How to Care for Your Velour Garments

Velour tracksuits and garments are the epitome of Y2K luxury—soft, glamorous, and undeniably nostalgic. But this distinctive fabric requires specific care to maintain its plush texture and vibrant colour. Whether you've just invested in your first velour tracksuit or you're looking to revive a vintage piece, this comprehensive care guide will help you keep your velour looking fabulous for years to come.

Understanding Velour Fabric

Before diving into care instructions, it helps to understand what makes velour unique. Velour is a knitted fabric with a distinctive pile (the soft, raised surface) that gives it its characteristic luxurious feel. Most modern velour garments are made from cotton, polyester, or a blend of both fibres.

Cotton Velour vs. Polyester Velour

• Cotton velour: Softer, more breathable, but more prone to shrinking and fading. Requires gentler care.
• Polyester velour: More durable, colour-fast, and resistant to shrinking. Easier to care for but can develop static.
• Cotton-poly blends: Combine the benefits of both, offering softness with improved durability. The most common option today.

Washing Your Velour: Step-by-Step

Proper washing is the most critical aspect of velour care. Follow these steps to clean your velour garments without damaging the delicate pile.

Preparation

1. Turn garments inside out – This protects the pile from friction and snagging during the wash cycle
2. Close all zippers and fastenings – Open zippers can catch and damage the velour fibres
3. Check pockets – Remove any items that could cause damage or staining
4. Treat stains pre-wash – Gently dab (never rub) stains with a mild stain remover before washing

Machine Washing

• Water temperature: Always use cold water (30°C or below). Hot water can shrink cotton velour and damage the pile structure.
• Cycle setting: Use the delicate or gentle cycle to minimise agitation
• Detergent: Choose a mild, liquid detergent. Avoid powder detergents as they can leave residue in the pile
• Quantity: Use less detergent than you normally would—velour doesn't need much
• Load size: Wash velour items with similar soft fabrics, never with rough materials like denim or items with metal embellishments

Hand Washing (Recommended for Delicate Pieces)

For vintage velour or particularly delicate items, hand washing is the safest option:

1. Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent
2. Submerge the garment (turned inside out) and gently swish it through the water
3. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes maximum
4. Drain and refill with clean cool water to rinse
5. Gently press water out—never wring or twist velour

Drying Velour: The Critical Step

How you dry your velour is just as important as how you wash it. Improper drying is the leading cause of velour damage.

Air Drying (Best Method)

1. Remove excess water – Gently press the garment between clean towels to absorb moisture. Never wring.
2. Reshape while damp – Smooth out the garment to its original shape before drying
3. Lay flat to dry – Place on a clean, dry towel or drying rack. Hanging velour while wet can stretch it out of shape.
4. Keep away from direct sunlight – Sun can fade colours, especially in cotton velour
5. Flip occasionally – Turn the garment over partway through drying for even results

Tumble Drying (Use with Caution)

If you must use a dryer, follow these precautions:

• Use the lowest heat setting only (or air-dry/no-heat option)
• Remove while still slightly damp to prevent heat damage
• Add a couple of clean tennis balls to help restore pile fluffiness
• Never use dryer sheets—they coat the fibres and flatten the pile

Restoring Crushed or Flattened Pile

Over time, velour pile can become crushed or flattened, especially in high-friction areas. Here's how to revive it:

Steam Method

1. Hold a steamer 15-20cm away from the garment (inside out)
2. Apply steam in sweeping motions, never letting the steamer touch the fabric
3. While still warm and slightly damp, use a soft-bristled brush to gently lift the pile
4. Brush in one direction, following the natural grain of the fabric
5. Allow to air dry completely before wearing or storing

Dryer Refresh Method

For quick pile restoration:

1. Lightly mist the crushed areas with water
2. Place in dryer on air-dry/no-heat setting with clean tennis balls
3. Run for 10-15 minutes
4. Remove immediately and shake out

Storage Best Practices

Proper storage is essential for maintaining velour's luxurious texture between wears:

Short-Term Storage

• Hang loosely – Use padded hangers to prevent shoulder bumps. Velour hoodies and jackets do well hanging.
• Fold carefully – For pants and heavier items, fold loosely and store flat. Don't stack too many items on top.
• Allow breathing room – Don't cram velour into packed wardrobes. The fabric needs space.

Long-Term Storage

• Clean first – Always wash before long-term storage. Body oils and invisible stains can set over time.
• Use breathable containers – Cotton storage bags or acid-free boxes are ideal. Avoid plastic, which traps moisture.
• Add protection – Cedar blocks or lavender sachets deter moths. Never use mothballs directly on velour.
• Store flat or rolled – For extended storage, rolling velour garments loosely prevents permanent creasing.

Dealing with Common Issues

Static Buildup

Polyester velour is prone to static, especially in dry conditions. Combat this by lightly misting with water before wearing, using a humidifier in your space, or running the garment through the dryer with a damp cloth for 5 minutes (no heat).

Pilling

While less common in velour than other fabrics, pilling can occur. Use a fabric shaver on the lowest setting, working gently and in one direction. Never use a razor blade, which can damage the pile permanently.

Colour Fading

Wash with colour-safe detergent, turn garments inside out, use cold water, and avoid direct sunlight when drying or storing. Consider washing new velour separately for the first few washes.

Looking for quality velour pieces to add to your Y2K wardrobe? Check out our curated selection of velour tracksuits and tops.