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13 of the Best Outdoor Fabrics That Will Stand the Test of Time

They can take anything and do anything—and they just keep getting better.

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caroline rafferty home tour outdoor fabrics
Thomas Loof

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If you think all outdoor fabrics look the same, we've got good news: Today’s outdoor fabrics range from hard-wearing linens to shockingly lush chenilles and velvets. That means you can upholster your outdoor furniture—or perhaps make privacy curtains—and watch them stay bright and clean through the worst of weather. But before you pick out your favorite, make sure you know what you're looking for, and how your chosen fabric will fare over time.

How to Buy Outdoor Fabric

Is it Durable Enough?

If your upholstery will see heavy use—from family and outdoor activities—you’ll want a fabric with a higher rub count (an indication of how much abrasion a weave can handle before it starts to wear). Luther M. Quintana, the Operations Manager at Luther Quintana Upholstery, suggests sticking to outdoor fabrics that can withstand at least 50,000 double rubs: "Anything above that, and you won’t have to worry about upkeep or constantly be recovering cushions or pillows." Note that for decorative use—such as outdoor draperies used to create more defined outdoor spaces—the rub count is not as important.

Another thing to keep in mind? Make sure you know the difference between outdoor fabrics and performance fabrics—for outdoor furniture and textiles, especially things that will stay outside and face inclement weather, you're better off going with an actual outdoor fabric, not a performance option. That said, "performance" is an industry term that means the material has qualities that make it ideal for high-traffic areas, since they're washable and stain-resistant—great for pieces that will see a lot of use or even get messy (hello, pet owners!), but not necessarily the right fit for your outdoor sofa.

Will it Fade?

Check the textile’s color-fastness—this is a measure of how much sun it can handle before it starts to look faded. For the most part, any solution-dyed fabric—meaning the color is inherent in the yarn fibers—will hold up to the sun better than fabrics that are just printed with color once woven.

Is it Right for Me?

What’s most important when you’re selecting an outdoor fabric is that you read the label to find out if it can stand up to your environment and lifestyle. Do you need it to handle chlorine, be waterproof, or just be water resistant and quick drying? If you’re unsure, call the brand to get clarity.

These chic outdoor fabrics have you covered—and if you wan to add a little extra pizzazz, Samuel & Sons has some fun tassels and trims that work outdoors, too.

Dedar Genoa Fabric

Genoa Fabric

Dedar Genoa Fabric

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Pros
  • Washable
  • Water Repellent
  • Fade Resistant
  • Mildew Resistant
Cons

    Fabricated on looms, this crochet is perfect for outdoor drapery.

    Great for Outdoor Draperies

    Holly Hunt Bali Net Fabric

    Bali Net Fabric
    Great for Outdoor Draperies

    Holly Hunt Bali Net Fabric

    Pros
    • Water Repellent
    • Mildew Resistant
    • Washable
    • Fade Resistant
    Cons

      This airy window weight fabric adds just a hint of privacy.

      Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa Quay Fabric

      Quay Fabric

      Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa Quay Fabric

      Pros
      • Washable
      • Water Repellent
      • Fade Resistant
      • Mildew Resistant
      Cons

        A contrasting chenille check.

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        Pierre Frey Golfe Fabric

        Golfe Fabric

        Pierre Frey Golfe Fabric

        Pros
        • Washable
        • Water Repellent
        • Fade Resistant
        • Mildew Resistant
        Cons

          This subtle two-tone linen canvas has a soft hand and vintage look.

          Sunbrella Resonate Fabric

          Resonate Fabric

          Sunbrella Resonate Fabric

          Pros
          • Washable
          • Water Repellent
          • Fade Resistant
          • Mildew Resistant
          Cons

            A modern, overscaled Greek key design in a woven jacquard.

            Mokum South Beach Stripe Fabric

            South Beach Stripe Fabric

            Mokum South Beach Stripe Fabric

            Pros
            • Washable
            • Water Repellent
            • Fade Resistant
            • Mildew Resistant
            Cons

              A sumptuous velvet inspired by beach towels.

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              Nobilis Bistro Fabric

              Bistro Fabric

              Nobilis Bistro Fabric

              Pros
              • Washable
              • Water Repellent
              • Fade Resistant
              Cons

                Woven from four yarns to mimic the look of French bistro chairs.

                Fabricut 04759 Fabric

                04759 Fabric

                Fabricut 04759 Fabric

                Pros
                • Washable
                • Water Repellent
                • Fade Resistant
                • Mildew Resistant
                Cons

                  African textile-inspired with chenille accents and in a linen-like weight.

                  Perennials Fabrics Rock Steady Fabric

                  Rock Steady Fabric

                  Perennials Fabrics Rock Steady Fabric

                  Pros
                  • Washable
                  • Water Repellent
                  • Fade Resistant
                  • Mildew Resistant
                  Cons

                    This textural pattern was inspired by Japanese wabi-sabi design.

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                    Jim Thompson Fabrics Sampan Stripe Fabric

                    Sampan Stripe Fabric

                    Jim Thompson Fabrics Sampan Stripe Fabric

                    Pros
                    • Washable
                    • Water Repellent
                    • Fade Resistant
                    • Mildew Resistant
                    Cons

                      A classic stripe that mimics the look of grosgrain ribbon.

                      Thibaut Jinx Fabric

                      Jinx Fabric

                      Thibaut Jinx Fabric

                      Pros
                      • Washable
                      • Water Repellent
                      • Fade Resistant
                      • Mildew Resistant
                      Cons

                        Stripes mix with geometric shapes on this InsideOut fabric.

                        Peter Dunham Textiles Mica Fabric

                        Mica Fabric

                        Peter Dunham Textiles Mica Fabric

                        Pros
                        • Washable
                        • Water Repellent
                        • Fade Resistant
                        • Mildew Resistant
                        Cons

                          This plush chenille has an oversized four-inch stripe.

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                          Osborne & Little Trailing Orchid Fabric

                          Trailing Orchid Fabric

                          Osborne & Little Trailing Orchid Fabric

                          Pros
                          • Washable
                          • Water Repellent
                          • Fade Resistant
                          • Mildew Resistant
                          Cons

                            A digitally printed design of hummingbirds darting through orchids.

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