What is Sunbrella Fabric?
- 24 May 2026
What is Sunbrella Fabric?
The complete guide to our
premium outdoor cushion fabric
Everything you need to know in 60 seconds
- Sunbrella is a 100% solution-dyed acrylic outdoor performance fabric — the global standard for quality outdoor cushions
- Colour is locked into the fibre before it's even woven, making it genuinely fade-resistant, not just fade-treated
- It resists UV, mould, mildew and water — and is bleach-cleanable without losing colour
- Sunbrella carries a 5-year warranty
- Outdoor Elegance uses many Sunbrella fabrics across our collections including Canvas Coal, Grey Chiné, Sooty, Lopi Marble and Tundra Rye
- For a softer, more luxurious hand-feel, choose a French-made fabric from our European collection
What is Sunbrella?
When customers ask us why Outdoor Elegance uses Sunbrella on our premium collections, the answer starts with a single fact: it's the most tested, most trusted outdoor performance fabric in the world. Sunbrella is a result of decades of real-world use across furniture, awnings, marine upholstery and shading across every climate on earth.
At Outdoor Elegance, Sunbrella is featured across many of our premium outdoor lounge and daybed collections because of its proven long-term performance in Australian conditions.
Sunbrella is a brand, made by Glen Raven — an American textile manufacturer with roots going back to 1880. They developed the first Sunbrella fabric in the 1960s with a clear brief: create an awning canvas that outlasted cotton by years. What they created turned out to be so much more useful than an awning fabric that it now defines the category of outdoor performance textiles globally.
At its core, Sunbrella is a 100% acrylic fabric. But the key to its performance isn't the fibre itself — it's what happens to it before it's ever woven into fabric. And that is the solution-dyeing process.
The Fabric Decision That Defined Outdoor Elegance
"When we first started looking seriously at Sunbrella, it was a fabric that only appeared on bespoke, custom-made cushions for the luxury end of the market — most Australian customers had never encountered it and most retailers couldn't access it affordably. We were determined to change that. We went straight to the source, worked directly with Glen Raven, and built a supply relationship that made Sunbrella viable across our full range — not just our premium collections. That decision, made over eighteen years ago, is one I'd make again without hesitation."
— Joe Collins, Founder, Outdoor Elegance
How Sunbrella is made — and why the solution dyeing process matters
Most outdoor fabrics are made by a process familiar from ordinary textiles: the fibre is produced, spun into yarn, woven into fabric, and then dyed. The colour sits on the surface and in the outer layer of the fibre. It looks perfect in the showroom. But as UV exposure and cleaning take their toll over time, that surface colour begins to degrade — fading, blotching, losing depth.
Sunbrella does it differently. The colour pigment — along with UV-stabilising agents — is added to the acrylic in its liquid state, before it's spun into fibre at all. By the time the yarn exists, the colour has been part of it from the very beginning. It's not a coating. It's not a surface treatment. It's the fabric itself.
Pigment Added
UV-stabilised colour pigment is blended into liquid acrylic polymer before any fibre is produced.
Fibre Extruded
The coloured polymer is extruded into continuous acrylic fibres — colour is uniform throughout the entire fibre, not just the surface.
Yarn Spun
Coloured fibres are spun into yarn. The resulting yarn has rich, consistent tone throughout.
Fabric Woven
Yarn is woven into fabric, then finished with a treatment for water and stain repellency.
This process is why the fabric can be bleach-cleaned without losing its colour, and why a Sunbrella cushion sitting in full sun will still look the same while a cheaper fabric turns chalky and faded.
The advantages of Sunbrella — what it actually does in the real world
Sunbrella has unique performance characteristics that separate it from ordinary outdoor fabrics. In Australian outdoor lounge settings, the climate conditions — intense UV, coastal salt air, subtropical humidity, dramatic temperature swings — make every one of them matter.
UV & Fade Resistance
Because colour pigment runs through the entire fibre, there's nothing for UV to strip away. Sunbrella is rated for years of full sun exposure without meaningful colour change. For Australia's UV index, this is the single most important performance attribute in outdoor fabric.
Water Resistance
Sunbrella's water resistant finish helps the water to bead and run off the surface. It isn't completely waterproof by design — the cushion needs to breathe — but it sheds light rain and spills effectively.
Mould & Mildew Resistance
Sunbrella fibres help inhibit the growth of mould or mildew. In humid Australian conditions — particularly coastal and subtropical environments — this is critical.
Bleach Cleanability
Because Sunbrella's colour is structural — part of the fibre itself — it can be cleaned easily and, if necessary, even with a diluted household bleach solution. No other premium outdoor fabric offers this.
