Burnout Velvet
Burnout Velvet
Velvet with a pattern created by chemically dissolving away pile in certain areas, leaving a sheer-and-velvet design.
What Is Burnout Velvet?
Burnout velvet -- also called devore velvet (from the French devorer, meaning "to devour") -- is a fabric where parts of the velvet pile have been chemically removed to create a pattern. The process uses an acid or chemical paste applied to specific areas of a blended-fibre velvet. The chemical dissolves one fibre type (usually rayon) while leaving the other (silk or polyester base mesh) intact, producing a fabric that alternates between opaque, plush velvet sections and semi-sheer, mesh-like areas.
In lingerie, burnout velvet delivers a striking reveal-and-conceal effect. The velvet sections provide opacity and rich texture, while the sheer burned-out areas offer glimpses of skin. This dual texture makes burnout velvet robes, kimonos, and bodysuits particularly captivating -- the pattern plays with light and shadow against the body in a way that solid fabrics cannot achieve. It is a popular choice for special-occasion intimates and makes an impressive gift.
Quality burnout velvet has clean edges between the velvet and sheer sections with no fuzzy residue where the pile was removed. The sheer areas should be smooth and even, not patchy. Run your hand over the velvet portions -- they should feel dense and plush, not thin or scratchy. The fabric should drape fluidly, as stiff burnout velvet tends to look cheap and flat.
Sinderella features burnout velvet in select robes and special-occasion pieces where the interplay of plush and sheer textures creates maximum visual drama.
How to Wear & Style
A burnout velvet robe over a solid-colour slip or bra set makes a dramatic bedroom entrance. For outerwear, a burnout velvet kimono layered over a camisole and jeans adds instant glamour. Deep colours (burgundy, emerald, midnight blue) show the pattern best because the sheer-to-velvet contrast is strongest. Avoid ironing directly on the velvet side -- if wrinkles form, steam from the back side or hang in a steamy bathroom.
Explore Burnout Velvet Styles
Luxurious velvet with sheer pattern reveals for special-occasion lingerie and robes.
Explore All CollectionsFrequently Asked Questions
What is burnout velvet?
Velvet with a pattern created by chemically dissolving away pile in certain areas, leaving a sheer-and-velvet design.
How is the burnout pattern created in velvet?
The fabric starts as a blend of two different fibres -- typically rayon pile on a silk or polyester base. A chemical paste (usually sodium bisulphate) is printed in the desired pattern onto the velvet. When heat is applied, the chemical dissolves only the rayon pile in those areas, leaving the base mesh exposed while the untreated areas retain their plush velvet texture.
Can I machine wash burnout velvet lingerie?
Hand washing in cold water is safest. The sheer areas are delicate and can snag or tear in a machine drum. If you must machine wash, turn the garment inside out and use a mesh bag on the gentlest cycle. Never wring burnout velvet -- press water out gently with a towel and hang to dry away from direct heat.