Luxurious, lustrous velvet. Say the word and the essence of the fabric will reveal something of its nature to you instantly. Vel-vet. Soft and alluring like a whisper, smooth and sumptuous. Velvet simply has that mood of having all the trimmings. No wonder we see more and more people eager to wear it, especially as the festive season draws near. Not least because of its warm and cozy feel that gives you a sense of calm and confidence. When done right, this comfortable, luxuriant fabric will make you look like a billion bucks.

Velvet has long been associated with royalty and is still sometimes unfairly associated with very traditional luxury, delicateness, and almost unaffordable prices. In reality, the material has become much more durable, allowing it to be used in many new and previously unexplored ways. All the more reason, then, to take a deep dive into this fascinating fabric. We’ll explore velvet’s rich history, how it’s made, and touch on its forms, including some options for your upcoming occasions – digging into what to wear on which festive night and how to style it. Do you go classic or bold?

As said, historically velvet was associated with European nobility. However, it is believed to have originated from Eastern culture. There is evidence as early as 2000 B.C. that the ancient Egyptians had pile weaves woven from silk and linen, employing a technique similar to that used today in velvet manufacture. Other samples of the same technique were found in China dating back as far as 400 BC.

Seduced by the soft qualities of velvet, Europeans introduced it into trade along the ancient trade route Silk Road, linking China with the West. Italy was the first European country to establish a velvet industry for itself and subsequently dominated supply of the fabric to Europe between the 12th and 18th centuries. Applications included high-end clothing, furniture, and curtains, but still it remained largely for the rich and wealthy.

Later, when velvet production became mechanized during the industrial revolution, the fabric so deeply associated with nobility became cheaper and more widely available. There was a boom in the 1920s, following wartime economic recovery, solidifying the material as decadent and stylish – a symbol for partying and excess. There was a resurgence again from the 1960s when velvet became a favorite among celebrities, making it a highly-coveted symbol of non-conformity. The ‘glamazons’ of the 70s continued the legacy, adorning velvet flares, floating kimonos and long dresses to Studio 54 (and everywhere else), associating the fabric forever with disco and bohemia.

Backtrack a couple of years from today and you’ll find the internet was awash with the news velvet was back on the agenda. Catwalks were blasted with tailored suits, gothic gowns, intricate embroidered jackets – the list goes on – and as of today, we could safely say that the luscious fabric stands out as a clear favorite.

The term ‘velvet’ describes the structure of the fabric, not the fiber, like wool or cotton. Woven, not knitted (that’s velour), velvet is created on special looms that weave two layers of fabric closely together at once, face to face. The two pieces are then carefully cut apart to create velvet’s signature short pile – the raised loops and tufts of yarn that are perfectly distributed to give the fabric its luxurious density, distinctive feel, and subtle sheen. Traditionally velvet was made from silk thread, enhancing its trademark luster. Today it is crafted from a variety of different fibers each resulting in a slightly different texture, drape, sheen, thickness, and price.

Although there’s plenty to borrow into, the principles regarding the fabric for your tuxedo or dinner jacket are simple. It should be dark and rich with elegant drape, and play with the reflection of light. With traditional black tie, there is an assumption of absence of color, and so the most cotton fabric is black, or midnight blue.

Indeed, velvet appears to be an intelligent choice as its appeal lies in its versatility too: you could wear it with a black roll neck and gabardine trousers, for example, and look elegant without necessarily being black tie. As many love the idea of black tie being the most refined sartorial dress – choosing a cotton velvet in a classic color or a stretch tartan might be a little unusual. Yet if you want to express yourself, it will prove to be a powerful, revealing choice.

In light of the impending stack of gilt-edged invitations that the festive season brings, with its dress codes to adhere to or flout, we offer a number of options for special occasions. All highly durable, soft and luxurious with a rich finish, slight sheen and drape. Because velvet is non-slippery it is wonderful for jackets and suits, especially for the fall and winter seasons as it is a heavier fabric than most. We offer two different qualities to choose from: cotton velvet and stretch cotton velvet.

Our pure cotton velvets are carefully sourced from an Italian mill founded in 1920 by a family that has run it for four generations, creating its coveted line of fabrics by combining passion, competence and tradition for the past century. These velvets offer excellent drape as they are slightly thicker, firmer and heavier than most, with a more stable woven base. Available in a range of dark, classic hues, they are beloved for their deep luster and undertones that change with the light, giving the jackets an almost iridescent sheen and an inviting depth that begs to be touched.

How far you will take your exploration into velvet will depend on your taste. For those who only want to dip their toe beyond the norms of tradition, we have this classic black option. Customized with a satin shawl collar, one button, and a gauntlet cuff with four kissing buttons, this clean look is perfect for black tie and cocktail parties alike. For the latter, a mix of the super formal with the super casual can be reached when pairing it with jeans. But make sure that both are black and both are cut slim to keep a sharp silhouette.

If you’re willing to blur the lines of black tie a little further, we have some timeless hues available. With a jacket in dark green you can make a statement without coming across as too gaudy. Here, a notch lapel will be more casual than a peak lapel. A white dress shirt underneath will add sophistication, and it can become seriously sharp and elegant when wearing a black turtleneck underneath. Black plain velvet toe loafers made from the same velvet as the jackets will complete your look. We love this as an option as the fabric gives the loafers a bit of stretch, making them more comfortable than a patent shoe.

For those who prefer to really make a statement, we have a selection of bolder velvets in a range of pop colors and patterns. These have 2% elastane added, giving the fabric the ability to stretch a little enhancing comfortability and mobility. We source this quality from a highly-esteemed Italian mill that has been synonymous with the finest, most luxurious velvet available for over 130 years. Having set itself apart through its top-to-bottom approach , the historic mill’s craftsmen and women bring an eye for detail and uncompromising quality to every aspect of the production from washing and dyeing to weaving and finishing. An in-house laboratory allows the recipe and creation of exclusive colors and guarantees control of the quality and reproducibility of each.

This season we have introduced a number of striking colors like dark purple and steel blue. If you are heading to a very formal event, customize it with a single button, a black satin peak lapel and a gauntlet cuff with four kissing buttons. Pair it with classic tuxedo trousers, but complement your jacket’s devil-may-care sense of fun with black plain toe loafers from pure cotton velvet.

For the gents who love to play with pattern, we also offer a tartan. Pairing with something this bold, we like to have the rest understated: a white tuxedo shirt, black pants in a luxurious black wool- mohair fabric and a bow tie. We recommend a black velvet bow tie or perhaps midnight blue – the bigger, the better.

Resurfacing from our deep dive into velvet, we’re even more confident that it is something every man deserves in his wardrobe. As you are getting ready for a special occasion, the answer to the question of whether classic or bold is entirely up to you. On a festive evening, everything flows into each other: people, conversations, clothing, space, intoxication, music. It’s an occasion to feel free to express yourself, something that was clear from our own festive dinner this year. Artist Adam Markovic explored the edges of etiquette with a velvet jacket in midnight blue, pro-hockey player Joe Blandisi was unafraid to make a statement in eggplant. It seems throughout history strong personalities have been drawn to this expressive attire, some ready to embrace it more than others. A particular style icon comes to mind. He was and still is an extraordinary example of personal style, and not just in clothing alone but in so much more. Self-assured, playful and bold as he could be, he declared that a man deserved to be dressed in velvet because he had earned it and because it looked incredible.

You might have guessed it: his name was Prince. Damn did he look good draped in velvet.