Soft Hand-Feel
Sunbrella's acrylic fibres produce a noticeably softer texture than competing synthetic outdoor fabrics. It's comfortable against bare skin. The French Sunbrella collections take this further, approaching indoor upholstery in softness.
Chlorine Safe
Peace of mind around the pool — chlorinated water won't strip away the colour. Because the pigment is locked into the fibre itself, Sunbrella holds up to a pool splash and salt water without fading or degrading.
Australia's UV is among the harshest on earth
Australia has some of the harshest UV radiation on earth. Peak summer UV regularly reaches the 'Extreme' classification (UV 11+) — a level that's rare in North America and Europe, but simply the norm here. (Source: Cancer Council Australia)
That distinction matters. Most outdoor fabrics are made for milder UV conditions. In Australia, something more is required — and Sunbrella's solution-dyed acrylic delivers it, outperforming conventional fabrics where Australian conditions demand the most.
The Sunbrella colours we use — and what makes each one special
Outdoor Elegance uses a considered palette of Sunbrella fabrics across selected lounge collections, from classic charcoal tones through to softer European textures. Each option delivers the same solution-dyed acrylic performance, with differences in weave, hand-feel and visual depth.
Standard Sunbrella Acrylic — Made in the USA
100% solution-dyed acrylic · Full Sunbrella performance · Classic weave construction
Elements CollectionA clean, flat charcoal grey with a tight ribbed weave — a true neutral that pairs with virtually any frame colour and holds its depth year after year. Versatile, refined and understated.
Cast CollectionA heathered, textured mid-grey a few tones lighter than Canvas Coal, with a more open weave. The open construction creates a subtly dimensional surface that reads differently across changing light.
French & European Sunbrella — Softer hand-feel
100% solution-dyed acrylic · Denser European weave · Noticeably softer, more luxurious texture
French Sunbrella · NatteFrom Sunbrella's French facility. The Natte weave is denser, heavier and significantly softer than standard — closer in feel to premium indoor upholstery. The chiné finish creates subtle heathered depth that ages gracefully.
French Sunbrella · NatteDarker than Canvas Coal — a rich, near-black with a warm undertone that avoids looking harsh. Shares the same luxurious softness as Grey Chiné and works beautifully in tone-on-tone applications.
European CollectionA subtly textured light grey-white with marbled depth from the Lopi weave construction. It reads as warm off-white from a distance but rewards closer inspection with genuine textural interest.
European CollectionA sandy, golden-tan with an open textured weave that references natural teak, stone and dry grass. It creates a cohesive, warm palette for spaces decorated with natural materials.
The whole package — what else to look for in premium outdoor lounge furniture
Sunbrella fabric is the most visible part of a luxury outdoor furniture decision — but it's not the only one. The cushion fabric only performs as well as everything underneath it. Here's what Outdoor Elegance looks for across the full specification when building a complete outdoor lounge setting, and why it matters as much as the fabric choice itself.
Powder-Coated Aluminium Frames
Aluminium is the natural partner to Sunbrella fabric for all-weather outdoor furniture. It won't rust, won't rot and won't warp across seasons. A quality powder coat adds colour durability and scratch resistance — and like Sunbrella, it's a finish designed for years of outdoor use rather than a few seasons.
Teak Frames
Teak is the other natural pairing with Sunbrella — particularly for a warmer, more organic outdoor aesthetic. High-grade teak is naturally rich in oils that make it highly resistant to moisture, insects and UV without any treatment. It's a frame material that matches Sunbrella's longevity as a genuine long-term investment.
Quick-Drying Foam
The foam inside your cushion matters as much as the fabric outside it. Standard foam absorbs water and takes days to dry — creating the conditions for mould growth inside the cushion even when the Sunbrella exterior looks fine. A quality open-cell foam allows water to drain through and air to circulate freely. The cushion dries from the inside out, typically within hours of a rain event.
TEX Mesh Drainage Base
Even the best foam needs a way out. A TEX mesh or PVC mesh panel on the base of the cushion provides a drainage layer that allows water to exit rather than pool. Without it, water sits in the base of the cushion against the foam regardless of how well the top fabric repels it. It's a small construction detail that makes a significant practical difference.
Quality Hardware
Zips, clips, screws and bolts are often the first point of failure on outdoor furniture. Stainless steel or marine-grade hardware resists the corrosion that eats through standard zinc or steel fittings in coastal salt air. A cushion with a Sunbrella cover and a corroded zip that won't open is still a maintenance problem. The hardware should be specified to last as long as the fabric and the frame.
Protective Covers
No material combination — however good — performs as well left fully exposed year-round as one that's covered when not in regular use. A correctly fitted outdoor cover reduces UV accumulation, keeps the cushions clean between uses, and extends the effective life of both the Sunbrella fabric and the foam. Outdoor Elegance stocks custom-fitted covers for our collections — sized to cover the setting properly, not drape loosely over it.
