What is an outdoor fabric?

An outdoor fabric is simply a fabric that can withstand some water, is durable and has great stain resistant qualities. We describe our outdoor fabrics as being water resistant as opposed to waterproof, however all of our outdoor fabrics are fast drying and so even if they do get caught in the rain they’ll soon dry in the sunshine.

How are outdoor fabrics produced?

Outdoor fabrics can be made from a range of synthetic fibres including acrylic, olefin and polyester and so production methods do vary.

Olefin (also known as polypropylene) is an environmentally friendly fabric owing to the way it is produced. Made entirely from the colourless gas polypropylene, it is a recyclable fabric as well as being resilient, colourfast, stain-resistant and durable making it a great choice for outdoor furniture.

Some acrylic fabrics are suitable for outdoor use. Outdoor acrylics are strong, durable, resilient and resistance to wrinkling, shrinking, fading, mildew and fungus. Acrylic is derived from petroleum or coal-based chemicals and synthesized into acrylic resin pellets. The pellets are extruded until they are able to make fibres, which are then spun into acyclic fabric.

Outdoor polyester shares many of the same qualities to outdoor acrylics. They are strong, resistant to stretching and shrinking, resistant to chemical damage, quick drying, wrinkle resistant and are crisp and resilient when wet or dry. Polyester fabrics usually derive from petroleum. To make polyester fibres, plastic polyester pellets are melted and extruded through tiny holes to form long threads, they are then cooled to harden into a fibre. The fibres are then woven into fabric.

How do you care for your outdoor fabrics?

 Always check the cleaning instructions of the particular fabric you are using, some outdoor fabrics are machine washable, some are wipe only. As with all fabrics, it repays to take care and maintain your cushions by regular turning and plumping. We recommend storing away your outdoor fabrics during Winter and wetter periods, similarly if there is a particularly wet and cold bout of weather during Summer or Spring then do cover up or move indoors.