Fabric guide
Sunbrella vs Other Outdoor Fabrics: What Lasts in a British Garden
How Sunbrella and other solution-dyed acrylics compare with olefin and printed polyester for garden cushions in British weather.
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Quick answer: For garden cushions that live outside, solution-dyed acrylic such as Sunbrella holds its colour longest, resists mould and is easy to clean. Solution-dyed olefin is a good-value alternative. Printed polyester costs least but fades and holds moisture sooner. Pair any of them with quick-drain foam for seats left outside.
In a British garden, the challenge is less fierce sun and more damp: rain, dew, and months under cover. Here is how the main outdoor fabrics compare.
Solution-dyed acrylic (Sunbrella and similar)
- The colour runs right through each fibre, so it resists fading.
- Resists mould and stains, and sheds water.
- Covers can be machine washed on a gentle cycle.
- Sunbrella carries a 5-year fabric warranty.
Solution-dyed olefin
- Also coloured through the fibre, and quick-drying.
- Usually less expensive than acrylic.
- Feels a little firmer and can be less soft to sit on.
Printed polyester
- Colour is printed on the surface, so it fades faster outdoors.
- Often cheaper, but tends to hold moisture and mark more easily.
- Best for covered spaces or seasonal use.
Waterproof options
Most outdoor fabrics are water-resistant, not waterproof. For seats that must keep water out completely, choose Sunbrella waterproof or marine vinyl. Read more in our guide to waterproof garden cushions.
The foam matters too
Even the best fabric struggles over foam that stays wet. For cushions left outside, pair it with quick-drain foam. Foam for UK orders is made and cut in the UK by our partner GB Foam Direct.
Browse Sunbrella cushions or start with garden furniture cushions. Order swatches to compare fabrics at home.
Quick comparison
| Solution-dyed acrylic | Solution-dyed olefin | Printed polyester | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour | Holds its colour longest | Holds colour well | Fades sooner |
| Feel | Soft, canvas-like | A little firmer | Varies |
| Damp and mould | Resists mould and sheds water | Quick-drying | Tends to hold moisture |
| Best for | Cushions that stay outside | Good-value outdoor seating | Covered or seasonal use |
What British weather does to outdoor fabric
A British garden doesn't get the fierce UV of hotter climates, but it gets plenty of everything else. Dew sits on cushions most mornings from September. Rain can come on any day of the year. And many sets spend winter under a cover where air barely moves. Fabric that dries quickly and doesn't feed mould matters more here than raw sun resistance, though a south-facing patio or a conservatory can still fade weak colours within a couple of summers.
Sunbrella's waterproof and marine ranges
Standard Sunbrella sheds water. Sunbrella Rain and the marine collections go further and keep water out completely, which suits benches on open lawns, hot tub surrounds and boats. For anything on the water, see our narrowboat cushion guide.
Warranty and care
- Sunbrella fabric carries a 5-year fabric warranty, or 10 years on marine fabrics.
- Our workmanship is covered for 2 years.
- Covers unzip and can be machine washed on a gentle cycle.
Our guide to cleaning Sunbrella cushions covers stains and mould. For more on the fabric itself, see our Sunbrella outdoor cushions page.
Mistakes to avoid
- Judging fabric on price alone. A fabric that fades in two summers has to be replaced sooner.
- Buying "waterproof" cushions with ordinary foam inside.
- Choosing a colour from a screen. Fabric looks different in grey British daylight.
Ordering and delivery
Choose your fabric and enter your sizes in centimetres; the price updates as you go. Every cushion is cut within ±13 mm of your size. Delivery is free across the UK, with import duty and VAT paid, so there is nothing to pay on arrival.
How to compare fabrics at home
- Order swatches of the fabrics you are considering.
- Put them outside where the cushions will live, and look at them morning and evening.
- Sprinkle a little water on each and see how it beads and how quickly it dries.
- Rub them with your hand to feel how soft they are to sit on.
The swatch cost comes back to you as a one-time code on your order. Order swatches.
Which fabric for which spot?
For a bench on an open lawn, choose Sunbrella with quick-drain foam. For a covered patio, standard Sunbrella with high density foam is plenty. For a seasonal set that comes inside every autumn, a lighter-duty fabric can work, as long as it stays dry.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunbrella worth the extra cost?
For cushions that stay outside, usually yes: it keeps its colour and resists mould for years, so it needs replacing less often.
Which outdoor fabric is best for rain?
A waterproof fabric or marine vinyl keeps water out completely; solution-dyed acrylic sheds water and dries quickly.
Can I wash outdoor cushion covers?
Sunbrella covers can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and air dried.
