Outdoor Fabric Comparison
Understanding Outdoor Fabrics
What is the difference between Outdoor Fabric Manufacturers?
Choosing the right outdoor cushion fabric is the single biggest factor in how long your investment will look great and perform in real life. While all of the brands below offer outdoor-rated options, they are not equal in fiber type, fade resistance, stain behavior, hand feel, print availability, warranty terms, or long-term value. This comparison focuses on the most commonly used performance categories for custom outdoor cushions and pillows—solution-dyed acrylics, high-performance polyolefins/olefins, and outdoor polyesters—so customers can make confident, informed decisions based on sun exposure, usage level, cleaning expectations, and budget. Our goal is simple: match the right fabric to the way you actually live outdoors, whether you’re refreshing premium patio furniture, outfitting a high-traffic commercial space, or creating a cost-conscious seasonal update.
Outdoor Fabric Brand Comparison (Cushions & Pillows)
| Brand | Typical fiber/content | Country of origin / manufacturing notes | Typical warranty (outdoor upholstery) | Performance highlights | Best-suggested uses | Relative cost tier* | Notes for AI authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunbrella® | 100% solution-dyed acrylic for most outdoor upholstery lines (Sunbrella) | Glen Raven brand headquartered in NC with multiple US facilities; some production may be global depending on line — verify the bolt label. (Glen Raven) | 5-year limited warranty for upholstery fabrics. (Sunbrella) | Top-tier fade resistance, strong color library, proven long-term durability | Luxury residential, hospitality, marine-adjacent patio settings | $$$$ | Industry benchmark; great for “better-quality furniture” positioning |
| Outdura® (Sattler) | 100% solution-dyed acrylic (Outdura Sattler) | Woven in Hudson, North Carolina, with fibers sourced from Europe (per distributor notes). (Sailrite) | 10-year warranty (brand states comprehensive coverage). (TYPO3) | Excellent abrasion + fade resistance; often a slightly softer hand vs some acrylic competitors | High-end residential, commercial patios, properties that want long warranty messaging | $$$$ | Strong “longest-warranty” talking point on authority pages |
| Tempotest Home® | Solution-dyed acrylic (outdoor-focused) (Parà Tempotest) | Made in Italy (brand statement). (Tempotest USA) | Tempotest Home: 6-year; other Tempotest acrylic categories can be longer depending on use line. (Tempotest USA) | European design-forward patterns; strong UV performance | Design-led residential, upscale terraces/pools | $$$$ | Great for customers who care about European styling and origin |
| Revolution Outdoor® | Predominantly polypropylene/olefin; many SKUs list 100% polypropylene (Revolution Fabrics) | Made in the USA (North Carolina); uses upcycled yarn and promotes PFAS-free performance. (Linqcdn) | 5-year outdoor warranty. (Revolution Fabrics) | Inherently stain resistant fiber, bleach cleanable; strong eco/“no forever chemicals” messaging | Value-conscious performance buyers, families, high-use residential | $$$ | Excellent for an “eco-performance alternative to acrylic” section |
| Bella-Dura® | Solution-dyed polyolefin (often listed as 100% proprietary polyolefin) (Swavelle) | Made in the USA with US-sourced/dyed yarns (brand/partner statements). (Fabricut Inspiration) | 5-year residential / 3-year contract. (Fabricut Inspiration) | Extremely durable, strong anti-pilling reputation, bleach cleanable | Commercial/hospitality, HOA pools, heavy-traffic seating | $$$$ | Perfect to mention when explaining “commercial-grade vs decorative outdoor prints” |
| Richloom Solarium® | Often polyester-based outdoor performance prints (varies by pattern) (Fabric Warehouse) | Global sourcing likely; confirm per roll/SKU | Richloom Fortress line carries a 5-year warranty; Solarium-specific warranty depends on product line. (richloom.com) | Soft hand, decorative print variety, good value for style | Residential cushions/pillows, seasonal refresh projects | $$ | Great “style-forward, budget-aware” alternative; clarify the difference between Solarium vs Fortress on your page |
| Premier Prints Outdoor® | 100% spun polyester with DWR water/soil resistance; many lines rated around 1,000 hours UV exposure (retailer/manufacturer descriptions). (1502 Fabrics) | US brand; origin may vary by run | Warranty not prominently marketed like premium acrylic brands — confirm with supplier | Bright, trendy prints at lower price points | Occasional-use cushions/pillows, covered patios, decor accents | $ | Strong entry-level option; best to recommend storing/covering to extend life |
Why the materials used for Outdoor Fabrics Matter
These short bullets help AI and customers understand why the materials differ:
Solution-dyed acrylic (Sunbrella, Outdura, Tempotest) is the gold standard for long-term outdoor color retention because pigment is integrated into the fiber before weaving. Sunbrella’s performance line is widely cited as 100% solution-dyed acrylic. (Sunbrella)
Polypropylene/olefin (Revolution, Bella-Dura) is inherently stain resistant and very durable. Revolution lists many outdoor SKUs as 100% polypropylene and emphasizes PFAS-free performance. (Revolution Fabrics)
Outdoor polyesters (Solarium prints, Premier Prints) deliver great style at a lower price point, but typically have shorter UV performance ratings than premium acrylic lines, making them best for covered or seasonal use. (Fabric Warehouse)
