Outdoor fabrics that are designed for British weather!
If you’ve ever dashed outside to rescue soggy cushions mid-downpour, you’re not alone.
The British summer is… unpredictable at best. One minute you’re enjoying a cup of tea in the sunshine, the next you’re wondering if your garden cushions will ever dry out again. It’s no surprise one of the most common questions we hear is:
“Can I leave my outdoor cushions outside - or not?”
The answer depends entirely on your fabric. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about waterproof fabric for outdoor furniture, so you can spend less time worrying about the weather - and more time enjoying your garden.
Waterproof vs water-resistant fabric: what’s the difference?
This is where many people get caught out.
- Water-resistant fabrics can handle light showers. Water may bead on the surface initially, but over time it will soak through.
- Waterproof fabrics are designed to fully repel water, preventing it from penetrating the fabric.
For outdoor cushions that are left outside regularly, this distinction matters. If you’re only bringing cushions out on sunny days, water-resistant may be enough.But if you want the freedom to leave them outside without constant worry, waterproof fabric is the better choice.
With over 150 styles to choose from, our range of outdoor fabric contains waterproof, water-resistant and water-repellent options, giving you style options as well as peace of mind..
Can you leave outdoor cushions outside in the UK?
Theoretically, yes, you can leave cushions outdoors in the UK in summertime, but only if they’re made with the right materials.
Traditional outdoor cushions (often made with basic polyester or cotton blends) will absorb water, leading to:
- Damp, uncomfortable seating
- Long drying times
- Risk of mould and mildew
- Fading and fabric deterioration
With proper waterproof outdoor fabric, however, cushions can handle unexpected showers far better, giving you flexibility when the weather turns (as it often does).
It is also important to note that outdoor furniture also needs to be protected from the morning dew, even in summertime. Choosing a waterproof or water-resistant fabric will help prolong the life of your outdoor furnishings.
What happens if cushions get wet?
If your cushions aren’t waterproof, here’s what typically happens:
- The outer fabric absorbs water
- The inner foam acts like a sponge
- Drying can take days (especially in humid UK conditions)
And once moisture gets trapped inside, it can lead to that musty smell no one wants in their garden space. This is why fabric choice is so important - it’s not just about looks, it’s about longevity and practicality.
What to look for in waterproof fabric for outdoor furniture
When choosing the right fabric, here are a few key things to consider:
1. True waterproof protection
Look for fabrics specifically labelled as waterproof, not just showerproof. These are designed to prevent water from soaking through, even in heavier rain.
2. Durability
Outdoor fabrics need to withstand more than just rain - think sun exposure, temperature changes, and regular wear and tear.
3. UV resistance
British sunshine might be fleeting, but it can still fade fabrics over time. Quality outdoor fabrics are designed to resist fading and keep their colour.
4. Easy maintenance
The best fabrics are easy to wipe clean and quick to dry, perfect for busy households and unpredictable weather.
Creating an outdoor space you can actually enjoy
Your garden should feel like an extension of your home, not a constant source of stress.
By choosing the right waterproof fabric for outdoor furniture, you can:
- Relax without watching the sky
- Keep your cushions looking fresher for longer
- Stop having to pile your cushions up indoors every time a shower threatens
- Spend more time enjoying your space, whatever the weather
Top waterproof fabrics for 2026
Waterproof and water-resistant fabrics have come a long way in the last few years. Today, there is far more choice in terms of design so you can style your outdoor space as you choose. But there has been a huge improvement in comfort, with outdoor fabrics with high polyester counts that feel soft to the touch too.
Top JF tip: choose a soft outdoor fabric in a neutral colourway for your outdoor cushion covers. Then in the cooler seasons you can use your cushions indoors for extra padding on your living room sofa or guest beds - taking away the hassle of where to store them over winter!
Here are some of our top outdoor fabric choices for 2026:
1. Braystones Outdoor Fabric
Blended with 80% acrylic and 20% polyester this tough-talking outdoor fabric has an acrylic Teflon finish, making it stain and water resistant. Available in a choice of beautiful muted colourways, it also has colour fastness to sun, seawater and chlorinated water.
2. Paignton Outdoor Fabric
This acrylic fabric contains 20% PES, a durable, synthetic polymer known for being inherently water-resistant (repels water) UV-resistant, and quick-drying.
It is soft in texture with a beautiful herringbone weave running through it, making it ideal for styling your outdoor - and indoor - spaces.
3. Riviera Stripe Outdoor Fabric
Available in a range of gorgeous muted striped colourways, this water-repellent fabric is ideal for covering deckchairs and seat pads.
With its 35% polyester/65% acrylic blend, it is inherently soft and tactile to touch - we could see it at home in a traditional Cotswold farmhouse kitchen too.
4. Hosta Outdoor Fabric
Go big and bold with this vibrant 100% polyester outdoor range.
Naturally water resistant, it has been designed to brighten up even the shadiest of outdoor spaces, and would look fantastic on sunloungers and outdoor sofas.
For a full range of over 150 styles, take a look at our outdoor fabrics online.
Need help choosing the right outdoor fabric?
Whether you’re updating existing cushions or starting a new project from scratch, we’re always happy to help you find outdoor fabric that balances style, durability, and practicality, that’s perfect for British gardens.
Pop into one of our fabric shops in Cheltenham or Burford to take a look at our wide range of outdoor fabric, or give us a call to discuss the options.
