When choosing outdoor furniture, the fabric is just as important as the frame. It determines how long your cushions last, how easily they clean, and how well they stand up to sun, rain, and daily use. So, what is the best outdoor furniture fabric?
Short answer: solution-dyed acrylic, like Sunbrella®, is the gold standard. But other high-performing options may be better for specific needs or budgets. Let’s break down the contenders.
1. Solution-Dyed Acrylic (Best Overall)
- Top Brand: Sunbrella, Outdura, Tempotest
- Fade Resistance: 5–10+ years, even in direct sun
- Mold/Mildew Resistance: Excellent
- Water Resistance: High (also breathable)
- Cleaning: Bleach-safe, soap-and-water friendly
- Feel: Soft, woven, upscale texture
- Best for: High-sun areas, pools, heavy use, premium setups
✅ Why it’s best: The color is infused into the fiber before it’s spun (solution-dyed), so it’s locked in at a molecular level. That means it doesn’t just resist fading—it actively rejects UV breakdown.
2. Olefin (Polypropylene)
- Fade Resistance: Good to very good (3–6 years)
- Water Resistance: Excellent
- Cleaning: Easy, some bleach-safe options
- Feel: Slightly stiffer, less breathable than acrylic
- Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, covered patios, seasonal use
✅ Why consider it: Naturally UV-resistant, stain-repellent, and much cheaper than Sunbrella.
3. Textilene (PVC-Coated Polyester)
- Used in: Sling chairs, loungers, commercial seating
- Fade Resistance: Moderate to good with UV inhibitors
- Water Resistance: Excellent
- Feel: Mesh-like, supportive, but not cushioned
- Best for: Poolside loungers, commercial use, breathability
4. Polyester (with UV Coating)
- Fade Resistance: Low to moderate (1–3 years)
- Water Resistance: Moderate
- Feel: Varies widely
- Best for: Temporary setups, decorative pillows, tight budgets
🚫 Caution: Most polyesters are surface-dyed or printed—this leads to rapid fading and UV breakdown.
Best Use by Fabric Type
| Fabric Type | Best Use Cases | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sunbrella/Acrylic | Cushions, umbrellas, pillows | High-end, long lifespan |
| Olefin | Lounge cushions, rugs | Good budget-friendly option |
| Textilene | Sling chairs, mesh-backed seating | Breathable, easy to clean |
| Polyester | Temporary decor, shaded use | Fades quickly in full sun |
Can You Sew Sunbrella With a Regular Sewing Machine?
Yes—but with the right setup. Sunbrella is a durable, tightly woven fabric designed for outdoor use, so sewing it takes some special care.
Here’s what you need to know:
✅ Why You Can Sew It:
- Sunbrella is acrylic, not vinyl or leather, so it’s flexible enough for most home machines.
- It behaves like heavy canvas or denim.
- You can make pillows, covers, tote bags, even cushions at home.
⚙️ Sewing Machine Requirements
1. Heavy-Duty Needle
- Use a size 16/100 or 18/110 needle—preferably a denim or leather needle.
- These are designed for thick, woven fabrics and prevent breakage or skipped stitches.
2. Strong Thread
- Use UV-resistant polyester thread (e.g. Coats & Clark Outdoor, Tenara, or Gutermann Mara 70)
- Avoid cotton—it degrades quickly outdoors.
3. Stitch Length
- Set your machine to a longer stitch length (3.5–4 mm). Tighter stitches can weaken the seam by perforating the fabric.
4. Walking Foot or Teflon Foot (optional but helpful)
- A walking foot feeds thick fabric evenly.
- A Teflon foot glides across textured surfaces without sticking.
Science-Backed Reasoning: Why It’s More Demanding to Sew
- Sunbrella is tightly woven for UV and water resistance. This density increases friction, which means more resistance for needles.
- Its solution-dyed acrylic fibers are tough, meaning more strain on thread and needle.
- Standard household machines can handle it in layers of 2–3, but more may require industrial-grade strength.
Pro Tips
- Use binder clips, not pins—they won’t leave permanent holes.
- Test on scrap fabric first to dial in tension and stitch length.
- Use a microtex or topstitch needle if you want ultra-clean finishing.
FAQs
Q: Will sewing Sunbrella damage my home machine?
A: Not if you use the right needle and go slowly. For large or multilayered projects, a heavy-duty or semi-industrial machine is ideal.
Q: Can I sew cushions with Sunbrella at home?
A: Yes! It’s perfect for DIY covers, slipcovers, and zippered pillows.
Q: What type of thread should I use?
A: UV-stable polyester or PTFE thread—avoid cotton blends.
Conclusion
Best fabric overall? Solution-dyed acrylic like Sunbrella. It’s UV-resistant, breathable, soft, and made to last. Best value alternative? Olefin—solid durability at a lower cost.
And yes, you can absolutely sew Sunbrella on a home machine—just treat it like the high-performance textile it is. With the right needle, thread, and settings, you can DIY outdoor projects that look store-bought and last season after season.
