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Short answer
For outdoor drapes, pergola covers and simple sun shades, use a lighter outdoor fabric, ideally solution-dyed acrylic, which resists fading and dries quickly. Pale and mid colours stay cooler and hide fading; dark colours give deeper shade but heat up. Plan for wind and rain: tie drapes back in storms, let canopies drain, and take fabric down in long wet spells. Large or tensioned structures need a specialist, because wind loads on fabric are significant.
Where fabric shades work
| Use | Purpose | Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor drapes on a pergola or gazebo | Shade, privacy and a soft look | Lighter solution-dyed acrylic |
| Simple canopy over a seating area | Sun shade | Lighter outdoor fabric, fixed to drain |
| Balcony privacy screen | Screening from neighbours | Outdoor fabric, firmly fixed |
| Poolside cabana | Shade and privacy for loungers | Outdoor fabric drapes |
For roller blinds and motorised exterior shades, see the shading systems at JOTEX Sunshades.
Choosing the fabric
Outdoor shade fabric must cope with strong sun, heat, humidity and rain. Solution-dyed acrylic, coloured through the fibre before it is spun, is the most fade-resistant choice and dries quickly. See Outdoor Fabric: Solution-Dyed Acrylic.
In the JOTEX OUTDOOR range, BREEZE is a lighter 260 gsm solution-dyed quality whose listed uses include shades, and BRISA and SHORE are lighter multi-purpose solution-dyed plains. Heavier qualities such as PATIO are made for seating rather than shades.
Colour, light and heat
- Pale and mid colours stay cooler, let a soft light through and show fading least.
- Dark colours give deeper shade but absorb heat and radiate it below.
- Coordinate with cushions: a plain shade above, stripes or checks on the seating. See Balcony and Poolside Cushions.
Rain and wind
- Let canopies drain. A flat fabric roof collects water; fix it at a slope so rain runs off.
- Tie drapes back in storms, so they do not flap, tear or pull fixings out.
- Take fabric down in long spells of heavy rain or strong wind, and dry it fully before storing.
- Use outdoor-rated fixings that will not rust and stain the fabric.
Watch out
Wind puts large forces on fabric. Shade sails, large canopies and anything tensioned or fixed overhead should be designed and installed by a specialist.
Cleaning and care
Brush off leaves and dirt regularly, and sponge with mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse well and let the fabric air-dry. Avoid harsh cleaners and high-pressure jets close to the fabric. Make sure fabric is completely dry before folding or storing, to prevent mildew.
JOTEX OUTDOOR fabrics
Acrylic outdoor fabrics, updated from the catalogue. Check each collection's listed uses. See the outdoor fabric page.
Browse outdoor fabric →
Frequently asked questions
What fabric is best for outdoor drapes?
A lighter solution-dyed acrylic outdoor fabric, which resists fading in strong sun and dries quickly after rain.
Can outdoor fabric be used for a pergola canopy?
For a simple canopy, yes, if it is fixed at a slope to drain. Large or tensioned structures should be designed by a specialist because of wind loads.
What colour shade fabric is coolest?
Pale and mid colours stay cooler and let a soft light through. Dark colours give deeper shade but absorb and radiate more heat.
Can outdoor drapes stay up in the rain?
Outdoor fabric copes with rain, but tie drapes back in storms and take them down in long wet spells. Dry them fully before storing.
How do I clean outdoor shade fabric?
Brush off dirt, sponge with mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse and air-dry. Avoid harsh cleaners and high-pressure jets.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.