Crushed velvet is a fabric made of polyester, rayon, or cotton/polyester blends and it comes in many colors, some which are very vibrant such as deep burgundy. The crushing process is a way to make the nap of the fabric reflect light differently by smashing the nap with an ironing or pressing process. This produces a nice variation in the colors of the fabric and gives the fabric a special glowing sheen. This type of velvet is used to make men's shirts and jackets and was once the most popular material used to make men's smoking jackets. A velvet smoking jacket was the perfect thing for a gentleman to wear so he could retire to his study after a hearty meal and relax with a book, a cognac, and a fine cigar.
The actors Tom Curise and Brad Pitt both wore such jackets, reminiscent of the men's styles from the 18th and 19th centuries, when they played characters in Anne Rice's "Interview With a Vampire." During the 1960's, crushed velvet was used to make men's tuxedos.
A suit from this fabric with matching pants and a big fedora hat, became the symbolic uniform of choice worn by pimps in the 60's and 70's so it has a bit of a tainted style due to that strong association. Recently though designers have been using this exclusive textile especially the black color to create fantastic jackets that are extremely elegant yet not so formal. They have an unique look that makes them really give a striking image for the wearer. One designer is offering men's tights made of stretchable velvet with codpieces as an alternative to men's boxer underwear, so designers are getting very creative how they are using this fabric.
This lady designer ensures that wearing a crushed velvet cod piece will get you noticed by the ladies in all the right places. There are also regular boxers made out of velvet and robes for lounging around the house that are extremely soft and comfortable. Due to the popularity of the "Pirates of the Carribbean" movies series, velvet pirate jackets have also found their way on most fashionable runways. The pirate's jacket is an embroidered version of the long jacket made out of crushed velvet. The same designers are offering flame shirts, animal prints, striped shirts, and stretch shirts all made from crushed velvet. In addition there is lots of use of black crushed velvet for both men and women in the goth clothing fashions.
This type of fabric makes a very dramatic statement and certainly you will be noticed when you enter the room wearing crushed velvet. Whether you want to be a gentleman in a smoking jacket, a pimp, a pirate, a vampire, a goth rocker, or just wear some of the finest and softest under garments, crushed velvet is a fabric that you can enjoy.
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