Poly cotton is a popular material. Depending on your needs, poly cotton fabric has numerous advantages and can be a good choice for outdoor use. When it comes to the durability, comfort, and overall aesthetic attraction of outdoor upholstery, the choice of fabric is important.
Poly Cotton Overview
Poly cotton (also referred to as polycotton or poly-cotton) is a fabric made from a combination of polyester and cotton fibers. This combination results in a versatile fabric with some of the best attributes of both materials. It may also be a viable option for indoor furnishings.
Polyester adds durability and resistance to external factors, and shape retention whilst cotton adds breathability, softness, and comfort.
Typically, the fibers are blended in a specific proportion. However, this proportion may vary and influence particular fabric properties.
Keep in mind that the particular fabric composition, construction, fiber or yarn quality, applied finishes, and fabric thickness all have an impact on fabric characteristics. For instance, poly cotton blends can be constructed into a variety of fabrics (such as canvas, jacquard, chenille, chevron, and so on).
Because many different finishes can be applied to poly cotton outdoor furniture (waterproofing, UV protection, and others), always examine the manufacturer’s specifications.
Poly Cotton’s Benefits for Outdoor Furniture
There are various benefits and drawbacks that are commonly linked with poly cotton blends in general.
Durability
Poly cotton fabric is a relatively durable textile that is suitable for outdoor use. Its woven construction creates a strong, resistant surface that can sustain repeated use and has great abrasion resistance.
The blended fibers allow poly cotton to retain its shape and strength even in adverse outside situations. However, despite being more durable than 100 percent cotton, it is not the most resilient material available.
Does Not Absorb Water
Weather resistance is extremely significant in outdoor areas. Poly cotton does not absorb water easily, and it dries faster than 100% cotton, making it ideal for use in moist or humid conditions. As a result, even though poly cotton furniture is not naturally absorbent (although it may be treated to be water-repellent, or waterproofed), it should be covered when exposed to rain.
Keep in mind that manufacturers often waterproof poly cotton fabric, or you can even do it yourself. If nothing is indicated about water repellency or waterproofing, presume that it just does not absorb a lot of water as most 100% natural materials do.
However, because entirely waterproofed poly cotton is usually not breathable enough, it may not be very comfortable to sit on during hot summer days. Canvas fabric can be created from a poly cotton blend, which is a plain-weave fabric that is naturally more water-resistant. Nevertheless, poly cotton canvas can retain some moisture.
Cotton in the blend allows for breathability, ensuring that air circulates through the fabric. This blend prevents mold or mildew formation, as well as comfort.
Wrinkle Resistant
Completely natural materials are prone to wrinkling. Because poly-cotton blends are wrinkle-resistant, formaldehyde or another chemical that improves wrinkle resistance is less likely to be used on poly cotton textiles.
Affordability
When comparing cost, poly cotton is usually a more affordable option than many other outdoor upholstery fabrics. Achieving a balance of economy and good physical properties is easier with blends, and poly cotton blend is made from the relatively affordable fibers.
Easy Maintenance
Poly cotton is simple to maintain, requiring only basic cleaning techniques to keep it looking good. The polyester component makes the fabric relatively stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Versatility
Finally, poly cotton is a highly versatile and widely used material. It comes in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns and can easily adapt to different outdoor situations and design preferences.
Poly Cotton Outdoor Upholstery Drawbacks
Comfort Issues
Because poly cotton is a combination of polyester and cotton, it lacks the breathability and softness of natural fabrics such as 100% cotton or other natural materials such as linen, which are more comfortable in hot or humid weather. While poly cotton is gentler on the skin than 100% polyester, it can sometimes cause discomfort in hot weather, particularly at higher polyester percentages.
Sustainability Issues
Poly cotton is not biodegradable since it is a combination of natural and synthetic fibers (though cotton component biodegrades). Polyester, one of the key components of poly cotton, is manufactured using nonrenewable resources. Non-organic cotton production is also bad for the environment because it entails the use of pesticides and an excessive amount of water. As a result, poly cotton is a less environmentally friendly alternative for outdoor upholstery when compared to some other materials, such as linen.
