Outdoor Fabrics: The Complete Guide for Outdoor Living

Outdoor spaces have become an extension of the Australian home. Alfresco dining, poolside lounging and garden entertaining are now part of everyday living, which means the fabrics used on outdoor furniture have never been more important. They must look beautiful, perform in harsh conditions and support a seamless flow between indoor comfort and outdoor durability. Understanding outdoor fabrics helps you choose pieces that not only elevate your space but last for years.

Outdoor fabrics are engineered to withstand the elements while still offering comfort and style. Their performance comes from the fibres themselves and the way the material is constructed. Key qualities include:

UV and fade resistance – The ability to maintain colour despite Australia’s intense sun.
Water repellence and quick drying – Fabrics that shed water or dry rapidly to prevent mould.
Mould and mildew resistance – Treated fibres that reduce moisture absorption.
High durability – Strong weaves designed to resist abrasion, tearing and weathering.
Breathability – Allows air to circulate so cushions feel comfortable, not sticky or humid.

These features ensure an outdoor lounge or dining setting maintains its appearance and feels inviting throughout all seasons.

The best outdoor fabrics include:

- Sunbrella fabrics are widely regarded as one of the highest-performing outdoor textiles available. Made from solution-dyed acrylic, the colour is built into the fibre rather than applied to the surface, giving Sunbrella exceptional UV and fade resistance, even in harsh Australian conditions.

They are water-repellent, mould and mildew resistant, breathable, and designed to stay soft and comfortable while maintaining long-term durability. Sunbrella fabrics are also easy to clean, most stains can be removed with mild soap and water, and tougher stains can be treated with diluted bleach without damaging the fabric.

- Sunproof is a high–performance outdoor fabric designed for long-term durability in tough climates. Made from solution-dyed acrylic, it offers strong UV and fade resistance, making it ideal for full-sun environments. The fibres are engineered to be mould, mildew and stain resistant, while remaining breathable and comfortable for everyday lounging.

Sunproof fabrics are also water-repellent and quick-drying, which helps prevent moisture absorption and keeps cushions feeling fresh. They come in a wide range of contemporary colours and textures, allowing designers to achieve a natural, indoor-inspired aesthetic outdoors. Overall, Sunproof is known for reliable performance, longevity and a strong balance between quality and value.

We use both fabrics across our outdoor furniture range.

How Outdoor Fabrics Are Made

The manufacturing process plays a major role in durability. The highest-performing fabrics are solution dyed, meaning pigment is added to the raw fibre before it becomes yarn. This locks colour deep inside the material rather than layering dye on the surface. The result is fabric that resists fading, chlorine, salt, and cleaning products. After dyeing, the fibres are spun, woven, and finished with coatings that add water repellence, stain protection or enhanced UV stability. Each step contributes to how well a fabric performs once exposed to sun, rain and daily use.

How to Care for Outdoor Fabrics

Even the highest-quality outdoor fabrics need simple maintenance to perform at their best.

Routine care: Brush off debris, wipe spills immediately and hose down cushions occasionally to remove dirt.

Seasonal cleaning: Use mild soap, warm water and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry.

Mould prevention: Ensure cushions dry fully after heavy rain and avoid storing them damp.

Storage: When not in use for long periods, store cushions in a dry, ventilated area to prolong their life.

Do: Clean regularly, let cushions dry fully, follow manufacturer care instructions

Don’t: Use bleach unless recommended, leave cushions in constant shade when damp, store in non-breathable plastic

Outdoor fabrics are essential to the performance, comfort and longevity of outdoor furniture. By understanding the different types, how they’re made and what to look for, you can make informed choices that enrich your outdoor living experience. With the right fabrics, your outdoor space becomes a place to relax, entertain and enjoy for years to come.

Click here to explore our Outdoor Range or Click Here to visit one of our showrooms today.