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While browsing the internet for umbrellas, you may have noticed that there are many different fabric options available. With so many options, you may be wondering, “What’s the difference between all these fabrics?” In this article, we’ll cover the different types of fabrics to help you choose the best option for your outdoor space.

Sunbrella fabric

Sunbrella is a common name when it comes to fabric. In fact, many people use the term “Sunbrella umbrella” when requesting information. However, there really is no such thing as a Sunbrella umbrella. Sunbrella is simply a fabric made by Glen Raven mills. But because Glen Raven has been a leader in making high-performance fabrics for forty-five years, people assume it makes umbrellas, too. Sunbrella is a heavy duty solution dyed acrylic fabric made with fixed colors. The long life of Sunbrella fabric colors is one of the main reasons to buy umbrellas made with this product. Umbrellas and cushions with this durable fabric come with a 5-year fading guarantee and generally last longer than any fabric in the industry.

Sunbrella is also well known for its UV resistance, Sunbrella Umbrella Fabrics have been tested and shown to provide up to 98% UV protection in shade applications and have been awarded the “Seal of Recommendation” from the International Skin Cancer Foundation. Along with UV protection and color retention, Sunbrella has great water repellency. This does not mean that it is waterproof, but because the fibers are woven so tightly, there is a high degree of water resistance that allows them to stay outdoors even in light rain.

Acrylic fabric

Sunc Acrylic is another dyed acrylic fabric solution that you can place in the canopy of your outdoor umbrella. Slightly less heavy than Sunbrella, Sunc Acrylic also offers a high degree of UV resistance and water repellency. The biggest difference between Sunc Acrylic and Sunbrella is in the ability to resist fading and the warranty offered. Acrylic fabrics are guaranteed not to fade for a period of 1 year from the time of purchase.

Olefin tissue

Another patio umbrella fabric option is olefin. This is also a solution dyed acrylic fabric that is considered high density yet lightweight. Olefin is a woven fabric that holds its color well, provides protection against harmful UV rays, and resists stains. It’s durable and easy to clean, with a one-year warranty against fading. Texsilk is a brand of olefin fabric that can be used as an umbrella canopy. While Texsilk is water resistant, it is machine washable for easy cleaning.

Polyester fabric

Like acrylic, polyester is a synthetic fabric. This fabric is lightweight, breathable and less expensive for the manufacturer, which is why it is commonly used by both clothing and outdoor furniture manufacturers to make inexpensive products. Polyester is not a natural fabric resistant to water or fading. For this reason, polyester canopies are sometimes coated with polyurethane or Scotch Guard protection to aid in fade resistance. While patio umbrellas with polyester fabrics are inexpensive, there are certain qualities in them that may be undesirable for some consumers. The main reason to switch to an acrylic type fabric is because polyester fabrics generally fade much faster than anything else on the market. Specifically, if you are in a region of the country with harsh or extreme weather conditions like Arizona, polyester fabrics may not be the best option for you unless you are diligent in covering or storing them when not in use. If you buy an item with polyester fabrics, it is best to recommend that you stick to something that exceeds 600 threads or more for the best value for your money. Plus, here’s a quick tip: you’ll notice a lot less fading issues with lighter colored polyester fabrics. White, natural, and beige seem to last much longer than blues, reds, and blacks.

Also, it is important to keep polyester fabric umbrellas away from any sources of flame, such as torches, candles, and patio heaters, as they are flammable.

Coolaroo fabric

Coolaroo is a unique canopy fabric that provides up to 90% UV blocking while keeping temperatures cool in the shade. Shading your patio table or chairs with a Coolaroo canopy reduces temperatures by up to 30%. This breathable fabric is mildew resistant, easy to clean, and comes with a 5-year warranty against UV damage.

There you have it, a wide range of fabrics and colors to choose from, whether you’re shopping for an aluminum umbrella or a wooden umbrella for your next outdoor patio umbrella purchase.