Focus on Polypropylene Outdoor Fabrics
You may have noticed it in recent years: more and more outdoor upholstery fabric collections have appeared on the market. This shift is largely driven by the growing use of polypropylene, a fibre whose presence keeps expanding across the industry.
As a result, we’re seeing not only outdoor furniture, but also an increasing amount of textile material – fabrics, rugs and other coverings- made from 100% of this plastic-based fibre. Enough to make you want to take a closer look.
Polypropylene: definition
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic from the polyolefin family. This material isn’t new: it was developed in 1957 by the Montecatini company and was then widely adopted from the 1960s onward.
PP is food-safe and offers strong chemical resistance, good thermal stability and excellent flexural performance—one of the qualities most valued in everyday applications.
In practice, polypropylene comes in two main forms: homopolymer and copolymer. Copolymer grades are preferred for uses exposed to cold conditions, while the homopolymer form—harder by nature—withstands higher temperatures.
Polypropylene is identified by the abbreviated designation: PP.
Uses
It has long been used in countless applications: bags, films, flexible pipes, household containers, toys, the automotive industry… And increasingly, textiles. The mastery of this material has notably accelerated the rise of outdoor upholstery fabrics.
Casamance, Le Boudoir des Etoffes
Properties
Polypropylene has a slightly textured, rugged feel. It’s durable and benefits from being flexible. It has been widely used in the chemical industry and polymer engineering.
- Colours are solution-dyed (dyed in the mass), meaning they remain stable and are protected from UV radiation.
- Polypropylene’s major advantage is its high resistance, including against chemicals.
- It is naturally rot-proof (as a plastic-based material).
- It can be recycled.
Polypropylene upholstery fabrics for seating
These synthetic fabrics, highly resistant to wear and light exposure, are an excellent option for seating intended for outdoor use—just as they are for living-room seating exposed to strong, prolonged daylight. They also naturally fit on kitchen seating, where easy care and durability are often essential.
Polypropylene upholstery fabrics
Polypropylene has therefore become a natural choice for designing outdoor furniture and so-called “outdoor” textiles, meaning fabrics specifically engineered for exterior conditions.
In the world of upholstery fabrics intended for outdoor use, polypropylene offers remarkable advantages: strong UV resistance—and, importantly, it’s one of the very few fibres that can truly withstand life on seating placed near a swimming pool.
That said, polypropylene requires real manufacturing mastery if you want to forget its plastic origin—both visually and to the touch. Its feel can be slightly rough, which isn’t always the most comfortable. Even though it’s making its way into apparel as well, the “comfort” of a purely plastic-based fibre won’t appeal to everyone.
Only top-tier fabric houses manage to produce PP upholstery textiles that truly deserve the name—fabrics with a hand that feels natural, rather than synthetic. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, these textiles can then offer genuinely satisfying aesthetic and technical qualities.
The most prestigious outdoor fabric houses: the brands offering the finest high-end exterior textiles
If you’re looking for a high-end outdoor upholstery fabric—whether for an exterior setting or a sophisticated indoor space—it’s with the most prestigious houses that you’ll find the most beautiful textiles. Below is a non-exhaustive selection of upholstery editors offering outstanding outdoor collections.
