Performance Fabric: Your Sofa’s Secret Weapon Against Real Life
Performance fabric looks good, feels even better, and handles the kind of messes most homes know a little too well. Here’s everything you actually need to know—no showroom jargon, just solutions that make sense in lived-in rooms.
What is performance fabric, really?
Ever spilled sauce on your sofa and thought, “Well, that’s never coming out”? We’ve been there — and we’ve made it our mission to never be there again.
That’s where performance fabric comes in: The quiet overachiever of upholstery. Performance fabric is designed to take on real life. Like spills, stains, scratches, and the occasional spaghetti dinner gone rogue. Unlike traditional fabrics, performance fabrics are made with high-performance fibers or special treatments that make them resistant to moisture and dirt.
But that’s just the science. The magic is in how effortlessly they handle everything else. These aren’t stiff, shiny, or plasticky fabrics. Today’s high-performance fabrics are soft, breathable, and feel just like your favorite cozy textile — only smarter.
Who is performance fabric for?
Short answer: almost everyone. But some households will feel like it was designed with them in mind.
Families with kids
Crayon murals, yoghurt fingerprints, and the occasional juice box explosion. Performance fabric doesn’t flinch.
Picture credits: @hay_hess
Pet owners
Hair, claws, drool—the trifecta of pet ownership. Many performance fabrics are tightly woven and less likely to trap fur or catch on claws, making them a win for you and your four-legged roommates.
Picture credits: @kfogara
High-traffic homes
Open-plan living and shared spaces mean certain cushions get more action than others. Performance fabric helps them keep their cool.
Picture credits: @dawnpdarnell
Entertainers and host(ess) types
Your living room’s been through birthday bashes, board game nights, and Friday drinks. Your sofa shouldn’t have to hold onto the evidence.
Picture credits: @simplykatielynn
Why performance fabric might just change your life
We don’t use this phrase lightly. Performance fabrics are more than a convenience—they’re the kind of upgrade that quietly reshapes how you use your home.
1. You can finally relax on your sofa
Really. Not the “hover over the cushion with your tea” kind of relax. We mean feet up, snacks out, and a glass of juice in hand because you know your performance fabric sofa can handle it.
2. Accidents happen (and then un-happen)
Coffee. Markers. Muddy paws. Life’s little messes usually come with big regrets. But cleaning performance fabric is refreshingly low-effort and as simple as blotting with a dry cloth and moving on with your day.
3. Built for every kind of lived-in life
Whether it’s scratches, peanut butter fingers, or just life on high rotation, performance fabrics were made for the moments that furniture usually dreads.
Types of performance fabrics and what they’re best for
Textured
A forgiving, spill-resistant fabric that disguises everyday marks and pet hair with ease.
Best for: Busy family rooms and pet-friendly homes that want low-maintenance style.
Textured
A forgiving, spill-resistant fabric that disguises everyday marks and pet hair with ease.
Best for: Busy family rooms and pet-friendly homes that want low-maintenance style.
Chenille
A velvety-soft weave treated to resist stains and fading while keeping comfort front and centre.
Best for: Sinking in, yet always ready for a quick spot clean.
Chenille
A velvety-soft weave treated to resist stains and fading while keeping comfort front and centre.
Best for: Sinking in, yet always ready for a quick spot clean.
Twill
A durable, tightly woven fabric that hides stains, resists wrinkles, and still feels smooth to the touch.
Best for: Everyday pieces that see playtime, lounging, and the occasional spill.
Twill
A durable, tightly woven fabric that hides stains, resists wrinkles, and still feels smooth to the touch.
Best for: Everyday pieces that see playtime, lounging, and the occasional spill.
Tweed
A multi-tonal weave that camouflages pet fur and small mishaps beautifully. Spill-resistant and simple to maintain.
Best for: High-traffic seating and pet-approved spots that still need to look polished.
Tweed
A multi-tonal weave that camouflages pet fur and small mishaps beautifully. Spill-resistant and simple to maintain.
Best for: High-traffic seating and pet-approved spots that still need to look polished.
Natural blends
A balanced mix of natural and synthetic fibres that pairs comfort with everyday strength.
Best for: Homes that love a natural look but need durability in the daily mix.
Natural blends
A balanced mix of natural and synthetic fibres that pairs comfort with everyday strength.
Best for: Homes that love a natural look but need durability in the daily mix.
Bouclé
Soft, tactile, and surprisingly resilient. Its textured, spill-resistant weave stands up to real life — and stylish hosting.
Best for: Chic spaces where beauty meets everyday living.
Bouclé
Soft, tactile, and surprisingly resilient. Its textured, spill-resistant weave stands up to real life — and stylish hosting.
Best for: Chic spaces where beauty meets everyday living.
How do you clean performance fabric?
You’ve heard the hype. Here’s the practical part: how to clean performance fabric without overthinking it. Here’s how to clean performance fabric couch surfaces in just a few simple steps:
Start with water. Many performance fabrics are water-cleanable, so try a damp cloth before reaching for cleaners.
Use mild soap if needed. For stubborn spots, a little soap and warm water can go a long way.
Avoid harsh chemicals. You usually don’t need them, and they can sometimes do more harm than good.
Most performance fabrics are machine-washable but always follow care labels. Use a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent, then air-dry or tumble-dry on low to preserve elasticity and color.
How does performance fabric compare to other materials?
Let’s talk options. Because choosing fabric shouldn’t feel like choosing sides. Here’s how performance fabric stacks up against a few other popular picks.
Leather is beautiful and ages with character, but it’s sensitive to scratches, humidity, and color transfer (dark jeans on white leather? Not ideal). Cleaning leather also requires specialty products to get the best result.
Performance fabric is softer to the touch and more forgiving with spills and scuffs.
Performance fabric vs. leather
Microfiber is known for its durability and resistance to stains, but it can feel synthetic and trap heat. Performance fabrics, on the other hand, offer a wider variety of textures and weaves, and often feel more breathable.
Both are great for high-use areas, but performance fabric comes in more elevated finishes, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality.
Performance fabric vs. microfiber
Natural fabrics like cotton or linen are airy, soft, and photogenic, but they’re also more delicate and tend to absorb stains like a sponge.
Performance fabrics mimic the texture of linen or cotton, but with built-in stain resistance, fade control, and better longevity.
Performance fabric vs. natural fabrics
Lived in, loved hard, and still looking good
See how our customers live (and lounge) with performance fabric. Styled, spilled on, and seriously stunning.
