Outdoor Fabric by the Yard

Outdoor fabrics have come a long way in the last decade, and they are much more technical than you may think! Some of the best outdoor fabric brands include Sunbrella, Outdura, and Revolution, all of which have superior performance and a long lifespan. Back in the day, outdoor cushions were made from a vinyl-like material that was not comfortable to sit in for long. Today, fabrics are soft, breathable, and comfortable, many of the fabrics used to make outdoor cushions are also used for indoor upholstery because of comfort and cleanability.

When shopping for a durable, fade-resistant outdoor fabric, it's important to find one that is solution-dyed. Solution-dyed fabrics have the color infused into the tread which provides lasting fade resistance. By infusing the color into the thread prior to the fabric being woven, the overall color is more consistent, and these fabrics can have a fade warranty of up to 5 years. Fabrics that are not solution dyed have printed color applied which does not provide the amount of fade resistance that solution-dyed fabrics do.

Another benefit to solution-dyed fabrics that are used outdoors is how easy they are to clean! Because the outdoor fabric is made with synthetic (acrylic) fiber, it does not absorb spills and stains as natural fiber fabrics do. Most spills, when wiped up quickly do no leave a stain on the fabric, even red wine. And, if you do happen to get a tougher stain, it can be spot cleaned with mild dish soap and water. Just about all solution-dyed outdoor fabrics can be machine washed but do not put in the dryer. Allow to air dry.

While highly water-resistant, these fabrics for outdoor use are not waterproof. When sewn into a cushion, water can seep in through the stitched edges. Keeping the foam inside of outdoor cushions dry will help prolong the life, so we do recommend bringing cushions indoors when it rains or covering them with a protective cover. If your cushions are left out during a rainstorm, unzip and place the cushion on its side, zipper side down. This will allow the water to drain out quickly.