Traditional waterproof fabrics rely on PVC coating, which is waterproof but easy to harden and crack. Nowadays, environmentally friendly waterproof outdoor fabrics use solvent-free PU coating or TPU film, which is environmentally friendly and flexible. For example, a new outdoor cushion fabric has a hydrolysis resistance of 100,000 rubs (ASTM D4966 standard), making it suitable for rainy areas.
Top Waterproof Fabrics for 2025
Marine Vinyl: Waterproof to IPX7, direct-washable, commonly used for yacht deck chairs.
Solution-Dyed Acrylic: colour fastness level 8 (the highest level), UV resistant up to 5000 hours (ASTM G154 test).
Three-layer composite polyester: anti-stain surface treatment, coffee and grease stains wipe clean, suitable for home patio use.
Recycled PET fabric: made from recycled plastic bottles, no loss of water resistance and 40% lower carbon footprint.
Blended canvas: cotton-polyester blend (55% cotton + 45% polyester), combining natural texture and waterproof performance.
Level 2 heading: How do I test a fabric for true waterproofness?
Laboratory standard: Check to see if it is certified by AATCC 22 (water repellent) or ISO 811 (water pressure resistance).
Easy home test: Tilt the fabric at 45 degrees and pour 200ml of water to observe the penetration time - quality fabrics should last more than 10 minutes.
Sourcing advice: SPUNCryllic® provides wholesale service for outdoor cushion fabrics, supporting small sample delivery and customised colour cards.