Velvet is a type of fabric that has a dense, short pile and a highly decorative appearance. It can be made from various types of fibers such as silk, cotton or synthetic materials like rayon or polyester. The term velour comes from the French word "velours" which means "velvet" in English. Velour is often used to describe a type of fabric that has a plush and soft texture similar to velvet but with a shorter pile, making it more affordable than traditional velvet.