Burnout Velvet vs. Flocked Fabric: What's the Real Difference?

When shopping for luxurious textiles or planning your next interior or fashion project, you may encounter two visually similar yet fundamentally different fabrics: burnout velvet and flocked fabric. While both are known for their elegant textures and eye-catching patterns, they are created using distinct methods and offer different characteristics in terms of feel, durability, and use. This article breaks down the differences between burnout velvet and flocked fabric to help you make a more informed decision when choosing between the two.

1. What Is Burnout Velvet?
Burnout velvet, also known as devoré velvet, is a type of fabric that uses a chemical process to create semi-transparent patterns. It’s typically made from a blended material, where one fiber (usually cellulose-based, like rayon or cotton) is burned away using an acid gel, leaving the other fiber (often polyester or silk) intact.

This selective removal results in a sheer pattern over a solid velvet base. The outcome is a rich, tactile contrast between plush velvet and see-through mesh, often used in high-end fashion garments, eveningwear, and statement decor pieces like drapes and cushion covers.

Key Characteristics of Burnout Velvet Fabric:
Made by chemical etching rather than added fibers.
Has a sheer base with velvet patterning.
Typically lightweight to midweight.
Offers a soft, drapey feel with visual depth.
Ideal for fashion, curtains, and scarves.

2. What Is Flocked Fabric?
Flocked fabric, on the other hand, is created through a mechanical or electrostatic process in which short fibers (called flock) are applied to a surface coated with adhesive. The fibers adhere to the glue and stand upright, forming a raised pattern or texture on the base fabric.

This technique can be used on various backings, including paper, plastic, and fabric. Flocked fabrics are often used in upholstery, wall coverings, automotive interiors, and some fashion applications. Unlike burnout velvet, flocked fabric doesn’t have a sheer element — the pattern sits on a solid, often opaque base.

Key Characteristics of Flocked Fabric:
Created by gluing fibers onto a base material.
Fully opaque with a velvet-like texture.
Tends to be more structured or heavier.
Durable and resistant to wear.
Common in furnishings, packaging, and display design.

3. Appearance and Texture
Although both fabrics share a similar velvet-like surface, their construction leads to different visual and tactile results.

Burnout velvet has varying transparency, giving it a more ethereal or romantic quality. Its designs often look delicate and intricate.

Flocked fabric has a more bold and defined appearance, with uniform, raised motifs that feel soft and fuzzy to the touch.

If you’re aiming for a dramatic, semi-sheer look, burnout velvet is the better choice. If you need durable, patterned texture on a fully opaque material, flocked fabric wins.

4. Durability and Care
In terms of wear and maintenance, flocked fabric is usually more durable because of its adhesive-based construction. It’s designed to hold up well under pressure and abrasion, which is why it’s popular in upholstery and automotive applications.

Burnout velvet, being more delicate due to its chemical etching and semi-sheer sections, requires gentle handling. It’s best suited for items that don’t experience frequent wear and tear.

Care Tips:
Burnout Velvet: Hand wash or dry clean only; avoid high heat and friction.

Flocked Fabric: Spot clean or gently vacuum; some may be machine washable depending on the base fabric.

5. Applications and Usage
Here’s a quick comparison of where each fabric excels:

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between burnout velvet and flocked fabric depends entirely on your project’s purpose.

Opt for burnout velvet if you're seeking elegance, subtle transparency, and lightweight drape. It’s perfect for evening gowns, decorative scarves, or sheer curtains that play with light and texture.

Choose flocked fabric if you prioritize structure, durability, and bold visual texture. It works well in upholstery, signage, and high-touch environments where strength matters.

While they may look similar at first glance, the difference lies in how they’re made and where they shine best. Understanding the unique qualities of each fabric allows you to harness their strengths and bring your design ideas to life with confidence.