Demystify Performance Fabrics: Stain and Moisture Resistance

We've discovered that not all performance fabrics are alike. The industry lacks standardized criteria for labeling a fabric as "performance," making it challenging to assess each choice you make. As we aim to demystify performance fabrics, let's discuss stain and moisture resistance capabilities.

Understanding what defines a fabric as "performance" is crucial. Some fabrics are called performance because of durability, others because they have stain resistance, either inherent or applied, and others simply because of the fiber content.

Stain and moisture resistance capabilities.

While some performance fabrics are marketed as being stain-resistant, not all fabrics offer the same level of protection.

As a designer, you should look for fabrics treated with stain-repellent finishes, or inherently stain-resistant fibers such as solution-dyed acrylic, polyester or polypropylene. Additionally, it is important to consider whether the fabric is easy to clean and maintain, as this can significantly impact its longevity and appearance over time.

We have noticed that some higher maintenance hard to clean fabrics, such as linen and rayon – are labeled “performance” however, these fibers can be difficult to clean. Understanding your fibers is paramount - as well as knowing that even though a fabric has a stain-repellent finish or is  inherently stain resistant  - it does not make it self-cleaning or guarantee stain removal.

With Fiber-Seal not only are your clients getting a eco-friendly protective finish - they are also getting our trained technicians for ongoing spot removal. It’s a win-win.

Don't hesitate to contact us for questions as you are making your selections; we can advise on the cleanability of the fabric. We are also happy to protect the samples that you are considering.

Looking for more information on performance fabrics? Learn about durability here.