At Fox Interiors, we believe function should never be sacrificed for form (and vice versa), and performance fabric technology allows us to have our cake and eat it too.
On the couch.
With the kids.
While being fully present and not stressing over potential staining.
So, as we would with a good cake, let’s dig in!
What is Performance Fabric Technology?
Performance fabric technology is the chemistry that helps fabric stand up to the messy parts of living. The technology can prevent staining, repel liquids, block odors, and resist fading; it can make fabrics antibacterial, antimicrobial, and mildew-resistant; and it strengthens fabrics to stand up to the wear and tear of large parties, heavy foot traffic, pets, kiddos, and wine nights with old friends.
It makes fabrics incredibly easy to clean and can be applied to most textiles, meaning beauty is never sacrificed in the name of fabric longevity.
Why Select Performance Fabrics?
You invest an incredible amount of time and money into making your home yours, and performance fabrics ensure the soft goods you bring into your home hold up to life, are long-lasting, and don’t require an advanced degree and an entire weekend to clean. No one has time for that.
In short, performance fabrics protect your investment and allow you to live your life.
Performance Fabric Technology Types
Now for the juicy tech details! There are many types of performance fabric technologies for home textiles, but they all fall into two main categories: integrated and applied.
Integrated performance technologies are incorporated into the fabrics at the time of manufacture, binding to the individual threads themselves and becoming part of the fabric, while applied performance technologies are applied to the fabric either after production or after market as a type of finish.
Here are the main players in each category:
Crypton | Integrated Technology
Crypton fabric goes through an immersion bath and then passes through a 300-degree oven that cross-links the PFAS-free technology into every fiber, providing permanent protection against stains, odors, and moisture, meaning it’s protection that will never wash away. (from the Crypton website)
- Stain- and odor-resistant
- Soft-touch fabric that’s easy to clean
- Comes in a wide range of fabric types, including linens and velvets
- PFAS-free, no forever chemicals, and no harsh chemicals make it family-safe
- GREENGUARD® Gold certified (low chemical emissions, contributing to healthy indoor air quality)
- Only EPA-approved disinfectable fabric that doesn’t poison our ecosystem
Nanotex | Integrated Technology
Michigan-based Nanotex was inspired by the cellular structure of lotus leaves that makes the plant naturally water repellent. Replicating that in a process called biomimicry, Nanotex transforms the molecular structures of fibers, permanently bonding the technology to the fabric itself. Additionally, nanotechnology enhances textiles without changing their inherent characteristics of hand and drape. The result is a fabric with unsurpassed durability and natural feel.
- Stain- and liquid-resistant
- Extra long-lasting
- Soft, comfortable feel
Sunbrella | Integrated Technology
The gold standard in color stability, Sunbrella’s proprietary “Color to the Core” technology saturates each fiber with color and UV-stabilized pigments. Once saturated, the proprietary fiber is spun into yarns, which are then woven to create long-lasting performance fabrics that stay color-true over time, while maintaining the strength and integrity of the fabric through years of cleaning, wear, and exposure to the elements. (from the Sunbrella website)
While outdoor furniture likely comes to mind when you think of Sunbrella, they carry a wide range of weaves so that you can enjoy long-lasting color inside your home as well with soft and cozy fabrics.
- Fade-resistant, with UV protection
- Mold, mildew, stain, water and abrasion resistant
- GREENGUARD® Gold certified (low chemical emissions, contributing to healthy indoor air quality)
- Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® (no harmful substances)
- WAIT (Wildlife and Industry Together) program member: conserving the plant and animal life surrounding Sunbrella facilities
Fiberseal | Applied Technology
Fiberseal is an applied solution that creates a protective barrier on soft goods. This sprayed-on technology helps to prevent the absorption of spills, pet stains, and odors. Fiberseal can be applied to upholstered furniture, drapery, area rugs, outdoor cushions, and wall-to-wall carpeting.
The product is sprayed onto clean fabric and dries quickly, so you can use your furniture within hours. Because this product is applied to the surface, rather than being integrated into the fibers during production, treated goods do need to be cleaned and recoated every 12-24 months, depending on wear and tear. (from the Fiberseal website)
- Stain- and odor-resistant
- Does not impact color or handfeel of fabrics
- Can be applied at Fiberseal warehouse for new furniture, or in your home for existing furniture
- GREENGUARD® Gold certified (low chemical emissions, contributing to healthy indoor air quality)
- Requires re-coats every 12-24 months
Fiber ProTector | Applied Technology
Fiber ProTector was originally designed for high-end cabins and public areas on European cruise ships, specifically formulated to stand up to rigorous, high-traffic environments, helping keep the cabins clean and healthy for quick turnaround in port.
Fiber ProTector is composed of sprayed-on nano-tech particles that, when applied, reduce the surface tension of the individual fibers. This reduced surface tension creates an invisible yet breathable shield around each fiber, providing an effective barrier against organic fluids, soil, and dust. It also mechanically produces a bacteriostatic surface that resists the growth and spread of pathogens, mold, and mildew. (Fiber Protector website)
- Stain- and odor-resistant
- Prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew
- Does not impact color or handfeel of fabrics
- UV protection for long-lasting color
- Silicone-free: safe for silk, wool, viscose, and other delicate fibers
- Petrochemical-free
- Requires re-coats every 12-24 months
For the project above, our teen client wanted a cozy place to chill out in her bedroom. Knowing she’s a prolific and talented artist, protecting the fabrics in this room was a priority to help extend their lifespan. A white beanbag chair and storage ottoman would have been a risky choice without this technology.
Even the velvet desk chair was protected, since years ago Colleen witnessed her own daughter spill hot pink craft paint on her brand new upholstered dining room chair that had just been treated with Fiberseal. Seeing the magic of the paint immediately come off the textured fabric with only a quick pat with a paper towel, she knew fabric protection technology was a valuable tool that would benefit her clients of all ages.
These were all treated with Fiber ProTector, which is applied using the same process described for Fiberseal.
What to Consider
When you’re specifying the right performance fabric technology for your home, we recommend considering these factors:
- Maintenance: What is your preferred level of care? Is re-coating a fabric every 2 years realistic? Or are you looking for a one-and-done solution? This will answer whether applied or integrated solutions are right for you.
- Durability: What are your main concerns? Spills, odors, mildew, UV protection? Define these first to inform your decision process.
- Handfeel: Touch the performance fabric you’re considering! Take a sample home and live with it. How does it feel? Is it a texture you can envision sinking into at the end of the day?
- GREENGUARD® Gold certified: There’s no need to sacrifice your family’s health for durability. This certification ensures healthy indoor air quality for you and your family.
- PFAS-Free: Similarly, there’s no need to endanger your family or the environment. Keep forever-chemicals out of your home while still enjoying long-lasting performance fabric that supports your life.
With these considerations, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect performance fabric fit for your home that stands up to all the “life” parts of life, protecting your home investment and your peace of mind.
Now THAT deserves a slice of cake!
