High performance upholstery fabrics are increasingly popular for their durability, easy maintenance, and stylish finishes.
But like many innovations, they come with a fair share of misconceptions — often based on outdated information or oversimplified assumptions.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common myths and see how the reality stacks up.
Expectation #1: High Performance Upholstery Fabrics Feel Stiff and Rough
One of the most common assumptions about high performance upholstery fabrics is that they are stiff, scratchy, or uncomfortable to sit on.
This belief often stems from the early days of performance textiles, when most were designed specifically for outdoor furniture.
Today, the story is very different. Modern high performance upholstery fabrics are both resilient and comfortable. This makes them suitable not just for outdoor use but for everyday living spaces.
In fact, many performance fabrics now rival — and sometimes surpass — traditional textiles in terms of comfort.
Luxurious finishes are readily available, with options that mimic the plush feel of velvet, the cosy texture of chenille, or the natural elegance of linen.
This means you no longer have to sacrifice style and softness for practicality.
Expectation #2: High Performance Upholstery Fabrics Look Plastic-Like or Cheap
While early high performance upholstery fabrics were functional, they didn’t always have the refined appearance homeowners wanted.
However, they are now available in a wide range of sophisticated colours, patterns, and textures that rival the look and feel of premium upholstery.
This means that whether you are decorating a casual family living room, a sleek modern apartment, or a formal lounge, there is a performance fabric that blends seamlessly with your design vision.
Many are virtually indistinguishable from high-end natural fabrics. Plus they bring the added benefit of being stain-resistant, durable, and easy to maintain.
Expectation #3: High Performance Upholstery Fabrics Aren’t Eco-Friendly
Another misconception about high performance upholstery fabrics is that they are inherently bad for the environment.
Because many of them are made from synthetic fibres such as polyester or acrylic, they are often associated with plastics and the negative impacts of synthetic production.
In reality, the textile industry has made significant strides in making performance fabrics more sustainable.
Many brands now incorporate recycled fibres, such as polyester derived from post-consumer plastic bottles, reducing the reliance on virgin resources.
Innovative dyeing methods like solution dyeing are also being adopted; this process not only enhances colourfastness but also uses far less water and fewer chemicals compared to traditional dyeing techniques.
Beyond the production process, performance fabrics are designed for longevity. Their durability means they last longer than many conventional textiles, which reduces the frequency of replacement and helps minimize textile waste over time.
Read more: What Is Performance Fabric? A Complete Guide
Expectation #4: A High Double Rub Count Means Invincible Fabric
When shopping for upholstery, many people focus heavily on the double rub count, assuming it is the ultimate benchmark of durability.
But while the double rub test is a useful measure of how well a fabric can resist wear from friction, it does not provide the full picture of performance.
True high performance upholstery fabrics have a combination of features working together. Stain resistance, colourfastness, moisture repellence, and ease of cleaning are just as important as abrasion resistance in determining how long a fabric will look and feel its best.
For most residential settings, a fabric with a moderate to high rub count already offers more than enough protection, while the extremely high commercial-grade figures often exceed what you need in a home environment.
Expectation #5: High Performance Upholstery Fabrics Don’t Require Maintenance
Because companies market these textiles as stain-resistant, durable, and easy to clean, it’s easy to believe that they don’t need the same level of care as traditional upholstery.
Many buyers assume they can simply install performance fabric furniture and forget about it, expecting it to look brand new for years without any effort.
However, dust, dirt, and pet hair can settle into the fibres over time. If left unchecked, these particles act like abrasives, gradually wearing down the fabric’s surface.
Regular vacuuming or gentle brushing is an effective way to prevent this buildup and preserve the fabric’s appearance.
Spills and stains are another area where quick action makes a difference. Although performance fabrics resist liquids and stains, leaving a spill untreated can still lead to discolouration or residue over time.
Prompt blotting and spot cleaning keep the fabric looking fresh and ensure the protective properties continue to perform as intended.
Expectation #6: All Performance Fabrics Repel Liquids
Lastly, many imagine that any liquid spilled on high performance upholstery fabrics will immediately bead up on the surface, ready to be wiped away without leaving a trace.
In truth, not all performance fabrics are designed to repel liquids on contact. While some do feature water-repellent coatings or treatments that cause spills to bead on the surface, others focus on stain-release technology instead.
This means that while a liquid might soak into the fibres initially, the fabric resists absorption at a deeper level, allowing the spill to be cleaned before it sets in permanently.
Both approaches are effective, but they function differently and offer varying levels of convenience depending on how quickly a spill is addressed.
This distinction makes it especially important to match your choice of fabric with your lifestyle. If you have young children or pets and want instant spill protection, a water-repellent fabric may be the better option.
On the other hand, if you prefer a softer hand-feel or a variety of designs, a stain-release fabric is ideal. It combines everyday practicality with aesthetic flexibility.
Read more: Why Choose Performance Upholstery Fabric for Your Space?
Performance Fabrics that Redefine Comfort and Durability
High performance upholstery fabrics aren’t magic, but they are a smart solution for modern living.
By combining durability, style, and ease of maintenance, they offer far more than their early reputation suggests.
Understanding their real strengths (and their limits) helps you choose the right fabric with confidence.
At Kintex, we provide premium sofa fabrics that blend performance with design. Explore our collection today and find materials that bring both comfort and longevity to your home.
