Selecting a suitable fabric for outdoor applications ensures its performance in challenging environments. Various materials offer unique characteristics that cater to outdoor use. While many may have similar properties, not all are well-suited for specific purposes.
From rugged, weather-resistant synthetics to fabrics treated for outdoor resilience, understanding the types of performance fabrics and their characteristics helps you choose the ideal material for your client’s outdoor applications.
Performance fabrics need to outlast exposure to weather, sunshine and repeated use. Two crucial properties define the durability of outdoor upholstery — abrasion and tear resistance. These characteristics help ensure the longevity of performance fabrics and their resistance to pilling, fading and staining.
In the upholstery business, we define durability for outdoor or performance fabrics with the “double rub or abrasion test.” This testing method often uses the Wyzenbeek Abrasion Test. It shows you how well a fabric withstands surface abrasion by simulating the type of wear the fabric will endure regularly. During testing, the fabric is stretched over a wire mesh screen, and a specialized machine passes a testing pad back and forth over the fabric’s surface using a mechanical arm.
| Rating | Number of Double Rubs | Fabric Usage |
| Heavy Duty | 15,000 or more | Suitable for high-traffic, outdoor areas and homes with pets. |
| Medium Duty | 9,000 – 15,000 | A versatile fabric, best for reception areas or living rooms. |
| Light Duty | 3,000 – 9,000 | Better for occasional furniture and indoor use. |
| Delicate Duty | Less than 3,000 | Best for decorative, indoor uses. Not for use in upholstery or outdoor use. |
There is more to performance fabrics than tear and abrasion resistance. Other essential characteristics that help to determine how durable different materials are for outdoor applications include:
Waterproof fabric prevents water penetration. This material forms a barrier to repel water, even when exposed to heavy rainfall. It can be coated with specialized membranes or finishes, or it can be tightly woven to give the fabric this characteristic. Where complete protection from water is paramount, like in tents and awning fabric, be sure to select waterproof fabrics.
Water-resistant fabrics only repel water to a certain extent. Moisture can still seep through the material during heavy rainfall. This fabric can be treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish or coating and is often used as an outdoor upholstery fabric or for furniture covers.
From weather-resistant fabrics like vinyl to sturdy materials like canvas, various types of performance fabrics for outdoor applications exist. The spectrum of choices include:
True performance fabrics have inherent yarn qualities that define their performance classification. They do not need additional finishing or coating to ensure their longevity and are made from synthetic threads or fibers with inherent cleanability, durability and stain-resistant qualities.
While there is no perfect performance fabric, the various options to choose from each serve their purposes. For example, polyolefin is well suited to outdoor cushions and pillows, while vinyl-coated polyester mesh works well with outdoor furniture like lounge chairs. If you are looking for the most versatile performance fabric, polypropylene is one of the best fabrics for outdoor applications.
Despite the rugged capabilities of performance fabric, proper care prolongs the material’s life span. While each type has its own cleaning requirements, regular maintenance is essential. Vacuum the fabric as needed, and blot spills with a clean sponge as soon as they happen. Use a mild soap and water solution to rinse the fabric, and allow it to air dry. Avoid using hard-bristle brushes and machine washing and drying, as these may be too harsh for the material to withstand.
Choosing the ideal type of fabric for outdoor use hinges on understanding the options available. The key characteristic to look for in performance fabric is the ability to withstand physical stress and environmental conditions. While each type of outdoor material fabric features a degree of endurance, it is important to find one that suits your specific application.
Swavelle Group has over 33 years of experience working with contractors to produce excellent quality performance fabrics for commercial spaces. SG can create custom fabrics for your project, and we offer a wide selection of in-house designs. Contact Swavelle Group today to find the right performance fabric for your application.