"Sunbrella on its own is a significant upgrade. Sunbrella on a properly specified frame, with the right foam, drainage and hardware — that's a setting that genuinely lasts for years in Australian conditions."
Cleaning and caring for Sunbrella fabric
One of Sunbrella's most practical advantages is how easy it is to look after. The most important habit: brush off dry dirt before it embeds, and deal with spills quickly before they set.
You don't need to remove the cushion covers to clean them
Most outdoor cushion fabric requires you to strip covers, wash them separately and re-fit them — a process that discourages regular cleaning and leads to neglect. Sunbrella is different. Because the fabric is designed to be cleaned in place, most everyday maintenance requires nothing more than a hose. For tougher marks, a soft brush and mild soapy water applied directly to the cushion will handle the job. The covers stay on, the process takes minutes, and the cushions are dry and back in use the same day.
This is particularly practical for large sectionals or deep-seat sofas where removing and re-fitting covers is genuinely inconvenient. Sunbrella's design philosophy is built around real-world use — and that means cleaning should be as low-effort as possible.
Cleaning & Care Guide
| Situation | Approach | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday dust and dirt | Soft brush or hose off | Brush while dry to avoid pushing dirt deeper into the weave |
| General marks and light stains | Mild soap and warm water with a soft brush | Clean without removing cushion covers — Sunbrella is designed to be cleaned in situ |
| Tough stains (wine, sunscreen, coffee) | Follow the Sunbrella stain guide | Sunbrella publishes a stain-by-stain reference at sunbrella.com |
| Mould or mildew | Diluted bleach (1 cup bleach + 1/4 cup mild soap per 4L water) | Bleach cleaning is safe — colour is in the fibre, not on it |
| Water repellency refresh | 303 Fabric Guard applied to clean, dry fabric | Reapplication every year recommended |
| Storage and protection | Cover when not in regular use | Outdoor Elegance stocks weather covers sized for our collections |
Sustainability & Certifications
Sunbrella's performance credentials are matched by a serious commitment to sustainable manufacturing. A product that lasts 10 years instead of two is inherently more sustainable — but Sunbrella goes considerably further than that argument alone.
Built to last — and built responsibly
OEKO-TEX Certified
Most Sunbrella upholstery fabrics are independently tested to verify they contain no harmful substances — certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX.
GREENGUARD Gold
Sunbrella upholstery fabrics are GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions, contributing to healthy indoor air quality.
Renaissance Yarn
Sunbrella's Renaissance program transforms manufacturing off-cuts back to fibre state and re-spins them into new yarn — incorporating up to 50% post-industrial recycled content.
Recycle My Sunbrella
A take-back program running since 2010 has diverted over one million pounds of used Sunbrella fabric from landfill. Glen Raven also diverts over 90% of manufacturing waste from landfill across all facilities.
Sources: sunbrella.com/sunbrella-sustainability · sunbrella.com — Our Commitment to Sustainability
Sunbrella vs other outdoor fabrics — how do they compare?
Not all outdoor fabrics are equal — and in Australian conditions, the gap between the top tier and the bottom widens fast. Here's how Sunbrella stacks up against UVanta, standard olefin and standard spun polyester across the criteria that matter most.
Solution-dyeing is the shared foundation at the top end of the market. What separates Sunbrella from everything else is the combination of solution-dyeing with acrylic fibre — the most UV-stable synthetic fibre available. That's what makes the 5-year warranty possible and what keeps a cushion looking right after a decade of Australian summers.
| Sunbrella | UVanta | Standard Olefin | Standard Spun Poly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric Type / Treatment | Solution-dyed acrylic | Solution-dyed polyester / olefin / acrylic | Piece-dyed olefin | Surface-dyed polyester |
| UV Resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Fade Resistance | Exceptional | Very good | Moderate | Poor |
| Softness | Premium | Good – Premium | Moderate | Variable |
| Bleach Safe | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Chlorine Safe | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Mould Resistance | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Poor |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1–3 years | None stated | None stated |
| Best Suited To | Full-sun premium lounge settings | Quality settings, good sun exposure | Under cover, no UV exposure | Under cover, no UV exposure |
UVanta is used extensively by Outdoor Elegance in more budget-friendly collections. UVanta is also solution-dyed fabric family, available across polyester, olefin and acrylic options. Sunbrella and UVanta Pro (acrylic) sit at the top of the performance tier. Read about the UVanta fabric family here. Standard olefin and spun polyester ratings reflect typical non-solution-dyed market products.
