Performance Fabrics

What Is Performance Fabric?

Performance fabric is any textile that has been engineered or treated to deliver enhanced durability, stain resistance, moisture repellency, or cleanability beyond what standard fabric offers. Some performance fabrics are made from inherently durable synthetic fibers like solution-dyed acrylic or polyester that resist staining at the fiber level. Others are treated with protective finishes like Crypton, Teflon, or similar technologies that create a barrier against spills and stains. The best performance fabrics do all of this while looking and feeling virtually identical to their non-performance counterparts — so you get the look of luxury with the resilience of a truly hardworking textile.

Who Should Use Performance Fabric?

Performance fabric is ideal for almost any household or project — but it is especially valuable for families with young children, pet owners, anyone with heavily used furniture, and designers working on commercial or hospitality projects. If your sofa gets daily use, your dining chairs face regular spills, or your outdoor furniture needs to withstand the elements, performance fabric is the practical, stylish solution. Many of today's performance fabrics are also a smart choice for rental properties, offices, restaurants, and any space where durability and easy maintenance are as important as design.

Shop Performance Fabric by Type

Performance technology is now available across virtually every fabric construction. Performance Velvet Fabric delivers the luxurious look of velvet with stain-resistant, cleanable properties — ideal for sofas and accent chairs in family rooms. Performance weaves in our Upholstery Fabric collection offer high rub counts and easy cleaning for heavily used pieces. Our Indoor/Outdoor Fabric collection features performance fabrics engineered specifically for exterior use — UV-resistant, moisture-resistant, and mold-resistant. For window treatments in high-humidity spaces, performance options in our Drapery Fabric collection offer beauty with added practicality. Browse our Multipurpose Fabric collection for performance fabrics that work across upholstery, pillows, and drapery.

Shop Performance Fabric by Pattern

Performance fabric is available across every pattern category: Geometric Fabric · Botanical & Floral Fabric · Abstract Fabric · Stripe Fabric · Solid Fabric · Check & Plaid Fabric · Tropical Fabric · Animal Skin Fabric

Shop Performance Fabric by Color

Find performance fabric in the colorway your project needs: Blue Fabric · Green Fabric · Beige & Neutral Fabric · Grey & Silver Fabric · White & Ivory Fabric · Teal Fabric · Brown Fabric · Black Fabric · Multicolor Fabric

Featured Performance Fabric Brands

Our performance fabric collection is sourced from the industry's most trusted names in durable, beautiful textiles:

Sunbrella Fabric — The undisputed leader in performance fabric, with solution-dyed acrylic fibers that resist stains, fading, and moisture both indoors and out.

Kravet Fabric — A broad performance collection spanning Crypton-treated velvets, high-durability weaves, and cleanable prints built for real-life use.

Schumacher Fabric — Design-forward performance fabrics that prove durability and luxury are not mutually exclusive.

Pindler Fabric — Excellent performance upholstery options at accessible price points — ideal for residential and light commercial projects.

Stout Textiles Fabric — Reliable, high-durability performance fabrics with strong rub counts and easy-clean properties for demanding applications.

RM Coco Fabric — Well-priced performance options with strong design variety across upholstery and multipurpose applications.

Related Fabric Collections

Explore these related collections to find the right fabric for your project: Upholstery Fabric · Indoor/Outdoor Fabric · Multipurpose Fabric · Drapery Fabric · Velvet Fabric · Faux Leather & Faux Suede

Want to coordinate your performance fabric with your walls? Browse our Vinyl Wallpaper and Textile Wallpaper collections for equally hardworking, beautiful wallcovering options.

Samples & Ordering

We always recommend ordering a performance fabric sample before purchasing — seeing and feeling the fabric in your own space makes all the difference. Samples are $5, ship free, and the cost applies to your full order. All fabrics are sold by the yard with no minimums on most items. Our design team is available Monday–Friday by phone at 800-497-8042, by email, or via online chat to help you find the right performance fabric for your project.