Velvet vs. Plush — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 5, 2023
Velvet is a closely woven fabric with a short, dense pile, giving it a distinctive soft feel. Plush refers to a fabric or material with a longer pile and a soft luxurious feel.
Difference Between Velvet and Plush
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Key Differences
Velvet is a type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it a smooth feel. This textile is historically made from silk, making it quite luxurious. Plush, on the other hand, is a fabric with a longer pile, which gives it a soft and luxurious feel, similar to velvet but typically thicker and fuller, often used for soft toys, upholstery, and other applications where a soft, thick fabric is desirable.
While velvet has been a symbol of nobility and luxury due to its complex production process and material costs, plush is often used in a wider range of everyday items, such as stuffed animals or comfy throws, due to its cozy, cushiony properties. Despite both fabrics being prized for their softness, velvet is more associated with elegance and richness, whereas plush is synonymous with comfort and warmth.
Velvet is often used in clothing and upholstery, favored for its soft feel and elegant appearance. Plush materials are favored for their comfort and are commonly found in casual or comfort-focused products like teddy bears or warm winter blankets. Velvet typically has a shorter pile and a smoother surface, while plush is recognized for its longer, fluffier pile.
Both velvet and plush are used in fashion and home décor, but the context in which they are used can vary greatly. Velvet is more likely to be seen in formal wear or luxury interiors, while plush is more commonly associated with comfort objects and is widely used in children's toys and casual wear. The production of velvet is often more expensive and labor-intensive than that of plush, which is typically made from synthetic fibers.
Comparison Chart
Pile Length
Short and dense
Longer and softer
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Texture
Smooth and soft
Soft and fluffy
Common Use
Fashion, upholstery
Toys, casual wear, comfort items
Historical Association
Luxury, nobility
Comfort, warmth
Material Cost
Historically higher due to silk
Often lower, made with synthetic materials
Compare with Definitions
Velvet
Velvet is a silky fabric with a short, dense pile.
Her velvet gown shimmered under the ballroom lights.
Plush
Plush is a soft fabric with a long nap, used for upholstery.
The baby's plush toy was soft and cuddly.
Velvet
Velvet refers to a smooth, soft fabric of woven tufted construction.
The new sofa was covered in the finest blue velvet.
Plush
Plush refers to something richly luxurious and comfortable.
The hotel room was furnished with plush carpets and drapes.
Velvet
Velvet is a type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it a distinctive soft feel. By extension, the word velvety means "smooth like velvet".
Plush
Plush can describe a texture that is thick and soft.
Her jumper was as plush as a cloud against my skin.
Velvet
A closely woven fabric of silk, cotton, or nylon, that has a thick short pile on one side
An armchair covered in velvet
Red velvet curtains
Plush
Plush often indicates a substantial, comforting presence.
The plush armchair was her favorite spot to read.
Velvet
A soft fabric having a smooth, dense pile and a plain underside.
Plush
Plush is used to describe something resembling plush fabric in texture.
The plush green lawn felt wonderful beneath bare feet.
Velvet
Something suggesting the smooth surface of velvet.
Plush
Plush (from French peluche) is a textile having a cut nap or pile the same as fustian or velvet. Its softness of feel gave rise to the adjective "plush" to describe something soft or luxurious, which was extended to describe luxury accommodation, or something rich and full.Originally the pile of plush consisted of mohair or worsted yarn, but now silk by itself or with a cotton backing is used for plush, the distinction from velvet being found in the longer and less dense pile of plush.
Velvet
Smoothness; softness.
Plush
A rich fabric of silk, cotton, wool, or a combination of these, with a long, soft nap
Plush upholstery
Velvet
The soft, furry covering on the developing antlers of deer.
Plush
Richly luxurious and expensive
A plush Mayfair flat
Velvet
The winnings of a gambler.
Plush
A fabric of silk, rayon, cotton, or other material, having a thick deep pile.
Velvet
A profit or gain beyond what is expected or due.
Plush
Made of or covered with plush.
Velvet
New England See milkshake.
Plush
Luxurious.
Velvet
A closely woven fabric (originally of silk, now also of cotton or man-made fibres) with a thick short pile on one side.
Plush
(UK) Very extravagant.
Velvet
Very fine fur, including the skin and fur on a deer's antlers.
Plush
(UK) Very expensive, or appearing expensive; opulent, luxurious.
They lived in a plush apartment complex.
Velvet
A female chinchilla; a sow.
Plush
Having a soft, fluffy exterior.
This plush toy is so cute and soft - I want it!
Velvet
The drug dextromethorphan.
Plush
A textile fabric with a nap or shag on one side, longer and softer than the nap of velvet.
Velvet
Money acquired by gambling.
Plush
A plush toy.
Velvet
To cover with velvet or with a covering of a similar texture.
Plush
A textile fabric with a nap or shag on one side, longer and softer than the nap of velvet.
Velvet
(cooking) To coat raw meat in starch, then in oil, preparatory to frying.
Plush
A fabric with a nap that is longer and softer than velvet
Velvet
To remove the velvet from a deer's antlers.
Plush
Characterized by extravagance and profusion;
A lavish buffet
A lucullan feast
Velvet
To soften; to mitigate.
Velvet
(of a cat's claws) to retract.
Velvet
Made of velvet.
Velvet
Soft and delicate, like velvet; velvety.
Velvet
(politics) peaceful, carried out without violence; especially as pertaining to the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia.
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.
Velvet
The soft and highly vascular deciduous skin which envelops and nourishes the antlers of deer during their rapid growth.
Velvet
Something likened to velvet{1} in being soft or luxurious; as, a lawn of velvet.
Velvet
Made of velvet; soft and delicate, like velvet; velvety.
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
Velvet is a term for something resembling velvet in softness or texture.
The cake had a velvet crumb that melted in the mouth.
Velvet
Velvet can also describe the smooth skin of some animals or fruits.
The deer's antlers are still in velvet.
Velvet
Velvet in historical context signifies nobility or aristocracy.
He donned a velvet cape that spoke of old-world royalty.
Common Curiosities
What is plush fabric commonly used for?
Plush is commonly used for soft toys, comfort items, and sometimes clothing.
Is plush the same as velvet?
No, plush has a longer pile than velvet, making it thicker and softer.
Can velvet be used for toys?
Yes, velvet can be used for toys, but it is less common than plush.
Are velvet and plush both warm?
Yes, both fabrics are warm, but plush typically has a thicker pile, providing more warmth.
Can plush be used for formal attire?
It's uncommon, as plush is generally more casual and associated with comfort.
Is velvet considered more luxurious than plush?
Historically, yes, velvet has been considered more luxurious due to its association with nobility.
Which is more child-friendly, velvet or plush?
Plush is generally more child-friendly due to its softness and durability.
Do velvet and plush come in various colors?
Yes, both fabrics are available in a wide range of colors.
What is velvet made of?
Velvet is traditionally made from silk but can also be made from cotton, linen, wool, or synthetic fibers.
Is cleaning velvet different from cleaning plush?
Yes, velvet often requires more careful cleaning due to its delicate fibers.
Is velvet used in upholstery more expensive than plush?
Typically, yes, because velvet upholstery often requires more intricate production.
Can both velvet and plush be made from synthetic materials?
Yes, both can be made from synthetic fibers like polyester.
Can plush be luxurious?
Yes, higher-end plush can be luxurious, especially when made with high-quality fibers.
Are there any special care instructions for plush?
Yes, plush items should be washed gently and may require air drying to maintain their softness.
Is velvet suitable for summer clothing?
It can be, especially when made from lighter materials like cotton.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
