White plastic chairs. They sit for seasons upon seasons and end up warped under the Texas sun. Cushions stiffen and feel like canvas sacks, fading into washed-out stripes after just ONE summer.
That was the look of outdoor furniture for decades: serviceable, but not inspiring. But that’s all over now.
Be honest, what do you visualize when someone says “outdoor furniture fabric?!” The truth, though, is that some of the most luxurious fabrics on the market today aren’t for your living room sofa…they’re for your patio!!
The New Era for Outdoor Fabrics
Outdoor furniture wasn’t always about options. For YEARS, you only had:
- Wood
- Metal
- Or wicker frames…
And those usually went with cushions that felt like an afterthought (at best)! Fabrics were stiff, scratchy, and came in exactly two flavors…beige, or beige with stripes.
But technology has completely changed the game. It started with solution-dyed acrylics in the 1950s, which arrived quietly and began solving the fading and mildew issues…BUT the textures were still rudimentary. (I’m being kind.)
By the early 2000s, brands started investing in polyolefin and Crypton technologies, elevating durability to totally new levels.
Then, in the last decade, we’ve seen an explosion of recycled textiles, hybrid slings, and even silicone-coated fabrics that were never suited for outdoor use before.
And the market?! After that, it went wild! Outdoor entertaining and indoor-outdoor living are now treated with the same design weight as kitchen and bathroom remodels. Our clients, at least, expect luxury and variety…and certain manufacturers have stepped up.
That’s why now is the most exciting time to design outdoor furniture. The textures, colors, and feel of fabrics are EVERY bit as compelling as what you’d choose for your living room sofa…but also fit for the elements!
Solution-Dyed Acrylics
Surprisingly soft to the touch, these fabrics are woven with yarns that carry pigment all the way through. They feel breathable, not at all like plastic, and come in every imaginable shade from sophisticated neutrals to designer-level patterns and prints.
This fabric’s superpower strengths:
- Unmatched fade resistance in full sun!! (Great for those of us living around Keller, Texas…)
- Mildew and mold resistant
- Easy to clean with soap, water, or even bleach
- Breathable and comfortable for long lounging sessions
Acrylics aren’t new, but what’s new today is how they’ve evolved. The textures are more luxurious (you can even imagine bringing these inside), the weave is more refined, and the palettes are broader than ever.
High-Performance Polyolefin
Polyolefin feels smooth but substantial. Think of it as having a subtle luster. It’s got a crisp hand, but not hard or scratchy…it has the durability of a canvas, but it’s softer and sleeker.
This fabric’s superpower strengths:
- Stain resistance, even against wine and oil (hello, outdoor kitchens!!)
- Bleach-cleanable without damaging the fibers
- Resilient against abrasion and heavy use
- Water and chemical resistant
Polyolefin didn’t really enter the luxury outdoor market until the 2010s, but it’s been surging since. Now, it’s one of the most trusted fabrics for high-traffic areas both indoors AND out.
Recycled PET Performance Textiles
These fabrics are surprisingly soft, even plush! You’ll find textures that mimic cotton or wool blends. Think chic twill, only woven from recycled water bottles… (Wow.)
This fabric’s superpower strengths:
- Stylishly varied textures, from smooth to nubby
- Quick-drying and ultra breathable
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- UV and mildew resistant
Recycled PET really only broke into outdoor furniture in the late 2010s, and in the last five years it’s shown up everywhere. Going the eco route used to imply some sort of performance sacrifice…but these textiles are now among the most exciting in the industry.
Crypton Outdoor
Crypton shows off its smooth weave that can rival the best indoor upholstery. It doesn’t scream “performance” because the feel is so luxurious, making its superpower strengths even more exceptional!
This fabric’s superpower strengths:
- Advanced stain resistance (wine, ketchup, you name it)
- UV protection for outdoor use
- Mildew and moisture resistance
- Huuuge range of textures and colors
Crypton started indoors in the 1990s, and it’s where we started to rethink what “performance fabric” meant. Then, in the mid-2010s, Crypton Outdoor became a reality. Today, it’s a go-to choice for anyone who wants worry-free outdoor upholstery without giving up sophistication…
Hybrid Woven Sling Fabrics (PVC/Olefin Blends)
These fabrics look open and airy, and they have a highly-tactile woven mesh that hugs the body of the furniture. When mixed with softer yarns, the effect is surprisingly comfortable! It’s not rigid like old-school sling chairs…
This fabric’s superpower strengths:
- Especially long-lasting, even in extreme weather (hello again, Texas…)
- Excellent stretch resistance!
