Curtains
Are Outdoor Curtains Waterproof? Water-Resistant vs Waterproof Explained
Most outdoor curtains are water-repellent, not waterproof. Here is what that means, when it matters, and what to choose for porches, pergolas and gazebos.
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"Waterproof outdoor curtains" is one of the most common things people search for when they shop for a patio. It is also one of the most misunderstood. Almost every good outdoor curtain on the market is water-resistant or water-repellent, and that is usually a good thing.
Water-repellent vs water-resistant vs waterproof
| Term | What it means | Typical fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Water-repellent | A finish makes water bead up and roll off; the fabric still breathes and dries fast | Sunbrella, Agora and other solution-dyed acrylics |
| Water-resistant | Slows water down for a while, but soaks through in steady rain | Polyester outdoor curtains, olefin |
| Waterproof | Water cannot pass through at all; the material does not breathe | Clear vinyl, PVC-coated fabric, marine vinyl |
Why breathable is better for most curtains
- It dries. Fully waterproof materials trap moisture behind and inside folds, which is where mildew starts. A breathable outdoor fabric dries out after the rain stops.
- It hangs like a curtain. Waterproof coatings make fabric stiff and noisy. Woven acrylic drapes in soft folds.
- It handles wind better. Air passes through a woven fabric a little, so it catches less wind than a solid sheet.
- It still keeps you dry under a roof. On a covered porch, pergola with a cover, or hardtop gazebo, curtains mainly face splashes and blowing rain, which water-repellent fabric handles well.
Is Sunbrella waterproof?
Most Sunbrella fabrics, including the ones we use for curtains, are water-repellent rather than waterproof. Sunbrella does make some waterproof ranges, such as its marine fabrics, but those are made for boat tops and covers, not curtains. Sunbrella's curtain fabrics are solution-dyed acrylic: the colour goes through the fibre, so they resist fading, and they resist mold and mildew as long as they can dry.
When do you need waterproof?
- You want to fully enclose a porch or patio against rain and cold for winter use.
- The space has no roof and the curtains act as a weather wall.
- You need a windbreak that stops air completely, for example on a restaurant terrace in winter.
In those cases, look at clear vinyl enclosure panels. Many people pair them with fabric curtains: vinyl for winter, fabric for the rest of the year.
How to make outdoor curtains last in wet weather
- Stop the hem ½–1″ above the floor so it doesn't sit in puddles.
- Let them dry open. After rain, spread the curtains out rather than leaving them bunched or tied back wet.
- Clean them a few times a season. Dirt and pollen feed mildew. Brush off, sponge with mild soap and water, rinse and air dry. Sunbrella can also be machine washed on a gentle cold cycle.
- Store them dry in winter if you get snow or long storms.
- Use lining where it helps. Our blackout lining adds shade and privacy and a heavier hang, but it is for light and privacy, not for making a curtain waterproof.
What to choose for your space
- Covered porch: water-repellent Sunbrella or Agora solids or sheers.
- Pergola: Sunbrella solids for shade, or Sunbrella sheers for filtered light, tied back to the posts.
- Hardtop gazebo: water-repellent panels on each side; add clear vinyl if you want winter enclosure.
- Open patio with no roof: curtains will get soaked in a storm whatever the fabric; choose fast-drying Sunbrella and take them in for long wet spells.
Browse Sunbrella outdoor curtains or all outdoor curtains, made to your exact size, and read our outdoor curtains guide before you measure.
FAQ
Are outdoor curtains waterproof?
Most are water-repellent or water-resistant rather than waterproof. They shed light rain and dry quickly, but heavy rain can soak through.
Can outdoor curtains get wet?
Yes. Good outdoor fabrics are made to get wet and dry out without fading or mildewing. Just let them dry fully before tying them back or storing them.
Are Sunbrella curtains waterproof?
Sunbrella curtain fabrics are water-repellent, not waterproof. Sunbrella's waterproof fabrics are made for marine tops and covers.
Will outdoor curtains get moldy?
Solution-dyed fabrics like Sunbrella resist mold and mildew, but dirt left on the fabric can still grow mildew. Clean them a few times a season and let them dry after rain.
Can I leave outdoor curtains out in the rain?
Yes, under normal conditions. In long storms or snow, taking them down and storing them dry makes them last longer.
