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Samples of many of the Bella Dura fabric colors and designed, organized by color.

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What’s Hot For Performance Fabrics In 2021?

After a year like 2020, the way we see and use design trends has changed. Once cultivated through travel, cultural experiences, markets and other means that required actually leaving our homes, in the midst of a global pandemic, design trends feel simpler, more rooted in our need to find a haven from the chaos and fear of the world.

“The pandemic has influenced a new outdoor living experience that is defined by warm, cozy and visually appealing spaces that are also functional,” says Greg Voorhis, executive design director, Sunbrella. “Homeowners are taking time to recognize how their indoor style preferences can be reflected outdoors, and vice versa. We are learning to explore the hues and motifs to which we are naturally drawn through new colors, patterns and textures that provide a comfortable and well-designed home environment indoors and out.”

With that in mind, we take a look at some of the major trends influencing performance fabric design for 2021.

Color Cues

Warm neutrals, from brown to warmer grays, as well as white and beige shades, reflect a need for calm and simplicity.

“Everything’s warming up,” says Sarah Keelen, design director, Swavelle/Bella Dura Home. “We’re getting calls for camel and lighter browns. I think gray is still important, but now it’s more half and half with orders of browns and grays, whereas it was all gray before.”

Netural blue fabric with stripes
Neutrals and blues—like these from Sunbrella—are big this year.

Another color trend tied to the longing for serenity and wellness? Blues. While always a go-to for the outdoor room, blue is becoming even more versatile with shades like denim, chambray, indigo and turquoise coming into favor.

“Blue families are important,” says Haynes King, product manager, Outdura. “We are getting a great response to a deeper navy color family that we are calling Starry Night.

Other shades to watch out for include nature-inspired greens—think the colors of a vibrant meadow—as well as earthy, orange-infused reds like persimmon.

Pattern Play

With everyone living vicariously through Instagram and other social media channels during the pandemic, eye-catching patterns have grown in prominence.

“How things photograph is becoming more important because you’re seeing everything online,” says Keelan. “In the digital world, people are gravitating to patterns that contrast because they read better online—so we’re selling more black and white.”

black floral patterned fabric
Patterns in black and white—like these from Bella Dura Home—have Insta-worthy appeal.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, less eye-popping patterns like subtle stripes or patterns built with slight color variances are also hot. And menswear-inspired looks showed up in several showrooms, such as Para Tempotest, at the ITA Showtime Market in November.

Tempting Texture

The marriage of pattern and texture though the use of novelty yarns and weaving techniques continues to grow in popularity for outdoor spaces.

“In terms of texture, patterns that reflect dimension through intricate weaving processes and bouclé yarns will continue to gain popularity as homeowners look to add depth to their spaces,” says Voorhis.

And textures that offer the same softness and style of indoor fabrics are also in high demand.

“Dry, natural looking textures like a linen slubby look is big,” says Keelen. “And people are still really responding to a soft hand and things that drape well.”

Tan color textured fabric
Natural linen textures, like this one from Outdura, have become popular.

COVID Clean

One of the biggest trends in home textiles right now is making performance fabrics in higher demand than ever—bleach-cleanability. With fears of the spread of coronavirus, the ability to sanitize performance fabrics without damage or color fade has become a major selling point.

“That’s all people are asking about,” says Keelen. “It seems more important than the abrasion, the bleach-cleanability.”

And that cleanability is important in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

“Obviously outdoor fabrics need to be cleanable as they are exposed to the elements, but a more casual lifestyle means we are more likely to need to clean indoor fabrics as well,” says King. “Children, pets and frankly, maximizing use because of more folks staying home, bleach-cleanable performance fabrics are more practical and worry-free.”