🇫🇷 1. Pierre Frey
Strengths: heritage motifs reimagined, “invisible” technical performance, noble textures
Best for: conservatory seating, terrace furniture, mixed indoor/outdoor use
Explore collections: https://www.pierrefrey.com/fr/tissus?filter_type=outdoor
🇮🇹 2. Dedar
Strengths: Italian sophistication, sharp colour sense, surprisingly soft hand
Best for: design-led terraces, statement furniture, contemporary residential projects
Explore collections: https://www.dedar.com/en/products/fabrics?cat=collections-outdoor
🇫🇷 3. Élitis
Strengths: bold motifs, woven effects, highly worked finishes
Best for: conservatory cushions and curtains, chic outdoor lounges, boutique hotels
Explore collections: https://www.elitis.fr/fr/tissus/outdoor
🇫🇷 4. Lelièvre Paris
Strengths: discreet refinement, understated luxury palettes, innovative techniques
Best for: yachting, five-star hotels, high-end outdoor sofas
Explore collections: https://www.lelievreparis.com/fr/tissus?filter_type=outdoor
🇫🇷 5. Nobilis
Strengths: dense, elegant textures; textured plains; classic chic spirit
Best for: architect-designed residences, yachts, refined exterior furniture
Explore collections: https://www.nobilis.fr/fr/tissus/outdoor
🇪🇸 6. Gastón y Daniela
Strengths: a decorative Iberian flair, reliable technical performance, well-executed finishes
Best for: Mediterranean terraces, historic villas, beautifully styled loungers
Explore collections: https://www.gastonydaniela.com/en/collections/fabrics
🇩🇪 Sahco (Kvadrat)
Strengths: minimalist aesthetic, high-performance fibres, understated refinement
Best for: contemporary hotels, Nordic designer furniture, mixed in/out projects
Explore collections: https://www.kvadrat.dk/en/products/sahco/fabrics?filter=outdoor
Bonus: high-performance technical brands
🌍 Sunbrella
Strengths: extreme robustness, wide palette of textures and colours
Best for: professional furniture, parasols, heavily exposed public spaces
Explore collections: https://www.sunbrella.com/outdoor-fabric
🇺🇸 Perennials
Strengths: luxury textile handfeel, UV resistance, perfect washability
Best for: very high-end residential and hospitality projects
Explore collections: https://www.perennialsfabrics.com/performance-outdoor-fabrics/
🇮🇹 Mariaflora
Strengths: luxurious finishes, natural-looking weaves, softness with structure
Best for: prestige refurbishments, bespoke terraces, “slow luxury” hospitality
Explore collections: https://www.mariaflora.com/collections
🇫🇷 Serge Ferrari
Strengths: composite technology, ultra durability, dimensional stability
Best for: pergolas, shade sails, high-tech urban or nautical applications
Explore collections: https://www.sergeferrari.com/fr/produits/textiles-pour-la-protection-solaire
Where can you find all these brands in one place?
High-end upholstery fabric stores specialising in premium editors—such as Le Boudoir des Etoffes—can easily source the full range of these brands’ collections if you’re based in Europe.
Polypropylene and sustainability: how “green” is this textile fibre, really?
Widely used in upholstery and technical textiles, polypropylene (PP) is as intriguing as it is debated. Resistant, lightweight and cost-effective, it ticks many practical boxes. But what does it actually mean from an environmental standpoint? Here’s a clear-eyed breakdown to help you make informed choices.
1. Solution-dyed = less pollution
Unlike many synthetic (and even natural) fibres, polypropylene is often dyed in the mass. Colour is added directly into the molten material before extrusion, which avoids dye baths and chemical-laden wastewater. The result: less water, fewer chemicals, fewer discharges.
2. A recyclable fibre—at least in theory
Technically, polypropylene is a thermoplastic and is recyclable (resin code 5). It can be melted and reformed. In practice, however, the textile sector still struggles to organise efficient recycling streams for PP—especially in closed-loop systems.
3. A durability champion
Resistant to abrasion, UV rays, moisture and mould, PP is widely used for transport seating, outdoor cushions and high-traffic carpeting. A durable textile is one that doesn’t need replacing quickly.
4. Lightweight = lower transport footprint
Its very low density makes polypropylene extremely light. That has a real impact on logistics: less weight, less fuel, fewer emissions.
❌ The environmental downsides of PP
1. A petrochemical origin
Polypropylene is derived from oil. Its production therefore depends on a non-renewable fossil resource, with a significant carbon footprint from the very start.
2. Not biodegradable
At end of life, PP can take hundreds of years to break down if landfilled or dispersed. It doesn’t decompose naturally like linen or wool.
3. Still rarely recycled in reality
Even though it’s recyclable in theory, very few facilities currently process PP textiles. Most end up incinerated or in landfill.
4. Microplastic emissions
PP tends to shed fewer microfibres than polyester, but it still releases them—especially in industrial use or through repeated washing. These particles end up in water or air and create long-term environmental issues.
Conclusion
Polypropylene is neither an angel nor a villain. It’s a synthetic material with real environmental arguments in certain contexts (durability, fewer dye-related chemicals), but it raises valid concerns at end of life. The real challenge is to integrate this fibre into a responsible, long-term value chain.
The HART perspective:
Choosing polypropylene doesn’t automatically contradict a thoughtful approach if you’re designing for the long term. For uses that demand real robustness and stability, PP can be a smart option, as long as you avoid disposable logic and prioritise local, certified or truly durable production. Durability remains the key.
Digital entrepreneur and craft artisan.
My work bridges craftsmanship, design history and contemporary creation, shaping a personal vision of luxury interior design.
Since 2012, I have been based in my workshop on the shores of Lake Annecy, creating bespoke interiors for architects, decorators and private clients.
