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Best Fabric for Outdoor Cushions: Sunbrella vs Polyester vs Olefin
How solution-dyed acrylic, olefin, polyester and marine vinyl compare for outdoor cushions, and which fabric and foam to choose for a patio or a boat.
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Outdoor cushions live a hard life. Sun, rain, humidity, pollen, sunscreen and the occasional spilled drink all take their toll. The fabric you choose decides how long your cushions keep looking good, so it's worth understanding what the common options actually do.
What makes a good outdoor cushion fabric
Whatever the label says, judge an outdoor fabric on these points:
- Fade resistance. How well the color holds up under direct sun.
- Mildew resistance. Whether the fibers support mold growth when damp.
- Water handling. Whether it repels water, lets it drain, or blocks it completely.
- Cleanability. Whether you can wash it, and with what.
- Feel. Some outdoor fabrics feel close to indoor upholstery. Others feel stiff or plasticky.
The main outdoor cushion fabrics compared
| Fabric | Fade resistance | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solution-dyed acrylic (e.g. Sunbrella) | High | Soft, woven | Patios, decks, pool areas |
| Solution-dyed olefin (polypropylene) | Good | Smooth, slightly slick | Budget-conscious outdoor seating |
| Spun or printed polyester | Lower | Soft, varies | Covered porches, occasional use |
| Marine vinyl | Good (varies by product) | Smooth, wipeable | Boats, wet areas, heavy splash |
Solution-dyed acrylic
"Solution-dyed" means the color is added to the liquid fiber before it is spun into yarn, so the color runs all the way through each fiber instead of sitting on the surface. That is why solution-dyed acrylic holds up so well in strong sun. It is also breathable, dries reasonably quickly and resists mildew. Sunbrella is the best-known brand.
The trade-off is cost. Solution-dyed acrylic usually costs more than polyester. For cushions that sit in the sun all summer, most people find it worth it.
Olefin
Olefin (polypropylene) is also usually solution-dyed, so it resists fading well. It is naturally water-resistant and tends to cost less than acrylic. Some people find it a little less soft, and quality varies widely between brands. It is a reasonable middle ground.
Polyester
Many low-cost outdoor cushions use polyester with a printed or piece-dyed pattern. The color sits on the surface, so it fades faster in direct sun. A water-repellent coating helps at first but wears off over time. Polyester can be fine for a shaded, covered porch. On an open deck, expect to replace it sooner.
Marine vinyl
Vinyl is waterproof rather than water-resistant. It wipes clean and shrugs off spray, which is why it's common on boats. It doesn't breathe, so it can feel warm on a hot day. Pair it with foam that drains so water that gets in at the seams can escape.
Our recommendation
- For most patios and decks: Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic. It's the fabric we recommend for cushions that live outside in full sun. Every Sunbrella cushion we make comes with a 5-year mill warranty on the upholstery fabric.
- For boats and wet areas: Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl, which carries a 10-year mill warranty.
- For covered, low-sun spots: Any good outdoor fabric will do, but Sunbrella still makes cleaning easier.
You can browse our Sunbrella cushions and learn more about Sunbrella fabric and its color range. We carry more than 160 Sunbrella colors.
Don't forget the foam
Fabric is only half of an outdoor cushion. Standard seat foam soaks up rain and dries slowly, which can lead to mildew inside the cushion. For outdoor and marine use, we recommend Dryfast reticulated foam. It has an open-cell structure that lets water drain straight through, and it is treated to resist microbes. Pair Dryfast with Sunbrella or Horizon vinyl and your cushions can handle a summer storm.
How to choose a color
- Order swatches. Colors look different on screen. Our fabric swatches are $7 each and the cost is credited back on a cushion order of $100 or more within 90 days.
- Look at them outside. Check each swatch in morning and afternoon light, next to your furniture frame.
- Think about dirt and pollen. Mid-tones and tweeds hide dust better than bright white or very dark solids.
- Consider heat. Dark fabrics get warmer in direct sun.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for outdoor pillows?
The same rules apply as for seat cushions. Solution-dyed acrylic like Sunbrella holds its color and resists mildew, and covers with zippers come off for washing.
Is Sunbrella waterproof?
Sunbrella upholstery fabric is water-resistant, not waterproof. It sheds light rain, but water can soak through in a heavy downpour. Using Dryfast foam inside lets that water drain out. For a fully waterproof surface, choose marine vinyl.
Is polyester or olefin better for outdoor cushions?
Solution-dyed olefin usually resists fading better than printed polyester. Polyester can feel softer and costs less, but in full sun it tends to fade sooner.
Can I wash outdoor cushion covers?
Sunbrella covers can be machine washed on a delicate cycle in cold water with a mild detergent. Air dry them and skip the dryer. Always check the care instructions for other fabrics.
What materials are outdoor cushions filled with?
Most use polyurethane foam, polyester fiberfill or a combination. For cushions that get wet, quick-drying reticulated foam such as Dryfast is the most practical choice.
When you've settled on a fabric, our outdoor cushions are cut and sewn to your measurements, and the price shows instantly in the builder as you choose fabric and foam. If you're stuck between two colors, send swatch questions to care@fabricakraft.com.
