Choosing Fabric Is a Business Decision—Not Just a Material Choice
If your business depends on creating tough, weather-resistant products—like backpacks, outdoor covers, RV accessories, awnings, or marine gear—then the type of fabric you use will directly affect your product’s performance, longevity, and customer satisfaction.
At Seattle Fabrics, we provide commercial-grade fabrics for B2B industries ranging from upholstery shops to gear manufacturers. This guide will help you choose the best fabric for your business application based on performance, durability, and intended use.
Start with the End Use: What Will the Fabric Be Up Against?
Before browsing, get specific about your fabric’s environment and requirements:
Will it be used indoors or outdoors?
Will it be exposed to sun, salt, or rain?
Does it need to be breathable or waterproof?
Should it resist mold, mildew, or UV damage?
Is it for a high-visibility project or purely functional?
Will it endure abrasion, impact, or heavy friction?
Popular Outdoor Fabrics We Offer
We carry a wide range of industrial-grade textiles. Here are our most in-demand categories:
Cordura® Nylon
Excellent for tactical gear, heavy-duty backpacks, and outdoor utility items
Abrasion-resistant, highly durable, water-repellent
Great for gear that will be handled roughly or used in rugged conditions
Sunbrella® Acrylic Fabric
Ideal for boat covers, patio furniture, and commercial awnings
Top-tier fade resistance and colorfastness
Mold, mildew, and UV resistant
Packcloth and Oxford Nylon
Water-resistant, lightweight, and versatile
Good for light-duty covers, stuff sacks, bags, and liners
Cost-effective and easy to sew
What Should You Prioritize? Key Fabric Features for Business Use
When choosing outdoor fabrics, these are the most critical attributes for most commercial projects:
UV Resistance:
Essential for outdoor furniture and signage
Sunbrella® offers the highest UV protection
Water Resistance:
Necessary for marine, tent, or rain gear applications
Cordura® and Packcloth are excellent choices
Abrasion Resistance:
Important for tactical, industrial, or rugged-use products
Cordura® is the standout performer here
Aesthetic and Comfort:
Needed for visible customer-facing projects
Sunbrella® looks great and feels great
Ease of Sewing:
Lightweight fabrics like Packcloth are easier to work with
Heavier fabrics may need industrial machines
Matching Fabric Weight to the Job
Lightweight (330D–600D):
Great for drawstring bags, liners, or light covers
Easy to handle and sew
Medium-Weight (1000D):
Ideal for backpacks, utility bags, and abrasion-heavy use
Heavyweight Woven Acrylic (8–10 oz):
Used in awnings, canopies, and long-term outdoor exposure
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Why Buy by the Roll? Commercial Advantages
If you're a business creating high-volume products, buying in full rolls provides:
Cost savings per yard
Consistent dye lots for color matching
More efficient cutting and production planning
Don’t Forget the Notions: Fabric Alone Isn’t Enough
To complete your project, you’ll also need:
Heavy-Duty Thread & Needles – Designed for industrial and outdoor use
Webbing & Binding – Essential for straps, edging, and reinforcements
Zippers, Buckles, and Snaps – Choose hardware that can withstand outdoor abuse
Which Industries Should Choose What?
Furniture Manufacturers:
Sunbrella® for its premium look and fade resistance
Marine vinyl if waterproofing is a priority
Gear Makers & Tactical Brands:
Cordura® nylon for rugged durability and tear resistance
Tent Rental & Event Companies:
Flame-retardant vinyl or poly fabrics
Easy to clean, long-lasting under strain
Marine & RV Fabricators:
Sunbrella® and vinyl-coated mesh for mold resistance and strength
Works well in saltwater and high UV settings
In Summary: Choose Smart, Build Better
Choosing the right outdoor fabric isn’t just about material specs—it’s about aligning your product’s purpose with a fabric that will deliver performance, durability, and customer satisfaction.
Whether you're ordering in bulk or prototyping your next product line, Seattle Fabrics offers expert guidance and a deep inventory of B2B-ready fabrics and supplies.
Ready to make a confident decision?
Shop Outdoor Fabrics Now ?