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A vamp is the forepart making up the front area of a piece of footwear, sometimes extending back to the rear quarters (sides) as in a wingtip-type shoe. The vamp usually extends over the toe and may be as small as a piece of rubber on sandals. It can be decorated on any shoe to create a certain style.
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Vaporwick® is an advanced finish applied to fabric that aids in transporting moisture away from the body during aerobic activities. Vaporwick® causes moisture to be distributed on the fabric surface, thereby increasing the speed at which moisture will evaporate. Vaporwick® is often used to produce athletic or activity-oriented clothing and apparel.
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Velcro® is a type of fastener made by Velcro Industries that can be separated and reconnected; namely, hook-and-loop type fasteners. Velcro® originated from an idea by a Swiss inventor who noticed the burrs that stuck to his wool pants and his dog. Seen under a microscope, they have tiny hooks that latch onto fibers and his dog’s fur. Velcro® gets stronger with vibration, and is not affected by temperature or moisture. Velcro® is used in apparel, footwear and multiple other ways and industries.
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Velour is a plush fabric comparable to cotton velvet but with a denser pile. Velour is very soft and pleasing to touch. It is also stretchable and is often worn by dancers because of its ease of movement and ability to keep the wearer warm. Velour often comes in bright colors.
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Velvet is a soft fabric such as silk, rayon or nylon that has a smooth, dense pile that is brushed for a plush feel with a plain underside. Velvet often comes in darker colors that appear to have a depth to them, and changes colors slightly in different lighting conditions.
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Venetian weave in cotton and wool is a modified satin weave that has been lightly milled and cropped to reveal a fine, steep twill. Stronger and heavier than regular sateen, Venetian fabric is tightly woven and is often used in men’s and women’s dress pants and suits.
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A vent is a vertical or horizontal slit in a garment such as a man’s suit jacket or tropical shirt, often from the hem upward. With shirts, vents can be back or front horizontal openings to increase cooling. Vents can also be found in outdoor gear such as coats and snow sport pants to ventilate perspiration.
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A ventless suit jacket has no vents, or slits. Ventless suits do not have either a single vent in the back of the suit jacket, which was originally tailored to allow a man to more easily ride a horse, or two side vents along the hips, originally tailored to allow a man to place his hands in his pockets without bunching the jacket material.
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Veritherm™ are hollow-core polyester fibers used in clothing that insulate and draw moisture away from the skin, used primarily in base-layer clothing. Frequently referred to as moisture-wicking clothing, Veritherm™ is often used for athletic activities to keep the participant comfortable while training or performing strenuous activities.
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A Vicuña is a wild, llama-like animal found in the high, remote areas of the Andes. Prized for its wool, which is lighter and warmer than any other, Vicuña cannot be domesticated and have become endangered as a result of poachers. Vicuña have a life span of twelve years and stand only about three feet high.
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Virgin wool is wool taken from the first clipping or shearing of a lamb. Virgin wool is the softest and finest wool a lamb will ever produce, as the wool becomes gradually coarser as the sheep ages. Wool taken from an adult sheep will not be as high quality as virgin wool.
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Rayon, or “artificial silk,” created using the viscose process in which a solution of cellulose (wood pulp or cotton) is treated with chemicals and passed through nozzles or spinnerets to form filaments. Viscose is known for its softness to the hand and durability of the cloth.
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Viyella® is a fine material blended of 45% long staple cotton and 55% merino wool, offering the wearer luxury and practicality in their clothing. Viyella® is produced solely by William Hollins & Company Ltd., a company famed for superb British textile craftsmanship since 1784.
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In rubber boots, construction in which pliable rubber is permanently cured into a boot by heat setting in a high temperature oven. Can also be found in certain canvas (CVO) athletic shoes in which the rubber outsole is permanently attached to the upper.
