Velvet is a woven fabric made of silk, nylon, acetate or rayon with a thick, soft pile of cut or uncut loops. A similar fabric, velveteen, is made the same way but from cotton.
For best results, velvet should be dry cleaned. But to freshen the pile and remove creases, steam can be used on the wrong side of the fabric. A hand steamer works well as does holding the garment over a pot of boiling water. In both cases, never allow the garment to become wet. For very light wrinkles, hanging the garment in a steamy bathroom may do the trick.
Never iron velvet. Ironing will crush the fibers and leave a near-permanent imprint.
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