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Learning how to choose the best fabric for outdoor cushions can be tricky because there's a lot to know. So before you buy new cushions for your rocking chairs or throw pillows that coordinate with your patio aesthetic, brushing up on your outdoor fabric knowledge is a good idea.
This means a little legwork on your end now, but the down-the-road results are worth it. To streamline the process, we've done the research for you and organized everything you need to know in this easy-to-follow fabric guide.
Why Is the Fabric So Important?
Regarding outdoor cushions and pillows, fabric is a quick, inexpensive, and easy way to add style and enhance the overall comfort in a room. And with so many colors, textures, and patterns available, you can create any aesthetic that suits you.
Understanding Outdoor Cushion Fabrics
18" Outdoor Throw Pillow and 16" Outdoor Throw Pillow in Safari Pistachio and Outdoor Lumbar Pillow in Wild Game
Weather Resistance
Outdoor cushion fabrics are designed to resist fading caused by the sun's UV rays, mold and mildew from overexposure to rain and humidity, and the fluctuating temperatures that come with the changing seasons.
Durability & Strength
Woven fabrics are the primary medium for outdoor pillows and cushions.
- Woven fabric is made by interlacing two sets of yarn on a loom.
- Weave structures and yarn types influence fabric durability in different ways. The strength of the yarn affects a textile's tensile strength, while the weave impacts stiffness and tearing strength.
- Plain, basket, twill, and jacquard are the most common weave patterns for performance fabric.
Stain Resistance
Patio cushions must repel liquids, animal droppings, and tree sap, so manufacturers rely on stain-resistant materials such as vinyl, PVC-coated polyester, cotton, and solution-dyed acrylic.
Comfort & Aesthetics
Welting & Cording
These two terms refer to the long thin cords sewn into seams around the edges of pillows, cushions, and upholstered furniture. Both add decorative touches and increase durability, but the difference is that welting is wrapped in fabric, and cording is bare. Welt cording is typically made from polyethylene, vinyl, or cotton.
Dyed & Printed Fabrics
Here are the main differences between dyed and printed fabrics:
Performance Fabric Options
You have a wide selection of natural and synthetic textiles to choose from. Here is a list of the most popular performance fabric options:
Solution-Dyed Acrylics
Example: Sunbrella®
To create this synthetic material, dye is blended into a liquid acrylic solution, threads are formed and cured, then spun into yarn. Solution-dyed acrylic is mold and mildew-resistant, soft, and easy to clean. This fabric is often used in patio umbrellas, cushions, and awnings.
Acrylic-Coated Polyester
Example: Top Gun®
This fabric is spun first and then dyed. Due to its stiffness and resistance to wrinkling and fading, acrylic-coated polyester is mostly used to make boat and car covers, outdoor curtains, and umbrella canopies.
Printed Acrylic or Polyester
Example: Ambesonne
Schemes are screen-printed onto blank polyester or acrylic fabrics using UV-resistant dyes. A water-resistant coating is applied over the print to protect it from the elements. A printed acrylic or polyester fabric is a great choice for attention-grabbing accessories such as throw pillows, curtains, tablecloths, and area rugs.
Vinyl-Coated Synthetic Fiber Mesh
Example: Phifertex® Outdoor Furniture Fabrics
This durable, open-weave mesh is more widely known as "sling fabric." It's made by coating polyester fibers with liquid vinyl, resulting in a soft, flexible, and durable fabric ideal for outdoor use. Cushions, upholstery, tarps, and tote bags are everyday items made from sling fabric.
Olefin
Example: Revolution Fabrics
Olefin is made from a blend of ethylene and propylene fibers. Because of its high stain and UV resistance, olefin is ideal for cushion covers and fillers.
Duck Cloth
Example: Mybecca
Also known as "canvas," this heavy-duty fabric is most often woven from cotton and linen or, less commonly, from synthetic materials. Duck cloth is used in upholstery, tents, workwear, and boat sails.
Cotton
Example: James Thompson & Co., Inc.
Cotton is a natural, plant-based material that's been in use for centuries. It's affordable and soft but susceptible to mildew and mold if it's not sprayed with a fabric protectant.
Maintenance & Cleaning Requirements
Performance fabrics are designed to be low maintenance, but not all materials can be cleaned in the same way. Regularly brushing off dirt and debris and spot cleaning with soapy water and a cloth are safe methods across the board, and some fabrics can even be tossed in the washing machine.*
Machine Washable**
- Vinyl-coated synthetic fiber mesh
- Olefin
- Printed acrylic or polyester
- Acrylic-coated polyester
Not Machine Washable
- Solution-dyed acrylics
- Duck cloth
- Cotton
*NOTE: Only put removable fabric covers in the wachine machine. We suggest reading the manufacturer's care instructions to see their recommended cleaning methods.
**NOTE: Even though a fabric is machine washable, it’s not a good idea to put them in the dryer. Let fabrics air-dry after laundering.
What Is the Best Color for Outdoor Cushions?
The best cushion color depends entirely on your outdoor space style, but make sure to choose a durable fabric that’s easy keep clean and will maintain its vibrancy. To jumpstart your creativity, here are our favorite performance fabric and outdoor furniture color combinations:
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