Chenille vs Velvet vs Corduroy: What Is the Difference?
By the JOTEX Fabrics product team · Updated
Short answer
All three are soft pile fabrics, made in different ways. Velvet has a short, dense, even cut pile woven into the cloth, for a smooth surface and rich sheen. Chenille gets its softness from a fuzzy yarn, so it is plush and textured. Corduroy's pile forms raised ribs called wales. For hard-wearing seating, a tightly woven polyester velvet usually wears best.
The three fabrics side by side
| Velvet | Chenille | Corduroy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where the softness comes from | A dense cut pile woven into the cloth | A fuzzy chenille yarn with short tufts | A cut pile formed into raised ribs |
| Surface | Smooth and even | Plush, slightly irregular | Ribbed |
| Sheen | Rich; changes with light | Soft sheen | Low, more matte |
| Snag risk | Low: no loops | Medium: tufts can pull | Low to medium |
| Shows pile direction | Yes, strongly | Somewhat | Yes, along the ribs |
| Typical fibres | Polyester, cotton, viscose, silk | Polyester, cotton, acrylic blends | Cotton, polyester |
| Best known for | Sofas, curtains, headboards | Cosy sofas and throws | Casual sofas, cushions and clothing |
Velvet
Velvet is woven with an extra set of yarns that form a short, dense pile, which is then cut so the fibre ends stand upright. The result is a smooth, even surface that absorbs light and shows deep, rich colour. A tightly woven polyester velvet has no loops for claws to catch and is one of the more hard-wearing upholstery fabrics.
In the JOTEX range, VELVET and CINEMA are polyester velvets rated at 20,000 Martindale rubs, and the YarnGuard PURIFY and REPEL upholstery velvets are rated at 40,000. See What Is Velvet Fabric? for more.
Chenille
Chenille, French for caterpillar, is named after its yarn: short tufts of fibre are held between twisted core yarns, making a fuzzy strand. Woven into cloth, that yarn gives a plush, cosy, slightly textured surface with a soft sheen. Because the softness sits in the yarn rather than a sheared pile, chenille can pull or snag if the tufts catch, and looser chenilles can shed or wear bald in high-use spots.
Chenilles vary widely in durability, so the rub count matters. In the JOTEX range, TEKUSU SHINZU is a polyester-nylon upholstery chenille rated at 25,000 rubs, while SCOTT is a polyester-cotton chenille made for curtains.
Corduroy
Corduroy has its pile arranged in parallel ribs, called wales. Extra yarns are woven in and then cut to raise the ribs. The number of ribs per inch sets the look: fine pinwale corduroy has many narrow ribs, while wide or jumbo wale has a few bold ones, which is what most corduroy sofas use.
Corduroy is traditionally cotton, and upholstery corduroys are often polyester or blends. It is soft and hard-wearing, but the tops of the ribs take the wear first and can flatten on seat fronts and arms. JOTEX does not currently list a corduroy; for a similar soft, textured look, consider a velvet or chenille above, or a textured weave from the sofa fabric guide.
Which should you choose?
| Use | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Family sofa, pets | Tightly woven polyester velvet | No loops or tufts to catch; high rub counts available |
| Cosy sofa, adults only | Chenille or velvet | Chenille is the plushest; check the rub count |
| Relaxed, retro look | Corduroy or chenille | Ribs and texture suit casual rooms |
| Curtains | Velvet | Drapes in heavy, rich folds and cuts light and noise |
| Cushions and headboards | Any of the three | Low wear, so choose on look and feel |
Whichever you choose, check the Martindale rub count: around 15,000 to 25,000 rubs for everyday home seating and 25,000 or more for a family sofa.
Pile direction
All three fabrics look lighter or darker depending on the direction of the pile, velvet most of all. Cut every panel with the pile running the same way. On upholstery, run it down on backs and arms and towards the front edge on seats, so the surface smooths as people slide off.
In Malaysia's climate
- Polyester versions of all three cope best with humidity and sun; cotton corduroy and cotton chenille absorb moisture and fade faster.
- Dense piles feel warm to sit on. In an air-conditioned room that is pleasant; in an open-air area, a flatter weave is cooler.
- Vacuum pile fabrics regularly with a soft brush, following the direction of the pile, so dust does not settle into them.
Caring for pile fabrics
- Vacuum weekly with a soft upholstery brush in the direction of the pile.
- Blot spills straight away; never rub, which flattens and distorts the pile.
- Lift crushed pile with a steamer held just off the surface, then brush gently.
- Do not cut pulled chenille tufts; ease them back from the reverse.
- Follow the care label; many pile fabrics need professional cleaning. See How to Wash Curtains.
JOTEX velvets
Polyester velvets for curtains and upholstery, updated from the catalogue. See the velvet fabric page.
JOTEX chenilles
Chenilles for curtains and upholstery. Check each collection's usage and rub count before choosing one for seating.
- SHINZUTEKUSU · 96% POLYESTER, 4% NYLON · 23 colourways
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between chenille and velvet?
Velvet has a short, dense, even cut pile woven into the cloth, giving a smooth surface and rich sheen. Chenille gets its softness from a fuzzy yarn, so it is plusher and more textured but can snag more easily.
Which is more durable, chenille or velvet?
A tightly woven polyester velvet is usually more durable, because it has no tufts to pull. Durability varies a lot within both, so compare Martindale rub counts.
Is corduroy good for a sofa?
Yes, it is soft and hard-wearing, especially in polyester or blends. The tops of the ribs take the wear first, so seat fronts and arms can flatten over time.
Which is best with cats and dogs?
A tightly woven polyester velvet, because it has no loops or tufts for claws to catch. Chenille and loose textures are more likely to snag.
What does wale mean in corduroy?
Wales are the raised ribs of corduroy. The wale count is the number of ribs per inch: a high count means fine ribs, a low count means wide, bold ones.
Does chenille pill?
Some chenilles pill or shed, especially looser qualities in high-wear areas. Tighter, better-bound chenilles with a higher rub count resist it better.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing. Contact the JOTEX team to request samples or open a dealer account.