What are the differences between polyester, olefin and acrylic fabrics?

Among all the parameters to consider when deciding to buy a parasol, the fabric from which the canvas is made is crucial, as it determines the comfort of use, the durability of the product, as well as a large part of the aesthetic appearance of the parasol.

What types of fabric can be used to equip a parasol? Polyester, olefin or acrylic, Belveo guides you through the different types of fabrics by detailing the characteristics of each.

Polyester fabric: the most common choice

Polyester fabric is a synthetic material, and it is very frequently used in the manufacture of parasol canopies. It is also used to make cushions intended for outdoor use.

Polyester is suitable for everyday use, such as setting up a canopy for a few weeks each year to protect family and guests during summer barbecues. A polyester canopy is therefore ideal for covering garden chairs and tables where meals are enjoyed outdoors.

Polyester canvas is particularly affordable and easy to care for. Its strength helps prevent tears and damage from daily use. However, it cannot be expected to last indefinitely, especially in terms of color, which tends to fade.

Belveo's polyester fabrics, however, benefit from an anti-fading treatment which increases their lifespan.

Olefin fabric: resistant and treated against fading

Olefin fabric is used somewhat less frequently than polyester. Olefin is also a synthetic material, known as polypropylene. It is more resistant to stains, mold, and UV rays, and its durability is quite high.

Olefin fabric is much less prone to fading than polyester , which explains its higher price . The shade provided by olefin fabric is generally superior to that of polyester fabric, with a UPF rating of 80 or higher, whereas polyester's UPF rating is sometimes only 50.

The olefin fabric used on Belveo parasols is made in Spain . It's an eco-friendly fabric, produced without using water. At 190g/m², it's also the thinnest parasol fabric in our range.

Acrylic canvas: ideal for professional use, but not only...

The acrylic canvas was designed For intensive outdoor use . This material is highly resistant to UV rays, mold, and fading. Very easy to clean and maintain. It is perfectly suited for professional use as a parasol throughout the year. It is ideal for equipping a restaurant terrace, a private beach, or even the balcony of a city club. It is also a great alternative for private use, offering both durability and aesthetics for a balcony, garden or private terrace.

The acrylic canvas offered by Belveo is a Sunbrella brand canvas . It is manufactured in Northern France. The fabric's color can withstand over 4,000 hours of use, offering optimal durability. This is because Sunbrella acrylic fiber is solution-dyed, meaning the yarns are colored throughout. This method guarantees unparalleled resistance to common weathering, such as fading from UV rays or wear, thus providing exceptional performance in terms of durability and colorfastness.

Choosing the right canvas for your garden or terrace

Depending on the conditions in which the parasol will be used, one of the available fabric types will be chosen. If the priority is to guarantee high protection against UV rays and increased weather resistance , Sunbrella acrylic fabric is the best choice. If price is a key factor, polyester is the best option, offering a lower price despite its high quality. Finally, olefin fabric ensures good color retention over time, as well as being easy to care for and clean.

Since durability is a crucial factor in the decision in many cases, we will consider that Sunbrella acrylic canvas is the most durable over time, followed by olefin canvas, then polyester canvas.

All three fabrics are perfectly suited to Belveo parasols , offering exceptional robustness and protection. Each fabric is of high quality, resulting in a water-repellent or waterproof canopy with excellent sun resistance.

Regular maintenance is still recommended regardless of the fabric chosen: regular cleaning with soap and water, as well as storage in a cover during the months of the year when the parasol remains unused.

Olefin, polyester and acrylic canvases are all offered in a range of colours from beige to anthracite grey , including duck blue and terracotta.

Belveo parasol canopies are interchangeable , which means that it is always possible to change your mind after a few years by fitting one of our products with a new canopy made of a different fabric.