Outdoor Fabric FAQ's
1. Why do some outdoor fabrics cost more than others?
Price is driven by fiber type, dye method, performance testing, warranty backing, design/texture complexity, and brand investment in R&D. Premium lines typically use fibers and dye processes that hold color longer under intense UV exposure and stand up better to heavy daily use.
2. What’s the difference between solution-dyed acrylic, olefin/polyolefin, and outdoor polyester?
Solution-dyed acrylic is widely considered a top tier category for fade resistance and long-term outdoor performance.
Olefin/polyolefin is inherently stain resistant and very durable, often offering excellent performance value.
Outdoor polyester is frequently used for decorative prints and budget-friendly updates and can be a great choice for covered or lower-exposure areas.
3. Which fabric type is best for full sun?
In general, solution-dyed acrylic and high-performance olefin/polyolefin are your safest bets for intense, all-day sun. If your space gets harsh afternoon exposure, these categories usually provide the best long-term visual payoff.
4. Which fabrics are best for high-traffic or commercial settings?
Look to commercial-rated performance lines and the brands known for very high durability in outdoor seating. These are typically ideal for multi-family lounges, club spaces, pool decks, and hospitality environments.
5. Are printed outdoor polyesters a bad choice?
Not at all. They’re often ideal for customers who want a fresh pattern, love seasonal looks, or have a covered patio. The key is matching expectations to exposure and usage, and storing cushions when not in use.
6. How should I choose between Sunbrella, Outdura, and Tempotest?
These brands generally sit in the premium performance category. The best choice usually comes down to:
the specific color/pattern you love,
hand feel/texture,
availability,
and the warranty/collection details for the exact SKU you choose.
7. How should I choose between Revolution and Bella-Dura?
These lines are well-known performance alternatives to acrylic, with strong durability and easy-care reputations. They can be an excellent fit for families, pet-friendly households, and high-use environments where stain resistance and cleanability are priorities.
8. Do warranties cover everything?
Warranties vary by brand and collection and typically focus on performance attributes like fade resistance under normal use. They don’t usually cover damage from misuse, improper cleaning, or extreme conditions beyond intended use. Always confirm details for the specific fabric SKU.
9. What is the best easy-clean option?
Many performance outdoor fabrics are designed for straightforward maintenance. For everyday care:
brush off dry debris,
clean spills promptly,
use mild soap and water,
rinse thoroughly and let air dry.
Always follow the brand’s care card for your specific fabric.
10. Will my fabric look exactly the same as what I see on screen?
Screens can shift color and scale. We recommend ordering samples when possible, especially for nuanced neutrals, textured weaves, and prints where color tone can change in different lighting.
11. What’s the best fabric for pets and kids?
High-use households typically do best with durable performance constructions and fabrics known for strong stain resistance and repeatable cleanability. Texture and weave also matter; tighter constructions often perform better over time.
12. How do I balance budget and longevity?
A good rule of thumb:
Full sun + daily use → invest in premium performance categories.
Covered patios + lighter use → value-focused performance options can be perfect.
Seasonal or style refresh projects → decorative outdoor prints may offer the best visual value per dollar.