What are performance fabrics and why are they so popular?
Performance fabrics are fabrics that are made of materials that have a higher level of durability than typical fabrics. This means that they are easy to clean and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. They are available in a variety of textures, colors, and designs making it easy to keep your furniture durable without compromising on design. What gives these fabrics their durability is the fact that they are made with a mixture of synthetic fibers (fibers like Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, Olefin).
With performance fabrics being easier to clean than typical fabrics, it has become a very popular fabric choice for anyone buying a piece of upholstery that is going to see a lot of use. Because of their popularity, many retailers and upholstery brands have extended their fabric offerings to include a variety of performance fabrics.
Since performance fabrics are made of synthetic fibers, are they still soft?
In the early days of performance fabrics, some of them felt very stiff and “commercial grade”. But with the boom in popularity, fabric mills have gotten very creative in combining different materials and creating different textures. Now, performance fabrics are just as soft, if not sometimes softer, than traditional fabrics.
How cleanable are performance fabrics?
The exact cleanability depends on the fabric’s composition and how much synthetic fibers are in the fabric. Overall, simple stains should come out with some water, sometimes mild soap, and blotting. For harder stains, some fabrics may still need or suggest professional cleaning. Again, this can vary depending on the fabric. I always suggest checking the cleaning instructions prior to purchasing or ask for a sample to bring home and test it yourself to see if it fits your needs. Just remember, yes they are performance grade but that doesn’t mean they are indestructible!