Frequently asked questions about Sunbrella fabric
What is Sunbrella fabric made of?
Sunbrella is made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic fibres. Colour is added to the fibre in liquid form before it's spun into yarn — the pigment runs all the way through, not just on the surface. This is what makes Sunbrella so resistant to fading, even in sustained direct Australian sunlight.
Is Sunbrella waterproof?
Sunbrella is highly water-resistant — liquid beads on the surface — but not fully waterproof. Extended heavy rain will eventually penetrate, which is by design: the cushion needs to breathe to protect the foam inside. Outdoor Elegance uses a TEX mesh drainage panel on the base of all Sunbrella cushions so any moisture can escape and the cushion dries quickly.
Can you bleach Sunbrella?
Yes — and this is one of Sunbrella's most significant practical advantages. Because the colour pigment runs all the way through the acrylic fibre rather than sitting on the surface, Sunbrella can be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution without losing its colour. The recommended mix for mould or mildew is 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per 4 litres of water, applied directly to the cushion without removing the covers. For everyday marks, mild soapy water and a soft brush is all that's needed.
Does Sunbrella fade in the sun?
In practice, Sunbrella is as close to truly fade-proof as a fabric gets. Because the colour pigment is part of the acrylic fibre itself, there's nothing for UV to strip away. Sunbrella maintains its colour significantly better than other outdoor fabrics in sustained UV exposure — including in Australian conditions where UV levels regularly reach the 'Extreme' classification.
Is Sunbrella good for Australian weather?
Sunbrella is particularly well suited to Australian conditions. Australia's UV index regularly hits 'Extreme' levels (UV 11+) that are rare in the countries where most outdoor fabrics are designed and tested. Sunbrella's solution-dyed acrylic construction was built for sustained high UV — there's no surface colour to degrade. It also performs strongly against mould and mildew in humid coastal and subtropical climates, and sheds water effectively in wet conditions. For Australian outdoor furniture, it's the benchmark fabric.
How long does Sunbrella fabric last?
Sunbrella comes with a 5-year warranty and typically lasts significantly longer with appropriate care. We've seen settings that are 8–10 years old still looking great when kept covered when not in use. Australia's UV levels are significantly more intense than Europe or the US, which is why solution-dyed construction matters even more here — there's no surface colour to strip away.
Is Sunbrella better than Olefin?
For full-sun Australian conditions, yes — solution-dyed acrylic (Sunbrella) outperforms olefin on UV resistance and long-term fade performance. Acrylic is inherently a more UV-stable fibre than olefin or polyester, which means it holds its colour longer even when both fabrics are solution-dyed. Standard piece-dyed olefin from budget brands is significantly behind both. The exception worth noting is UVanta's solution-dyed olefin range, which performs well and sits clearly above standard market olefin — but for full-sun premium settings, solution-dyed acrylic remains the top tier.
Can Sunbrella stay outside all year?
Yes — the fabric handles rain, UV and humidity. We recommend covering your cushions when not in regular use to reduce cleaning frequency and extend the life of both fabric and foam inside. No outdoor fabric, however good, benefits from unnecessary year-round UV accumulation.
Is Sunbrella worth the extra cost?
Yes — unequivocally, for furniture that will live outdoors in Australian conditions. Cushions that look degraded after two or three summers are one of the most common reasons customers replace outdoor settings before the frames need replacing. Sunbrella fabric simply doesn't do that. When you're spending on quality outdoor furniture, the fabric is not the place to compromise.
What is French Sunbrella and how is it different?
French Sunbrella is woven at Sunbrella's facility in France. The weave is denser and the hand-feel is noticeably softer — closer to an indoor fabric. It carries all the same performance credentials. At Outdoor Elegance, Grey Chiné and Sooty are both French Sunbrella.
What is the difference between Canvas Coal, Cast Slate and Sooty?
Canvas Coal (US Elements) is a ribbed charcoal grey — the deeper of the two standard US fabrics. Cast Slate (US Cast Collection) is a touch lighter, with a heathered open weave and a subtler grey character. Sooty is from the French Sunbrella collection — a rich near-black with a denser, noticeably softer weave.
What foam should outdoor cushions use?
Open-cell foam is the correct specification for outdoor cushions. Its open structure allows water to drain through and air to circulate, so cushions dry from the inside out within hours of a rain event. Standard closed-cell foam absorbs and holds water — creating damp conditions that can compromise the foam over time even when the Sunbrella exterior looks fine. All Outdoor Elegance Sunbrella cushions use high-density open-cell foam with a TEX mesh drainage base.
See Sunbrella in person
at your nearest Outdoor Elegance showroom
Visit us to feel the difference between French Sunbrella and standard Sunbrella, and see all our colour options in natural light.
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