Buying guide

Crypton vs. Performance Fabric: What’s the Difference?

Updated October 25, 2026 · 2 min read

"Performance fabric" is a broad term for upholstery fabric that's built to handle real life: spills, sunlight and heavy use. Crypton is one well-known brand of performance fabric, with its own technology. Here's how they compare and how to choose.

What "performance fabric" means

There's no single standard for the term. A fabric is usually called a performance fabric when it does at least one of these better than ordinary upholstery:

• Resists stains, so spills bead up and blot away instead of soaking in.
• Resists fading in sunlight.
• Resists wear, with high double-rub ratings.
• Cleans easily, often with water or even diluted bleach.
• Resists moisture, mildew or bacteria.

How a fabric achieves this varies. Some use solution-dyed fibres, where the colour is added to the fibre before it's spun, so it runs right through and resists fading and bleach. Others use stain-repellent finishes applied to the surface. Many use both.

What makes Crypton different

Crypton is a brand of performance fabric technology. Rather than relying only on a surface spray, Crypton builds its protection into the fabric so it lasts for the life of the upholstery. Crypton fabrics are designed to:

• Resist stains, so spills stay on the surface and blot away.
• Block moisture, so spills don't soak through into the cushion underneath.
• Resist odours and the growth of bacteria that cause them.
• Clean easily, typically with mild soap and water.

That moisture barrier is the main practical difference: an ordinary stain-resistant fabric may stop a stain from setting, but liquid can still reach the foam. With Crypton it stays on top.

Side by side

Which should you choose?

Choose Crypton if spills reaching the cushion is the real worry: young children, pets that have accidents, dining chairs, or anyone who wants the most protection.

Choose another performance fabric if your main concerns are everyday wear, fading or occasional spills. You'll find a wider range of looks and prices, and a solution-dyed or bleach-cleanable fabric is easy to keep clean.

Looking after performance fabric

• Blot spills straight away with a clean, absorbent cloth. Don't rub.
• Follow the cleaning code on the fabric page.
• Vacuum regularly so grit doesn't wear the surface.
• Performance doesn't mean indestructible: very hot liquids, ink and dye transfer from new jeans can still mark any fabric.

Common questions

Is Crypton fabric worth it?

If you have young children, pets or busy dining chairs, the moisture barrier and odour resistance are worth paying for. For lightly used furniture, a standard performance fabric is usually enough.

Is Crypton fabric waterproof?

Crypton fabrics are designed to stop spills soaking through to the cushion, so liquids stay on the surface to be blotted away. They are not intended for outdoor use in the rain.

Are performance fabrics hard to the touch?

Not any more. Performance fabrics now come as soft velvets, chenilles, bouclés and linen looks as well as durable weaves.

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