August 23, 2026, 7:31 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Everyone knows it, and it’s become indispensable in the interior world: the teddy plush trend, which has been persistently holding its ground in the scene for several years. Whether it’s the sofa in the living room, the chair cover, or the new throw on the bed–the fabric is everywhere. Yet, few know where the cuddly fabric actually comes from and why it’s not entirely harmless. myHOMEBOOK has delved into this and reports on the origin, production, and downsides of the trend.
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What Exactly is Teddy Plush?
Technically speaking, plush is a textile fabric with an upright or wavy fiber pile. Similar to velvet, which is made with a much higher but less dense pile. This structure gives it the typical fur-like appearance and soft surface reminiscent of a teddy bear’s fur, which is where the fabric gets its name.
For context: In the interior and fashion context, teddy plush is often mentioned alongside bouclé. However, these are two different materials that look and feel similar but are very different in production. Bouclé is created by weaving, shows a visible loop structure, and thus appears more elegant and flatter. In contrast, teddy plush has cut fibers, giving it a much fluffier, softer look. To distinguish between the two, a simple rule of thumb can be used: If loops are visible, it’s bouclé–if the fabric looks more tousled, it’s teddy plush.
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From Mohair Bear to Mass Material
The history of the fabric goes back over a century. The first teddy plush was, unsurprisingly, in a teddy bear. In 1902, Richard Steiff, the nephew of the company’s founder Margarete Steiff, designed the world’s first toy bear. He called it “Bear 55 PB.” The bear was 55 centimeters tall; the P stood for plush and the B for movable.
The material he used for the bear was mohair fur. Mohair is the wool of the Angora goat and is particularly appealing due to its soft, shiny, and durable character. However, it was also expensive and labor-intensive to process.
Not only the appearance of the bear but also its material has changed several times since then. Due to the scarcity of mohair during the two world wars, manufacturers opted for alternative substitute materials like cellulose-based materials. From the 1950s onwards, the focus was primarily on production from synthetic fibers like Dralon.
Today, teddy plush, whether in stuffed animals or on sofas, is mostly made of polyester or particularly soft polyacrylic yarn, sometimes mixed with cotton.
Where Does the Teddy Bear Get Its Name?
According to Steiff, the bear owes its still-common name “Teddy” to former U.S. President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, who decided against shooting a tied-up bear during a hunting trip. However, independent museums like the German Foundation for Monument Protection admit that this exact occasion for the naming has never been conclusively confirmed despite intensive research. Ultimately, it is irrelevant how exactly it got its name. The teddy captured hearts and made the bear a worldwide bestseller.
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Why is the Teddy Plush Trend So Popular Right Now?
In our homes, teddy plush is no longer just a stuffed animal on the sofa–it is the sofa, the chair, or the cushion cover. The reason for its popularity is simple: the fabric is soft, warm, cozy, and still very durable even after frequent use. Additionally, it is a real eye-catcher in interior design. It can be combined in many ways with warm and darker color tones and provides the perfect contrast to natural materials like wood, wool, or cotton. The fluffy look is perfectly showcased without making the room feel cluttered, creating a cozy atmosphere for relaxation.
As beautiful as the fabric is, it is not water-repellent. This means that stains become visible very quickly, especially with popular colors like white or beige. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a removable, washable cover for large furniture. This way, stains can be treated specifically without having to clean the entire piece of furniture.
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The Dark Side of Teddy Plush
What would a good thing be without a downside? Even the cuddly teddy plush has a dirty secret, as it is very critical in terms of sustainability. Rough, long-pile surfaces like these or fleece fabrics release a lot of microfibers when washed. Loose fibers from production come off during washing and eventually end up in rivers and oceans through wastewater. According to a study, fleece sweaters lose an estimated 1,900 fibers per wash. The Chamber of Labor Upper Austria also explicitly emphasizes that even recycled polyester is not a real alternative here, as the microfiber problem exists regardless of its origin.
Cuddle Factor with a Question Mark
From the mohair fur of the world’s first teddy bear to the polyester sofa in the living room–teddy plush has evolved from a labor-intensive natural product to an easy-care mass material. While the cuddle factor remains the same, the question of what material it will come from in the future remains open. Some manufacturers are already experimenting with alternatives like hemp or recycled PET bottles. However, the problem with the plastic fibers that are lost during washing is not solved here either.
The trend itself is unlikely to change. The desire for a home that feels like a hug seems to have not waned even after several years of the teddy plush trend.