What characteristic distinguishes plush fabric?

Plush fabric is characterized by its soft, luxurious texture, which generally includes a nap that exceeds 1/8 inch. This deeper pile creates a rich, velvety feel that is typical of plush materials, making them particularly appealing for items such as upholstery, blankets, and stuffed animals. The nap is an essential characteristic because it contributes to both the tactile quality and visual depth of the fabric. A nap exceeding 1/8 inch is indicative of how plush and soft the fabric is, enhancing its aesthetics and comfort.

The mention of a smooth finish refers more to fabrics like satin or silk, which don't have the same dimensional height in their fibers. The option that specifies a nap exceeding 1/4 inch could be a valid description for even fluffier fabrics but does not align with the standard definition of plush. Lastly, while intricate designs can exist on plush fabrics, they are not a defining characteristic of what makes a fabric plush. Instead, the depth of the nap is the primary feature that distinguishes it from other fabric types.