The short answer: bouclé (say “boo-clay”) is a fabric made from yarn with small loops and curls, which gives it a soft, nubby, pebbled surface. The word is French for “curled” or “looped”. On sofas, it is known for a cozy, sculptural look, most often in cream and white. Teddy and sherpa are different fabrics with a similar fluffy appearance.
Bouclé, teddy and sherpa at a glance
| Fabric | How it is made | Texture | On a sofa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bouclé | Woven or knitted from looped yarn; originally wool, now often polyester blends | Tight curls and loops; nubby, pebbled | The classic choice; firm, textured surface |
| Teddy | A pile fabric, usually polyester, with a short curly pile | Fluffy and soft, like a teddy bear | Softer and fuzzier than bouclé; casual look |
| Sherpa | A polyester fleece made to look like sheepskin | Deep, woolly pile with a smooth knit back | Warm and plush; more common on throws and accent chairs |
What is bouclé made of?
Traditionally wool, sometimes with mohair. Most upholstery bouclé today is polyester or a blend of polyester with acrylic, wool or cotton, which costs less and resists wear and stains better. The loops are formed by twisting two or more strands together at different tensions, so that one strand buckles into curls.
Why is bouclé so popular?
It has a long design history. Bouclé became famous in fashion through tailored suits, and in furniture through mid-century pieces such as Eero Saarinen’s Womb Chair of 1948, which was upholstered in it. Its texture adds interest to simple, rounded shapes, which is why it is used so often on curved and cloud-style sofas.
Is bouclé good for a sofa?
Yes, with some limits. The texture hides creases, small marks and lint well, and a tightly looped bouclé is hard-wearing. Performance bouclé is made to resist stains. The loops are its weak point: claws, buckles and rough jewelry can catch and pull them.
What are the disadvantages of bouclé?
- Snags. Loops can be pulled. Push a pulled loop back through with a needle or trim it; don’t tug.
- Crumbs and dust. The texture holds them, so regular vacuuming matters.
- Light colors. Cream and white bouclé shows spills and dye transfer from dark jeans.
- Cats. Looped fabric is tempting to scratch.
Bouclé vs sherpa: what is the difference?
Bouclé is a looped-yarn fabric with a tight, bumpy surface. Sherpa is a fleece with a longer, woolly pile that imitates sheepskin. Bouclé looks tailored and holds its shape on upholstery; sherpa is softer and warmer but flattens more quickly where people sit.
Is teddy fabric the same as bouclé?
No, though shops often use the names loosely. Teddy fabric is a pile fabric with a fluffy, fleecy surface, while bouclé is made of looped yarn. Teddy feels softer; bouclé feels firmer and more textured.
How do you clean a bouclé sofa?
- Vacuum weekly with a soft brush attachment on low suction.
- Blot spills at once with a clean white cloth. Don’t rub: rubbing roughens the loops.
- Spot-clean according to the cleaning code on the listing, using as little liquid as possible.
- Let it air dry and fluff the texture with your fingers.
See upholstery cleaning codes and how to get stains out of a couch.
More to explore:
- Browse bouclé and teddy sofas.
- See what chenille is for a fuzzier alternative.
- Compare everything in types of couch material.
Frequently asked questions
What is bouclé made of?
Traditionally wool, sometimes with mohair. Most upholstery bouclé today is polyester or a blend of polyester with acrylic, wool or cotton.
Is bouclé good for a sofa?
Yes, with some limits. The texture hides creases, small marks and lint well, and a tightly looped bouclé is hard-wearing, though claws, buckles and rough jewelry can catch and pull the loops.
What are the disadvantages of bouclé?
Loops can snag and need to be pushed back through or trimmed, the texture holds crumbs and dust, light colors show spills and dye transfer, and the loops can tempt cats to scratch.
Is teddy fabric the same as bouclé?
No. Teddy fabric is a pile fabric with a fluffy, fleecy surface, while bouclé is made of looped yarn and feels firmer and more textured.
What is the difference between bouclé and sherpa?
Bouclé is a looped-yarn fabric with a tight, bumpy surface that holds its shape on upholstery. Sherpa is a fleece with a longer, woolly pile that imitates sheepskin and flattens more quickly where people sit.
How do you clean a bouclé sofa?
Vacuum weekly with a soft brush attachment, blot spills at once without rubbing, spot-clean using the cleaning code on the listing, then let it air dry and fluff the texture with your fingers.