Materials and Textures: A Short Upholstery Glossary
Velvet, boucle, polyester, natural fibers: a clear buyer-friendly glossary of common upholstery terms used in catalogs.
Catalog labels often mix raw material, construction, and marketing language. Always verify terminology in the actual technical specification for the selected fabric code.
Velvet / velour in commercial language
In upholstery sales, velvet usually means a soft pile with directional sheen. Durability and cleaning behavior depend on fiber type and finish chemistry, not the marketing term alone.
Boucle
Boucle uses looped or nubby texture for a warm premium look. It can need different cleaning habits than flat fabrics because dust and pet hair behave differently in a looped surface.
Polyester and other synthetics
Modern synthetic fibers can deliver strong color stability, controlled stain response, and dimensional consistency. High performance does not contradict premium positioning in current upholstery ranges.
Natural fibers
Cotton, linen, wool, and blends can offer strong comfort and visual depth, but they often require stricter care discipline and careful matching to expected use conditions.