I'm a sewer and know my fabrics; this isn't velvet, and if it were, you'd have to dry clean it. However, it is a very nice plush velour, very washable, reasonably durable for a knit fabric, and well made after inspecting the seams and elastic. It looks great on my husband's chair, and if it lasts more than a year of daily use, I'll consider it to be very durable. I like it so much that I just ordered another cover in Zinfadel Red for our love seat. We have a thin red leather love seat that won't withstand the onslaught of kids, cats, and dogs, and I despise the unsightly protective cover I have to keep on it. Something lovely that will cover the entire thing is far preferable. I can keep the heavy cover on underneath to protect myself from sharp claws while also looking nice. Win/Win