My friend Sally called me up the other day as she was thinking about buying some new sofa slipcovers and wanted my advice. Specifically, she wanted to know what kinds of fabrics are best for slipcovers. That’s a common question that I often get asked, so here’s my brief guide to slipcover fabrics:
The cheapest slipcovers tend to be made from synthetic fabrics, particularly polyester. As well as saving you money, a slipcover made from polyester should be low-maintenance, as this material is wrinkle-resistant. It should keep its shape and fit, and is durable too – its color shouldn’t fade in sunlight.
Polyester is often found combined with cotton in furniture slipcovers, which is a good combination of the wrinkle-resistant qualities of polyester and the comfort of cotton. Because cotton is a natural fiber fabric, it’s able to breathe, which means it helps air circulate and moisture evaporate. This can make 100% cotton slipcovers more comfortable to sit on in hot or humid weather. Unlike man-made fabrics, cotton is more likely to get creased and may need to be ironed after washing. It’s very durable though and can stand up to regular washes.
One fabric that is especially popular is Performance Twill, which is made from 100% polyester. This type of slipcover is very hardwearing and is a good fabric to have if you’ve got children or pets. It’s also treated with a fabric protector to help prevent dirty marks and stains.
Stretch slipcovers are usually made from polyester mixed with a small percentage of Spandex. Look out for slipcovers made from stretch fabrics if you have good quality furniture and want a snug fit. The Spandex in this type of fabric helps the slipcover cling to the curves and contours of a seat and fit like a glove.