Here’s All You Need to Know About Outdoor Furniture Fabrics
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So you’ve finally taken all of your “Outdoor Spaces Inspo” Pinterest boards and made them real (the pool loungers are there; the outdoor kitchen is fully stocked; you’ve got some serious rug action happening). The only thing missing is properly upholstered furniture that won’t stink after the next downpour and will deliver on its promises of long-lasting durability for seasons to come. Before we hop into our top outdoor furniture fabric recommendations, however, there are some questions we’d like to answer in advance.
Is outdoor fabric the same as performance fabric?
When a fabric is deemed performance, this means it’s created especially for withstanding wear and tear in high-traffic areas of the house—where people are always touching it. But while performance fabric is washable and stain-resistant, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the right choice for your patio’s chaise longues.
This is where outdoor fabric comes in. It truly has one job: looking pretty and remaining unaffected by weather conditions. “Performance fabrics and outdoor fabrics can overlap a bit in their properties,” says Laura Sockrider of O’Hara Interiors. “Both might have a high rub count or be stain-resistant, but a performance fabric might not be able to withstand sun or water the way outdoor fabrics can.”
Other metrics to pay attention to when shopping for outdoor fabric include fade resistance, a water-repellent finish, and breathability. “This is often overlooked, but breathable fabrics dry faster and prevent mildew,” Heather Goerzen, director of content and design at the online interior design service Havenly, adds. “Make sure your fabric isn’t just waterproof but also allows some air circulation.”
How should you properly care for outdoor fabric to make it last?
Remember to store upholstered cushions inside when you’re not actively using them, hose down the fabric once in a while, and even take bleach to it for more serious stain-elimination projects. “Typically, it's a 1:4 ratio of bleach and water. Be sure to blot, never rub, the area with the solution, and repeat until the stain is gone,” suggests Lindsie Davis, principal designer at Blueberry Jones Design.
If your backyard is critter-filled, Bambi A'Lynn Bratton of Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design shares an unusual hack: “To keep squirrels and other pests away, spray cushions with bitter apple,” she says. The ingredient can be found everywhere from Amazon to Petco (it’s a taste deterrent for dogs too).
The ultimate TL;DR of all of this expert advice? Maintaining your outdoor fabric in good shape requires intentional, regular upkeep. “It's a mistake to think that outdoor fabrics don’t require any care,” says Raffaele Fabrizio, creative director and co-owner of Milan-based fabric powerhouse Dedar. “Anything left outside and exposed to the elements should be protected when not in use. Just imagine the [hood] of a vintage Mercedes after a week outside. [Just like] you put your car in the garage, you should cover the outdoor furniture.”
And now, the top 10 fabrics that will elevate your outdoor lifestyle in no time (and are about as good of a purchase as a vintage Mercedes!):
Sundial by Sunbrella
This pick earned one of the top spots on our Best Outdoor Fabrics of 2024 roundup, so of course it’s worth a mention here. It’s just as good for indoor use as outdoor use, is bleach cleanable, and is made in the U.S.A. The 62 Seaweed print is just the right mix of groovy and classy. If you're looking for something more subtle, Sunbrella has that, too. Their executive design director, Greg Voorhis, suggests the Improve Dune fabric (featuring recycled bouclé in shades that won't overwhelm): "Try it on any upholstered piece, from sectionals to chairs, to bring that luxe look from the indoors outside," he recommends.
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Serape Stripe by Perennials
Designer Liz Lambert’s Baja-meets-bohemian fabric collection, Perennials by Far West, mixes Texan and Mexican influences. The whole collection is made of 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic and ensured by a three-year, no-fade warranty. What's solution-dying good for, you ask? "The process, conducted before weaving, guarantees maximum lightfastness, so the colors remain bright over time," says Dedar's Raffaele Fabrizio.
Senja by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
This solution-dyed polyester product is charmingly free-spirited and will help upgrade your backyard into something resembling a Carlos Mota–designed beach house in Pulpos, Peru. Martyn Lawrence Bullard describes this print as “a Balinese version of the tree of life.”
Dune by Kelly Wearstler
This fabric designed by ELLE DECOR Titan Kelly Wearstler makes an effortlessly chic and subdued kind of statement. A soft, "easy on the eye" color palette in outdoor spaces is never a bad idea.
Courtside Stripe by Ralph Lauren
Part of Ralph Lauren’s Sporting Club Outdoor collection, Courtside Stripe is made of polyester and channels grass-court tennis plus Negroni vibes. The print is a clear designer favorite. “I will forever be partial to a bold cabana stripe in a striking color. It’s fresh, fun, and feels so resort-inspired, visually cueing relaxation and indulgence,” Heather Goerzen shares. “Plus, it’s a timeless choice.”
Grange by Rosemary Hallgarten
A common thread that runs through Hallgarten’s outdoor fabric designs, Grange in particular, is an elegantly muted aesthetic. “I think that so many people are looking for a more sophisticated color palette in outdoor spaces now,” the designer tells us. “It’s not just about turquoise around the pool anymore.”
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Unikko by Marimekko
The Finnish textile brand Marimekko is known for its vibrant colors and joyful patterns. That is just how we’d describe this outdoor fabric, made of recycled polyester and with floral print by designer Maija ja Kristina Isola. It also has a UV protective finish that helps keep its orange and green hues from fading.
Aragosta by Richard Smith for Jim Thompson
The lobster pattern of this outdoor fabric is fun without being too much. It is not bleach-friendly, however, so clean it with a hose only.
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Fez by Peter Dunham Textiles
This fabric delivers Moroccan charm and sophistication. Beyond the aesthetic, its Teflon finish makes it soil-resistant as well as oil-repellent.
Hi ’n Dri by Perennials
Hi ’n Dri is made of antimicrobial vegan leather, has a consistently supple feel, resists sun and stain damage, and requires a mere swipe of the washcloth to clean. “The absolute softness of it was something that we wanted to have in our collection,” says Perennials' creative director Amy Williams.
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