Does Poly Cotton Pill?
Poly cotton fabric can be prone to pilling over time. Pilling occurs when fibers in the fabric rub together and form small balls on the surface. However, pilling can occur with many other materials and it is dependent on different factors like fiber length, fabric, and yarn construction.
Outdoor Upholstery Alternatives to Poly Cotton
Natural Fabrics
Natural materials have a number of advantages for outdoor upholstery, including sustainability and comfort.
Linen, for example, is more durable and breathable than cotton. It is also an environmentally friendly fabric. Yet, linen absorbs even more moisture than cotton, and it is more expensive. It is less stain resistant than poly cotton and wrinkles. Some of these drawbacks can be addressed different finishing processes.
Leather is an expensive option for outdoor furniture. It is not totally waterproof, but it can be made so with beeswax. However, leather is not the finest outdoor furniture material since it is light and heat-sensitive, causing it to become dry, stiff, and fracture with time.
100% Cotton. Poly cotton fabric is more durable than 100% cotton, and more resistant to wear and tear and UV from the sun. Poly cotton is less likely to wrinkle and shrink, and it holds its shape better over time compared to 100% cotton. Poly cotton is not absorbent as 100% cotton. However, 100% cotton can also be treated with extra treatments that can extend the lifespan of 100% cotton and improve its wrinkle, sun, and moisture resistance. 100% Cotton is softer, skin-friendly, and more comfortable in general.
Synthetic Fabrics
Polyester, for instance, is a very strong, durable, stain resistant material, and good for outdoor upholstery. Also, it absorbs less water than poly cotton.
Nylon is another synthetic material commonly used for outdoor upholstery due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and abrasion resistance. It is also more water resistant than poly cotton, but possibly not as much as polyester.
Marine grade vinyls are both mildew and abrasion-resistant, making them suitable for use on boats, awnings, and outdoor furniture. These fabrics, developed for use in marine environments, inherently offer colorfastness, durability, ability to withstand extreme temperature changes, and it is almost completely waterproof. Faux leather, PU leather, and regular vinyl are similar to this material, but usually less durable. Because outdoor furniture coverings must be durable and entirely waterproof, they are often made of vinyl or waterproofed polyester.
All of these synthetic materials are usually less comfortable than poly cotton, particularly in hot or humid conditions, and bear skin can sweat and attach to furniture made from these materials. In addition, none of these materials are biodegradable.
Poly Cotton Outdoor Applications
Poly cotton fabric blends can be used for a variety of outdoor applications.
Camping Equipment
Camping equipment such as tents and sleeping bags, benefit from poly cotton’s ability to combine breathability with durability, leading to a more comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. Some of these items may be waterproofed or have other types of finishes; therefore, you should always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure they meet your requirements.
Poly cotton backpacks can also be waterproofed, but are more commonly water repellent, so if you are carrying a laptop or other electronic equipment, you need to check the manufacturer’s specifications.
Outdoor Textiles
Because of its durability and wrinkle-free characteristics, poly cotton can be a good choice for outdoor textile products such as tablecloths.
Outdoor Furniture
As already indicated, poly cotton’s combination of durability and easy maintenance make it a popular choice for outdoor furniture, like deck chairs, sofas, garden beds, outdoor cushions, and other pieces of furniture.
Poly Cotton Outdoor Upholstery Maintenance
Regularly vacuum or dust the fabric to prevent dirt from accumulating and becoming harder to remove.
Before storing or covering the upholstery, ensure that it is completely dry, as moisture can encourage the development of mold and mildew.
Apply a waterproof cover while the furniture is not in use or when it is exposed to rain.
Although it is relatively resistant to fading, consider avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible, as prolonged exposure can sometimes cause the colors to fade.
Conclusion
Therefore, poly cotton falls somewhere in between natural and synthetic materials as an option for outdoor settings. However, specific fabric characteristics will also depend on a multitude of other factors besides fabric composition, including fabric construction, fiber or yarn quality, fabric thickness, and, in the case of outdoor furniture, applied finishes in particular.