Fabric Collections

Details at a Glance

You can't judge how a fabric handles sun and rain from a screen. This free swatch collection lets you see the actual weave, feel the texture, and compare how solution-dyed Sunbrella and other performance materials resist UV fade before you commit to cushions or upholstery. Order samples for any outdoor fabric available at LOOMLAN Outdoor with free shipping.

How Do Sunbrella and Performance Outdoor Fabrics Handle Weather?

Sunbrella is solution-dyed acrylic -- the pigment goes all the way through the fiber, so sun can't bleach it the way it does surface-printed cloth. That construction resists UV fade, moisture, and mildew far better than indoor upholstery fabrics. Other performance weaves in this collection use similar through-dyed technology or coated yarns engineered for outdoor exposure. All are designed to shed water quickly and dry fast, so mildew doesn't have time to take hold in humid or coastal climates. These aren't miracle materials -- they'll still show wear over years of hard sun -- but they're the closest you'll get to fade-proof outdoor upholstery.

Do You Need to Bring Cushions Inside When It Rains?

You don't have to, but you should. Performance fabrics resist water and mildew, but they don't repel moisture completely -- cushions will still absorb some rain and take hours to dry, especially if the fill is polyester batting. Bringing them in during storms or covering them overnight keeps the fill from staying damp, which speeds up wear and eventually breeds mildew even on Sunbrella. If you live somewhere it rains often, store cushions in a deck box or under cover when you're not using the space. Off-season, keep them dry indoors or in a sealed container -- fabric that survives ten years of sun can still rot in one wet winter stored outside.

How Do You Match a Fabric to Your Furniture Style?

Order swatches for anything you're considering, then hold them against your frame material in actual daylight -- teak, resin wicker, and powder-coated aluminum all throw different undertones that shift how a color reads. Neutrals and earth tones blend into most outdoor seating collections, while brighter solids can tie a dining set to planters or an umbrella. Texture matters as much as color: a tight basket-weave looks crisp on modern aluminum, while a softer canvas suits curved wicker. If you're furnishing a full outdoor furniture layout, bring swatches to the space and check them morning and late afternoon -- sun angle changes everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Sunbrella fabric fade in direct sun?

It resists fade far better than standard fabric because the dye penetrates the whole fiber, but no outdoor textile is completely fade-proof over years of UV exposure. Darker colors and reds tend to show fading first.

Can outdoor fabric stay on cushions all year?

The fabric itself can handle year-round weather, but cushion fill will absorb moisture and break down if left outside through wet winters. Store cushions indoors or in a sealed deck box off-season.

Is performance fabric safe for coastal or salt-air locations?

Yes -- solution-dyed acrylics and coated performance weaves resist salt air and won't corrode the way metal hardware can. Rinse them occasionally if you're right on the water to prevent salt buildup in the weave.

How do you clean Sunbrella and outdoor upholstery fabric?

Brush off loose dirt, then scrub with mild soap and water using a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and let air-dry. Most manufacturers recommend bleach solutions only for tough mold stains, and only on colorfast weaves.

Do the samples show the exact color I'll receive?

Swatches are cut from the same production runs as full yardage, so color is accurate. Slight dye-lot variation can occur between shipments, but it's minimal with solution-dyed fabrics.

Is there a charge for fabric samples?

No -- samples ship free to the continental USA with standard curbside delivery. Order as many as you need to compare in your actual outdoor light.