or cover with, velvet.
Velvet
A silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
Velvet
Smooth and soft to sight or hearing or touch or taste
Velvet
Resembling velvet in having a smooth soft surface
Velvet
Often used for evening wear and drapes.
He chose a velvet curtain for its elegant appearance.
Velvet
Synonymous with luxury and sophistication.
The velvet touch of the fabric is synonymous with opulence.
FAQs
Is flannel always plaid?
No, flannel refers to the fabric, not the plaid pattern commonly associated with it.
Is flannel suitable for summer?
Typically, flannel is more suitable for colder climates due to its warmth.
Can velvet be used for casual wear?
While typically seen as luxurious, some velvet types can be used for casual wear.
Is velvet heavy?
Velvet can vary in weight depending on the fibers used and the weave.
Is velvet always made from silk?
No, velvet can be made from silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
Can velvet be stretched?
Some velvets have stretch, especially those made with synthetic fibers and a knit backing.
Does velvet have a pile?
Yes, velvet is characterized by its short, dense pile.
Can flannel be used for formal wear?
Flannel is generally more casual but can be used for certain formal wear like suits.
Can flannel be made of synthetic fibers?
Yes, flannel can be made of synthetic fibers, cotton, wool, or a blend.
Can velvet be washed in a machine?
Velvet requires careful cleaning, and many types are dry-clean only.
Is flannel breathable?
Flannel’s breathability can vary, but it’s generally less breathable than lighter fabrics due to its dense weave.
Is flannel woven or knitted?
Flannel is a woven fabric.
Is velvet suitable for upholstery?
Yes, velvet is a popular choice for upholstery due to its luxurious texture.
Is velvet vegan?
Velvet can be vegan if made from synthetic or plant-based fibers like cotton, but silk velvet is not vegan.
Can flannel shrink?
Yes, flannel, especially cotton flannel, can shrink if not properly cared for.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
