Understanding outdoor textiles

Interior textiles have traditionally been either yarn dyed (where individual yarns are immersed in dye) or piece dyed (where the yarn is woven into fabric, then immersed in dye). Advancements in textile technologies have enabled mills to mix the dye with synthetic granules prior to it being extruded as yarn; this process is known as solution dyeing.

Think of yarn or piece dyed yarns as a radish. The yarn is coloured on the outside but remains a natural white inside. In high sun situations the UV light bleaches the colour on the outside of the yarn, causing it to fade and reveal the white inside.

Alternatively, solution dyed yarns are carrots – the colour permeates all the way through the yarn. Therefore, colour loss is minimal if the outside fades in prolonged UV exposure as there is colour throughout.

Generally, our high sun textiles are woven from solution dyed acrylic, polyester, or olefin/polypropylene yarns.

Innovations in textile fibres and ongoing climate change have led to the development of indoor-outdoor sheer draperies. Woven in solution dyed acrylic and replicating the natural aesthetic and softness of pure linen, outdoor sheer draperies are as well suited to your alfresco areas as they are to interior spaces with high UV exposure.

Woven in a soft palette of mélange yarns, Sardinia and Salento by Mokum are UV resilient, bleach cleanable, salt, mould, and stain resistant and woven continuously for seamless application.

Explore our range of high-performance sheers.

First developed in interior textiles, recycled yarns are an exciting innovation in the outdoor space.

Pre-consumer olefin textile waste (fibres, yarns, flawed fabrics, and off cuts) is collected, shredded, and converted into transparent recycled olefin granules. In a process similar to solution dyeing, the granules are melted into resin and spun into yarn, then expertly woven into durable outdoor textiles of equal quality to their virgin predecessors.

Our recycled olefin/polypropylene textiles are constructed from 100% pre-consumer textile waste, use zero water during the production process, are GRS and Oeko-Tex 100 certified, and offer superior UV and stain resistance compared to other outdoor fibres.

Confidently design an all-white exterior space with FibreGuard Outdoor. 

Combining the stain-resistant attributes of FibreGuard with superior UV protection, FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics are easy to clean, water repellent, stain-free, durable, odour, and mildew resistant. These outdoor fabrics withstand harsh climates whilst maintaining the look and feel of indoor textiles. Ideal in areas exposed to the elements as well as children and pets, FibreGuard Outdoor is also Oeko-tex 100 certified.

Traditional outdoor fabrics can be cleaned with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach:10 parts water) but there is a clue in the name – this will discolour the fibres slightly and a lot of water is required to remove the smell. With FibreGuard technology you can use a bucket of warm water with a small amount of dishwashing liquid and a scrubbing brush to easily remove any dirt. It’s easy on you and the environment.

FibreGuard Outdoor also utilizes solution dyeing and recycled olefin/polypropylene yarn technologies across their range.

Explore our range of FibreGuard Outdoor textiles.

A luxurious look and feel don’t need to stop at the threshold.

Mokum predominately develops fabrics with European mills who prioritize sophisticated colour lines in robust constructions that allow us to combat the harsh environmental conditions experienced in this part of the world, where we favour transitional spaces and open homes.

Dimensional bouclé, plush velvet, and painterly prints woven from solution dyed yarns are abundant in Mokum’s outdoor range, enabling the luxurious feel and aesthetic of indoor textiles to cross into our outdoor spaces.

Outdoor renditions of our modernist Abstraction and tropical La Palma are constructed with Extreme Teflon. Teflon is adhered to the substrate using nano technology, creating a moisture wicking effect that causes spills to pool on the surface and be easily wiped off.

Why choose a high sun outdoor fabric for a window seat – it doesn’t get wet?

Interior fabrics aren’t designed to endure prolonged direct exposure to UV light and high temperatures. So, whilst water isn’t harmful to fabric, high UV exposure and extreme heat is.

Generally, an interior grade fabric on a window seat in a north-facing situation will begin to lose colour immediately. A fabric achieving UV Blue Scale test result of 5/8 will lose approximately 30% of its colour over its lifetime.

Failing to protect an interior fabric from these extremes will shorten the fabric’s life considerably. Not only will there be colour change, but it may also cause the fabric to degrade or break down within three years. To ensure longevity we recommend installing a sheer drapery, lining textile, or both.

In comparison, a high sun outdoor fabric in the same conditions will suffer minimal colour loss and should last for 10 years.

Regular light cleaning and proper storage will prolong the life of your furniture and fabrics in response to ongoing exposure to variations in temperature, moisture, and dirt.

Each fabric is unique in composition and texture and must be cared for accordingly – always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or on the attached furniture/fabric label in the first instance.

Solution dyed textiles offer enhanced fade resistance, colour stability, and long-term durability even in the harshest conditions. Additionally, they are generally washable and bleach cleanable.

Below are a series of general suggestions which can be followed in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations:

- Blot any spills immediately with a paper towel

- Whilst fabric covers may be moisture resistant, the inners may not be

- An annual deeper clean using mild detergent and warm water may be helpful – some fabric covers can be removed and machine washed

- Rotate cushions/furniture periodically to limit sun exposure over time

- During the off-season, store dry outdoor fabrics and furniture in a dry, ventilated area to prevent mildew

Learn more about caring for outdoor textiles.