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Aloba

What is Aloba?

Aloba is a soft knitted fabric with a suede-like surface. The fabric has a short, brushed or velvety surface that gives it a smooth hand feel and a slightly matte appearance. Because Aloba is usually made from polyester, it is lightweight, flexible and relatively easy to care for.

Aloba is often used as a textile alternative to suede or velvet-look fabrics. It is popular for costumes, decorative clothing, hobby projects and soft interior applications. The fabric has a pleasant drape, but is generally less structured than woven upholstery fabrics.

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Specifications

  • Construction Knitted fabric with a short brushed or velvety surface
  • Composition Usually 100% polyester
  • Fabric weight Within the Nooteboom Textiles range, we mainly see Alova around 175 g/m².
  • Stretch Slight to moderate stretch due to knitted construction
  • Abbreviations PES = polyester
  • Appearance Soft, suede-like, matte to lightly glossy, velvety surface

What are the properties of Alova?

Alova combines a knitted base with a finely brushed surface that creates its characteristic suede-like appearance. The short nap can reflect light differently depending on its direction, causing subtle variations in colour and sheen. Polyester contributes to dimensional stability and relatively easy maintenance, while the knitted construction gives the fabric a soft drape. The surface can be sensitive to high temperatures and excessive pressure, which may flatten the nap during processing or garment care.

What does Alova feel like?

Alova has a soft, smooth and velvety feel, with a fine nap that becomes noticeable when running your hand across the surface. The fabric drapes relatively smoothly and generally feels less rigid than many woven upholstery fabrics. Depending on the direction of the nap, the surface may feel slightly smoother or more resistant to the touch.

Applications

  • Trousers: Alova can be used for relaxed trousers and decorative garments with a suede-like appearance.
  • Skirts: its soft texture is suitable for casual and decorative skirts with a velvety surface.
  • Dresses: Alova can be used for costume dresses and softly draped designs where surface texture is an important feature.
  • Jackets: suitable qualities can be used for lightweight decorative jackets and costume clothing.
  • Bags and Accessories: Alova is suitable for soft accessories, bag details and decorative finishes when appropriate reinforcement is used.
  • Cushions: its velvety appearance makes Alova suitable for decorative cushion covers exposed to limited mechanical wear.
  • Upholstery: Alova may be used for light decorative upholstery, but its suitability for intensive furniture use requires specific testing.
  • Costumes and Theatre Clothing: the soft surface is suitable for fancy dress, stage costumes and decorative garment details.

Wash Instructions

  • Washing Temperature: wash Alova preferably at 30°C using a gentle cycle, unless the care label specifies otherwise.
  • Drying Advice: allow the fabric to air dry and avoid high temperatures that could damage the short nap.
  • Ironing Instructions: iron only when necessary at a low temperature from the reverse side, avoiding direct pressure on the velvety surface.
  • Dry Cleaning: only when permitted by the care label of the specific fabric quality.
  • Special Considerations: wash the fabric inside out where appropriate and avoid excessive friction to help preserve its surface texture.

Other Information

  • Certifications: selected Alova articles from Nooteboom Textiles are certified according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Product Class I.
  • Sustainability Aspects: polyester is a synthetic fibre, and its environmental impact depends on raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, product durability and maintenance.
  • Shrinkage and Prewashing: test dimensional stability before production, particularly when creating fitted garments or precisely measured components.
  • Width: selected Alova qualities from Nooteboom Textiles have a fabric width of 150 cm.
  • Surface: the fabric has a predominantly matte, velvety texture with a directional nap that can create subtle differences in colour appearance.
  • Colours and Designs: the assortment includes plain colours such as black, beige, dark brown, grey, green and brighter shades such as fuchsia.
  • Seasonal Suitability: Alova can be used for decorative projects throughout the year and for clothing collections requiring a soft, suede-like appearance.

What is the difference between Alova and Suede?

Alova and suede have a similar soft, matte appearance, but their materials and construction are different. Suede is a type of leather with a finely textured surface, while Alova is a synthetic textile with a knitted base. As a result, Alova generally has a softer, more flexible structure and different properties regarding moisture absorption, abrasion resistance and maintenance. The cutting, sewing and finishing techniques also differ from those used for genuine suede.

What is the difference between Alova and Velvet?

Alova and velvet both have soft, velvety surfaces, but they differ in construction and appearance. Traditional velvet is a pile fabric with short, upright fibres, while Alova has a knitted base with a finely brushed surface. Velvet can have a more pronounced sheen and a richer pile structure, whereas Alova generally has a more matte, suede-like appearance. Differences in drape and abrasion resistance depend on the specific fabric quality.

Why is the nap direction important when working with Alova?

The fine nap of Alova can reflect light and colour differently depending on the direction in which the surface fibres lie. If pattern pieces are cut in different directions, sections of the same garment may appear lighter or darker. This effect is particularly noticeable on large plain-coloured surfaces and darker shades. Keeping all pattern pieces aligned in the same nap direction helps achieve a consistent appearance.

Practical Tip

Pay attention to the direction of the surface when cutting Alova. Pattern pieces should be placed in the same direction to avoid visible shade differences in the finished product.

FAQ

Is Alova suitable for furniture upholstery?
Alova can be used for decorative upholstery, but it is not automatically suitable for furniture exposed to intensive use. Abrasion resistance, seam strength, pilling and maintenance performance are important considerations for upholstered seating. Check the relevant test results before using the fabric for demanding upholstery applications.
Can Alova be embroidered?
Alova can be embroidered, but its soft surface requires careful handling. A suitable stabiliser may be necessary to prevent the fabric from puckering around the embroidered design. For detailed embroidery, a temporary water-soluble topping can help prevent stitches from sinking into the nap.
Does Alova develop pilling or surface wear?
Alova may show surface changes after repeated friction, including pilling, abrasion or local flattening of the nap. The likelihood depends on yarn quality, surface finishing and the mechanical stress during use. For accessories and upholstery, abrasion performance should be assessed before production.
Is Alova suitable for fitted garments?
Alova can be used for fitted garments when the pattern provides sufficient ease of movement. The selected Alova qualities from Nooteboom Textiles are classified as non-stretch, despite their knitted construction. It is therefore important not to assume that the fabric offers enough elasticity for close-fitting clothing.
How can you prevent pressure marks when sewing Alova?
Alova's short nap can become flattened by excessive pressing pressure or high temperatures. Use gentle pressure, a suitable pressing surface and test the temperature on a fabric offcut. Leaving clips or heavy objects on the fabric for extended periods may also create visible marks.

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Written by

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

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