Twenty years ago, performance fabric meant boat-cover canvas — durable, but stiff and limited in color. Today's performance fabrics look and feel like luxury textiles but clean with soap and water. Here's why we recommend them for almost every family.
What "performance" actually means
- Stain resistant — liquids bead up instead of soaking in
- Bleach cleanable — solid colors can be cleaned with diluted bleach
- UV stable — won't fade dramatically in sunlight
- High abrasion resistance — typically 30,000+ double rubs, often 100,000+
The three brands we recommend most
Sunbrella
The original, and still excellent. Solution-dyed acrylic. The texture options have exploded — Sunbrella now has true high-end interior collections that look indistinguishable from luxury indoor fabric.
Crypton
Permanent moisture barriers built into the fabric. Spills bead up; pet accidents don't soak through to the cushion. Antimicrobial.
Revolution Performance
All-natural — no chemical treatments. Polypropylene base woven to feel like polyester or linen.
See & feel performance fabric samples in your homeWe bring 30–40 performance fabric options on every consultation. Free, no obligation.