Sunbrella Sling Fabric FAQ's
Sunbrella® Sling Fabric FAQ
Outdoor Sling Fabric Guide for Patio Chairs & Chaise Lounges
Sunbrella® Sling fabrics are a specialized line of outdoor mesh materials designed for sling seating applications such as patio chairs and chaise lounges. While Sunbrella is widely known for its outdoor upholstery fabrics, its sling fabric collection offers a more limited but durable selection engineered for tension seating. This guide explains how Sunbrella sling fabrics are made, how they perform, and how they compare to other leading sling materials used in replacement patio slings.
What is Sunbrella Sling Fabric?
Sunbrella Sling fabrics are designed specifically for outdoor sling seating and differ from traditional Sunbrella upholstery fabrics.
Sunbrella Sling is constructed using:
A combination of solution-dyed acrylic fibers
Polyester support yarns for structural strength
A woven mesh designed for tension seating
This hybrid construction allows Sunbrella Sling fabric to provide both strength and a softer hand feel compared to traditional PVC mesh sling fabrics.
Who Manufactures Sunbrella Sling Fabric?
Sunbrella is a brand owned by Glen Raven.
Sunbrella Sling fabrics are manufactured using specialized production processes, and today, Phifer is the primary manufacturer producing Sunbrella Sling fabrics for Glen Raven.
This means that while Sunbrella is the brand name, the sling fabric construction is closely aligned with the same manufacturing expertise used in Phifertex sling fabrics, which are widely used throughout the outdoor furniture industry.
How Many Sunbrella Sling Fabrics Are Available?
The Sunbrella Sling collection is relatively limited compared to other sling fabric manufacturers.
Currently, there are approximately:
46 Sunbrella Sling fabric options available
This is significantly fewer than the hundreds of options typically available from traditional sling fabric lines such as Phifer or Twitchell.
However, Sunbrella Sling fabrics are often selected for:
Coordinated furniture collections
Softer visual appearance
Brand recognition associated with Sunbrella
What Makes Sunbrella Sling Fabric Different?
Sunbrella Sling fabrics differ from traditional sling mesh in several ways:
Softer texture compared to standard PVC mesh
Solution-dyed acrylic fibers for strong color retention
Refined, fabric-like appearance
Coordinated color options with Sunbrella cushion fabrics
Because of the acrylic fiber content, Sunbrella Sling fabrics often feel less “rigid” than traditional sling mesh materials.
How Durable is Sunbrella Sling Fabric?
Sunbrella Sling fabrics are designed for outdoor durability and tension seating.
Key performance features include:
UV resistance and color stability
Mold and mildew resistance
Breathable mesh construction
Structural strength from polyester support yarns
Typical lifespan:
3–5 years in high sun climates
5–8+ years in moderate environments
Performance is comparable to other high-quality sling fabrics used in outdoor furniture.
Does Sunbrella Sling Fabric Fade?
Sunbrella is known for its solution-dyed acrylic fibers, which provide excellent color retention.
Sunbrella Sling fabrics are designed to:
Resist fading from UV exposure
Maintain color longer than many lower-quality outdoor fabrics
However, all outdoor materials will eventually show some level of fading depending on sun exposure and environmental conditions.
Is Sunbrella Sling Fabric Comfortable?
Yes.
Sunbrella Sling fabrics are often chosen for their:
Softer feel compared to traditional sling mesh
Slight flexibility in the seating surface
Breathable construction that allows airflow
This makes them a good option for customers who prefer a less rigid seating experience.
How Do You Clean Sunbrella Sling Fabric?
Cleaning Sunbrella Sling fabric follows the same process used for most sling fabrics.
Basic cleaning:
Rinse with a garden hose
Use warm water and mild soap
Gently scrub with a soft brush
Rinse thoroughly
Allow to air dry
Avoid:
Bleach
Harsh chemicals
Abrasive cleaning tools
Even though Sunbrella is known for cleanability, sling fabrics should still be cleaned using mild methods to preserve the material.
Can Sunbrella Sling Fabric Develop Mold or Mildew?
Sunbrella Sling fabrics are resistant to mold and mildew but not immune.
Mildew can develop when:
Dirt and debris accumulate
Moisture remains on the surface
Furniture is not cleaned regularly
Routine cleaning and airflow help prevent mildew growth.
Is Sunbrella Sling Fabric the Same as Phifertex or Twitchell?
No, but they are closely related in performance.
All three sling fabric types:
Are designed for tension seating
Provide UV resistance and outdoor durability
Use engineered yarn systems for strength
Key differences include:
Sunbrella Sling uses acrylic fibers for softer feel
Phifer and Twitchell primarily use PVC-coated polyester mesh
Sunbrella offers a smaller selection of sling fabrics
Performance and lifespan are generally similar across all three.
Can Sunbrella Sling Fabric Be Used for Replacement Slings?
Yes.
Sunbrella Sling fabrics can be used for custom replacement patio slings, although the selection is more limited compared to other sling fabric manufacturers.
They are often chosen when:
Matching Sunbrella cushion fabrics is desired
A softer seating feel is preferred
A specific color or aesthetic is required
Can You Match My Existing Sunbrella Sling Fabric?
Exact matches are not always available.
Even though Sunbrella Sling fabrics are produced by the same manufacturers supplying the industry, furniture companies often use:
Exclusive colors
Proprietary patterns
Limited-run fabric styles
Because of this, your original sling fabric may no longer be available, even within the Sunbrella Sling collection.
How Does Sunbrella Sling Compare to Other Sling Fabrics?
Sunbrella Sling is one of the three major sling fabric options used in outdoor furniture, along with:
Phifer (Phifertex®)
Twitchell (Textilene®)
Comparison highlights:
Sunbrella Sling – softer feel, smaller selection, strong brand recognition
Phifertex – largest selection, industry standard
Twitchell – decorative weaves, refined appearance
All three offer high-quality performance for outdoor sling seating.
Sunbrella Sling Fabric FAQ
How long does Sunbrella sling fabric last?
Typically 3–8 years depending on environment and care.
Is Sunbrella sling fabric waterproof?
No. It is water-resistant and quick drying, but not waterproof.
Can Sunbrella sling fabric stretch over time?
Yes. Like all sling fabrics, it will gradually lose tension after years of use.
Is Sunbrella sling fabric softer than other sling fabrics?
Yes. The acrylic fiber content gives it a softer feel compared to standard mesh sling materials.
Is Sunbrella sling fabric widely available?
No. The collection is relatively limited, with approximately 46 fabric options.
Is Sunbrella sling fabric good for commercial use?
Yes, although many commercial applications still favor traditional sling mesh due to broader selection and availability