Fabric Glossary: Terms Starting with V

Valeneciennes Lace

Is a bobbin lace with a mesh ground originating in Valenciennes, France. It is renowned for its delicate floral and scroll motifs, which are commonly used for trims and edging.

Vegetable Fibers

A term used to identify natural fibers taken from vegetable plants for the production of textiles. Some examples are abaca, coir, cotton, flax/linen, hemp - including sunn and manila, henequin, istle, jute, kapok, kenaf, pineapple, ramie, sisal, straw.

Velour

A knitted fabric designed to resemble velvet, but it differs in construction. Its pile is created by knitting loops that are then cut to mimic the soft, plush texture of velvet. Velour is available in various finishes, including crushed versions that add a textured, luxurious appearance. It is typically made from synthetic fibers, often blended with cotton for added comfort and durability.

Velvet

Is made with a pile that is cut to give velvet its distinctive smooth look and soft hand. Traditionally velvet was made from silk fibers, however today silk velvet is rare. Usually, velvet can be found made from rayon and blended synthetic fibers. Velvet can also be treated with different techniques like burning out (devore), embossing, hammered, crushed, as well as water and crush resistance.

Velveteen

Has a smooth soft short pile and is closer to the corduroy family rather than the velvet family due to the way it is constructed. Usually made from cotton fibers which give the fabric stiffness. When comparing velveteen to velvet, velveteen has a short dense pile which gives it a matte appearance and does not drape well. Whereas velvet has a longer pile which gives it a sheen and has softer hand which gives it drape.

Venise Lace, Point de Venise

Is a Venetian needle lace that is known for its floral scrolling type pattern with additional floral motifs worked in relief. It has dramatic weight and can be an all over lace as well as edging lace. Point de Venise became a desirable popular lace pattern by the mid 17th century which followed the earlier popular Reticella needle lace. Today machine made Venise lace can be found made from nylon and polyester.

Vicuna / Vicuña

Is a fine, soft, warm wool made from the natural fiber of the hair of the vicuna which is closely related to the llama and believed to be the wild ancestor of the domesticated alpaca. Vicuna fiber is very scarce since the vicuna can only be shorn every three years. Vicunas live in the wild in the alpine areas of the Andes.

Vinyl

A synthetic textile made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Vinyl is waterproof, durable, and easy to clean. Uses include automotive, home furnishings, and as a general outdoor fabric.

Virgin Wool

New wool fibers that have never been used or recycled before.

Viscose

Also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose, typically derived from natural sources like wood pulp or agricultural byproducts.

Vision Board

In the fashion industry a vision board is a useful tool like the mood board to motivate and achieve goals. It can be used as a tool to help communicate motivations, company goals, target market, mission statement, corporate culture, and business plan. By using quotes, words, images, and other elements to showcase and inspire the company team to strategically focus their efforts of making the company vision a reality.

Viyella

Originally a brand name in 1893, Viyella is a shrink resistant twill weave made of 55% merino wool and 45% cotton used for blouses, shirts, and dresses.

Voile

Is a soft, lightweight, sheer fabric which can be made from silk, cotton, wool, polyester, and synthetics.