When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your upholstery project, it isn’t just about choosing the right pattern or color. How your work stands up to the test of time is just as important as the style itself. There are five important signs to look for when choosing what upholstery fabric to use: Fiber Content, Abrasion Resistance, Weave and Thread Count, Performance, & Integrity. 

Strong Fiber Composition

When looking at the strength of your fibers, it’s important to look at Natural vs Synthetic materials.

Natural fabric refers to woven fabrics made using fabric materials derived from plant fibers, like cotton and silk, and from animal products, like leather and wool. 

Synthetic fiber refers to manufactured materials that are typically altered using chemicals. 

Blends combine the best of both worlds — for example, a cotton-poly blend might feel soft and natural while improving durability and stain resistance.

High Abrasion Resistance

Rub count refers to how many times a fabric can be rubbed back and forth before it shows wear — typically measured in double rubs. This test mimics the repeated friction upholstery experiences over time. 

Fabrics with performance finishes like Crypton or Endurepel have a higher double rub score than most non-performance fabrics. Crypton states, “Our fabric is designed to meet our high durability standards, and most withstands 50,000 double rubs or more – which is 20,000 more than the 30,000 industry standard.”

Tight Weave & High Thread Count

Tightly woven fabrics are more resistant to snagging, stretching, and general wear. They hold their shape better and offer a smoother, more luxurious feel. A high thread count, or the number of threads per square inch according to Better Homes & Gardens, indicates a stronger, denser fabric that will age more gracefully. 

Color & Stain Resistance

Durability doesn’t end with the weave. A good upholstery fabric should maintain its color integrity and resist stains for as long as possible.

Performance fabrics like Crypton, are engineered for both. Stain-repellent finishes resist spills, dirt, and oils. This makes these fabrics great for dining chairs, family rooms, or any high-traffic space.

Soft Feel, Low Pilling, & Structural Integrity

Comfort and structure are often overlooked in favor of looks — but high-quality upholstery fabrics offer all three:

Soft hand – the fabric feels pleasant to the touch, not scratchy

Low pilling – minimal fiber shedding over time

Structural integrity – holds up to tension, keeps shape, resists sagging

While we can give you several tips, it is also very important to see and feel the fabric in person. We offer memo samples to aid you in your fabric selection process. Call us today to request your free memo samples!