Fabrics & materials
Sunbrella vs Olefin, Outdura, Textilene & Other Outdoor Fabrics: 2026 Comparison
Sunbrella compared with Olefin, Outdura, Tempotest, Perennials, Textilene, Crypton and CushionGuard: what each fabric is made of, its fade warranty and where it works best.
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Quick answer: Sunbrella is a solution-dyed acrylic fabric made by Glen Raven, with a 5-year limited warranty on its upholstery fabrics. Its closest equals are other solution-dyed acrylics such as Outdura (10-year limited warranty), Perennials (5-year no-fade warranty) and Tempotest Home (6-year warranty). Olefin is a cheaper, lighter fiber; Textilene is a vinyl-coated polyester mesh made for sling chairs; Crypton and CushionGuard rely on treatments or barriers rather than solution-dyed acrylic. For cushions that live in full sun, choose a solution-dyed acrylic.
Most outdoor cushion fabrics look alike in a showroom. The difference shows up after two summers in the sun. What matters most is how the color gets into the fiber. In solution-dyed fabrics, pigment is added before the fiber is spun, so color runs all the way through and does not wash or bleach out. Printed or piece-dyed fabrics carry color on the surface, which UV breaks down faster.
Outdoor cushion fabrics compared
| Fabric | What it is | Fade warranty (as published) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunbrella | Solution-dyed acrylic by Glen Raven (USA) | 5-year limited (upholstery); 10-year limited (shade and marine) | Full-sun patio, pool and porch cushions |
| Outdura | Solution-dyed acrylic by the Sattler Group, woven in North Carolina | 10-year limited | Outdoor and marine cushions, indoor upholstery |
| Tempotest Home | Solution-dyed acrylic by Parà (Italy) | 6 years | Terraces, pool areas, European designs |
| Perennials | 100% solution-dyed acrylic (USA) | 5-year no-fade | Designer indoor/outdoor upholstery |
| Olefin | Polypropylene fiber, often solution-dyed | Varies by brand | Budget outdoor cushions, covered areas |
| Textilene | Vinyl-coated polyester mesh | 3-year limited (typical listing) | Sling chairs and shade, not plush cushions |
| Crypton Outdoor | Treated performance fabric with a moisture barrier | Not a fade warranty; UV-resistant fibers | Spill-heavy seating, hospitality |
| CushionGuard | Home Depot (Hampton Bay) house fabric; fiber not published | Not published | Ready-made budget cushions |
Warranty terms change; always check the maker's current warranty for the exact fabric you choose.
Sunbrella vs Olefin
Olefin (polypropylene) is light, resists moisture and is usually cheaper. Solution-dyed acrylic such as Sunbrella has a softer, more fabric-like hand and is the stronger performer for fade resistance in full sun. Olefin is a sensible choice for covered porches or short-term use; Sunbrella is the safer choice for cushions in direct sun all season.
Sunbrella vs Outdura
Both are solution-dyed acrylics and perform similarly. Outdura publishes a 10-year limited warranty and is woven in North Carolina; Sunbrella has the wider color range and the larger network of fabricators. Choose on color and feel.
Sunbrella vs Textilene
They are different products. Textilene is a vinyl-coated polyester mesh strong enough to sit on, made for sling chairs and shade. It is not a plush cushion fabric. If you are replacing sling seats, Textilene is the right material; for cushions, choose Sunbrella or another solution-dyed acrylic.
Sunbrella vs Crypton
Crypton is an engineered textile: approved fabrics are treated for stain and microbial resistance and backed with a moisture barrier, and the Crypton Outdoor line adds UV-resistant fibers. It is excellent for spills. Sunbrella relies on the fiber itself for fade resistance and stays breathable, which suits sunny, open patios.
Sunbrella vs Tempotest and Perennials
Both are premium solution-dyed acrylics. Tempotest (Italy) is known for European prints and publishes a 6-year warranty on its Home line; Perennials offers a 5-year no-fade warranty and a designer-led range. Performance is comparable to Sunbrella; the choice comes down to pattern and price.
How Fabrica Kraft uses these fabrics
We make custom Sunbrella cushions in any size, plus Warwick for indoor seating and Ultraleather for boats and hospitality. Every cushion is cut to within ±0.5″ of your measurements and ships in 2–3 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for outdoor cushions?
A solution-dyed acrylic such as Sunbrella, Outdura, Tempotest or Perennials. The color runs through the fiber, so it resists fading in full sun far better than printed polyester.
What fabric is comparable to Sunbrella?
Outdura, Tempotest Home and Perennials are the closest equivalents, because they are also solution-dyed acrylics with multi-year fade warranties.
Is Olefin as good as Sunbrella?
Olefin is lighter and usually cheaper and resists moisture well, but solution-dyed acrylic like Sunbrella is the better choice for fade resistance in direct sun.
Is Textilene a cushion fabric?
Not really. Textilene is a vinyl-coated polyester mesh designed for sling chairs and shade structures, where people sit directly on the stretched fabric.
How long is the Sunbrella warranty?
Glen Raven publishes a 5-year limited warranty for Sunbrella upholstery fabrics and a 10-year limited warranty for shade and marine fabrics. Claims go through the company that made your finished product.
