Velour terry towelling: a velvety-soft pile

Terry products are divided into four types, three of which are woven. One of these is velour terry towelling, which is particularly soft and fluffy on one side. “Velour” comes from the French word meaning “velvet” – because the special manufacturing process used for velour terry towelling creates a velvety effect on one side of the fabric.

Production: the loops are cut open

Terry products are characterised by loops on both sides of the fabric. Unlike terry cloth, these loops are created through the elaborate manufacturing process rather than by the yarn itself. In velour terry towelling, the loops on one side are cut open after weaving – or sheared – creating the beautiful pile and giving the fabric an especially soft surface. On the other side, the typical loops of walk terry towelling remain intact. Terry velour is usually made from pure cotton and is therefore not particularly elastic, but pleasantly substantial to the touch.

Properties of velour terry towelling

Thanks to its two different fabric sides, velour terry towelling is especially soft and fluffy. The longer the pile, the softer the textiles made from it will be. However, this also means that velour terry towelling is somewhat less durable than the firmer twisted terry towelling often used in hotels or spas.

Since the cut loops absorb less liquid than closed loops, the textile is sheared on one side only. This means that products made from velour terry towelling are still absorbent. Owing to its larger surface area, velour terry towelling also retains heat particularly well.

Caring for terry products

Terry towelling is quite easy to care for, provided a few basic principles are followed. To ensure terry products are absorbent and retain their shape, they should always be washed before first use. For coloured velour terry products, a mild detergent at 60°C is suitable; for white terry products, a biological detergent – even at higher temperatures – is better suited. The care instructions on the item itself should always be followed.

Terry towelling becomes and remains especially fluffy when dried in a tumble dryer. This allows the loops and the velvety pile of the velour terry towelling to lift again properly. If the terry product develops pulled threads, these can simply be cut off. Thanks to the special weave, the fabric will not unravel.

Good to know

Velour terry towelling is, for example, very well suited to bathrobes. It is also often used for soft and fluffy beach towels.