When it comes to choosing outdoor fabrics for your various needs, it's essential to consider several key factors to ensure they meet your requirements and endure the elements. Let's delve into these six crucial functions to consider when selecting outdoor fabrics:
Breathability
The level of air permeability depends on the difficulty of the fabric's air circulation.
Breathability is an important consideration for any outdoor activity.
Among them, the most important are covers and seats.
In airtight shells and lids, non-breathable fabrics can cause mold.
As for the seat, the breathable cushion will be more comfortable and not sticky, and it will be more comfortable in the hot summer.
Water resistance
Water resistance mainly depends on whether the water will turn into drops on the fabric and roll off.
But there is one thing, water resistance and breathability are one after another relationship.
Generally speaking, poorly breathable fabrics are more resistant to water, such as non-breathable fabrics, such as vinyl coated or laminated fabrics.
Water resistance is more important for items such as awnings, waterproof clothing, and yacht interiors.
Abrasion resistance
Abrasion resistance refers to the ability of a fabric to withstand abrasion under tension.
The fabrics used on ships and outdoors are usually heavy and stiff, and the surface is usually coated with vinyl or other resins.
This is mainly to obtain a softer appearance and feel, and to improve abrasion resistance.
Anti-UV
UV resistance may be the most important factor in outdoor fabrics, and it is also the simplest factor.
The higher the UV resistance, the longer the service life of the fabric in the sun.
Many fabrics for sunlight are more important than fabrics for shade.
Color fastness
The higher the color fastness of the fabric, the less likely the pattern will fade.
The color fastness of the fabric depends on its ability to maintain color for a long time in the sun, rain, wind and snow.
Color fastness is more of an aesthetic factor.
However, if bright colors are used for awnings, covers, cushions, etc., color fastness must be considered.
If the fabric is used in large quantities or exposed to the outside for a long time, the fabric with printed patterns may fade over time.
Cleanness
Compared with indoor fabrics, the cleanability of outdoor fabrics seems less important.
But cleanliness for outdoor fabrics will affect its service life.
Cleanliness is actually to remove dirt from the fabric.
If it is not cleaned, mold will remain on the fabric and continue to grow on the dirt.
It is not easy to clean the fabrics with coating on one side, so pay special attention to these fabrics.