- Breathable and fast-drying
- Ideal for sling-style seating
Sling fabrics have been around since the ‘70s, but hybrids that mix PVC with olefin for comfort are much newer…like, they’ve shown up within the last seven years. They represent the perfect union of practicality and style, and they’ve really elevated the humble sling chair into something way more interesting!!
Performance Linen-Looks
Picture the effortless drape of indoor linen…but made for your patio! These fabrics feel casual but refined, with just enough texture to really elevate an outdoor setting.
This fabric’s superpower strengths:
- Soft hand that feels luxurious
- Natural linen look without fading
- Resistant to mildew and stains
- Wide design versatility
This is a trend of the 2020s, born from homeowners demanding more design-driven textiles outdoors. Thanks to key brands pushing new weaves, “linen outdoors” is no longer an oxymoron!
Silicone-Coated Outdoor Fabrics
To the touch, these are buttery smooth—supple yet strong! They often have a slight sheen that reads modern and fresh.
This fabric’s superpower strengths:
- Completely waterproof
- Stain-proof and highly flexible
- Remains soft and comfortable
- Resistant to fading and UV breakdown
Silicone-coated textiles are among the newest arrivals in the market, showing up just in the past five years. They’re the answer for homeowners who want the ultimate choice in softness and performance. Once experimental, now they’re hitting mainstream outdoor furniture collections.
Comparing Outdoor Fabrics
When you scan the table below, you’ll notice that the checkmarks stack up in a few specific rows. Fade resistance, moisture resistance, and durability are NOT negotiable for outdoor fabrics!!
Any textile that dares call itself “outdoor” has to hold up to relentless sun, unpredictable rain, and daily wear. These qualities are the cost of entry into the outdoor furniture textiles market, and today they’ve been perfected to the point that even the most delicate-looking fabrics deliver them.
Where your fabric choice gets personal is in the extras. For a busy lifestyle with kids and pets, stain resistance and bleach-cleanability might be the deal-makers! For the eco-conscious, recycled PET textiles elevate the outdoor experience with a sustainability story that feels and looks good too. And for those who value aesthetics above all, the softness of linen-looks or the sleekness of silicone-coated fabrics bring a new level of tactile luxury that makes outdoor living every bit as indulgent as your interiors!!
| Solution-Dyed Acrylics | High-Performance Polyolefin | Recycled PET | Crypton Outdoor | Hybrid Sling (PVC/Olefin) | Performance Linen-Looks | Silicone-Coated Fabrics | |
| Fade/UV Resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mildew/Moisture Resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stain Resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Bleach-Cleanable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Eco-Friendly | ✓ | ||||||
| Soft/Luxurious Hand | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Quick-Drying | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Extreme Durability | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Wide Range of Colors/Textures | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Outdoor living isn’t about settling anymore. With the performance fabrics available to you today, your outdoor and patio furniture can be AS stylish, comfortable, and luxurious as you want!!
Contact us to inquire about your own outdoor living plans, or keep reading to learn HOW to select the right fabrics for your window treatments!!
About the author:
Robin Burrill, RID, NCIDQ, ASID, IDS, CAPS, is an award-winning professional kitchen, bath, and interior designer. Robin and her husband, Robert Mathews, have owned Signature Home Services, Inc. for over three decades, establishing a superior in-house team with a widespread reputation for delivering meticulous design to their many repeat clients.
In 2022, the national publication, Kitchen and Bath Design News magazine, named Robin to their Top Innovator list in recognition of her achievements in the field of kitchen and bath design. In 2024, she was named one of the Fall 2024 Market Pros and “tastemakers” by ANDMORE at High Point Market. Also in 2024, Fixr identified her as one of the Top Professional Interior Designers for their nationwide audience. At the start of 2025, she then acted as one of Dallas Market’s “Style Eyes” at Lightovation and Total Home & Gift Market.
Over her extensive career, Robin has been quoted in Architectural Digest and Forbes multiple times; her design work has been featured in top national trade publications; and she has been interviewed for Designers Today magazine’s “Profiles in Design” video series, among others. Widely respected for the depth of her knowledge, Robin is a sought after speaker and judge for many design industry events.
In 2023, Robin designed a bench for Charleston Forge, making her foray into product design. Robin currently serves as a volunteer on the board of the Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of the Interior Design Society.
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