Performance Fabrics 101

At its core, performance fabric is engineered to stand up to life’s inevitable messes—spills, stains, and everyday wear and tear. Unlike traditional fabrics, performance materials are specially designed to be more durable and easier to clean, all while looking stylish and feeling soft. And, they come in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, allowing you to achieve the look you want without compromising on functionality—especially with lighter-colored fabrics. This versatility means that these fabrics can be seamlessly integrated into various design schemes. 

Performance fabrics are often treated or woven with advanced fibers that resist moisture, stains, and fading, meaning they’re ready for whatever life throws at them. Sundays’ proprietary fabric, LiveLife™, is a standout in this category, blending high performance with the cozy look and feel of a traditional fabric. It’s like having the best of both worlds—a fabric tough enough to handle busy family life, yet soft enough for lounging. And, it comes in a range of easy-to-match neutral colors.  

Durability 

The biggest claim to fame for performance fabrics is their durability. They are built to last, and that’s not just hype. They’re designed to resist wear and tear, making them a perfect fit for high-traffic areas like your living room or family room. Whether you’ve got kids who love to turn your sofa into a trampoline or pets who think the couch is their personal playground, performance fabrics can stand up to it.  

Stain Resistance 

 Accidents happen. Whether it’s a spill during a movie night or your toddler’s artistic attempt to redecorate with juice, you want a fabric that won’t make you panic. Performance fabrics are made to repel liquids and stains, so instead of watching in horror as the spill soaks in, you can grab a towel, wipe it up, and move on with your day after a bit of minor clean up. 

Easy Maintenance 

 It’s easy to love the low-maintenance things in life, and performance fabrics are no different. Cleaning them is incredibly simple, often just requiring a bit of soap and water. Sundays’ LiveLife™ fabric is particularly great in this department—just spot clean and you’re good to go. No need to break out the heavy-duty cleaners or book an appointment with a professional upholstery cleaner. 

Comfort 

 You might think all this talk of durability and stain resistance means you’re sacrificing comfort, but that’s where performance fabrics really shine. Unlike some durable fabrics that can feel stiff or rough, performance fabrics are designed to be soft and cozy. Sundays’ LiveLife™ fabric offers all the plushness and comfort you’d expect from high-end furniture, without any of the fuss. 

Long-lasting 

We’ve all been there—you invest in a beautiful new sofa, only to see it start to wear down after just a few years. With performance fabric, that timeline is extended significantly. That’s because the fabric is designed to hold up against daily use, which means your couch will look newer for longer. 

Family-Friendly 

If you’ve got little ones running around, performance fabric is your best friend. It’s tough enough to handle sticky fingers, juice spills, and impromptu snack attacks. And the best part? You won’t be constantly stressing about keeping the couch in pristine condition—it can take whatever your family throws its way (literally). And, Sundays’ LiveLife™ fabrics are all non-toxic, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice peace-of-mind.  

Pet-Friendly 

Let’s talk pets. They’re cute, but they’re not always kind to your furniture. With claws, shedding, and the occasional muddy pawprint, your couch takes a beating. Performance fabrics, like Sundays’ LiveLife™, are a dream come true for pet owners. This type of fabric is engineered to retain its shape and resist wrinkling or sagging, maintaining a polished look even after prolonged use. It’s also more tear- or puncture-resistant compared to standard fabrics, meaning it can stand up to claws.  

If you’re a dog owner, you know the struggle is real. Cuddling with your furry friends on the couch is cozy and all, but it can feel like your sofa is always under siege. Performance fabrics make that battle a lot easier. Thanks to their durability and stain resistance, they’re perfectly suited for homes with dogs. LiveLife™ fabric is especially great—it’s tough enough to withstand scratching and light pet-induced chaos, and its easy-to-clean surface means no more stressing about those post-walk dirty paws.

One of the best things about performance fabrics is how simple they are to maintain. Regular cleaning is as easy as giving the surface a quick vacuum or light dusting to remove dirt and debris. For spills or stains, Sundays’ LiveLife™ fabric only requires a bit of mild soap and water. You can simply blot the area and the mess will disappear without much effort. For more stubborn stains, a gentle upholstery cleaner will do the trick—but trust us, you’ll rarely need it. 

Pro Tip: Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, which can damage the fabric’s finish and weaken its performance properties. Stick to gentle, eco-friendly cleaners, and you’ll keep your performance fabric sofa looking fresh for years to come. 

Performance fabrics, like Sundays’ LiveLife™, offer the perfect blend of style, durability, and easy maintenance. And, we’re beginning to see more performance fabrics made from eco-friendly or recycled materials. As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable options is on the rise, leading to more eco-friendly performance fabrics entering the market—which is a win-win. 

Whether you’ve got a bustling household filled with kids and pets, or you’re just looking for a fabric that won’t stress you out every time there’s a spill, performance fabrics are the way to go. They’re long-lasting, family-friendly, pet-friendly, and, most importantly, comfortable. Explore Sundays’ collection of performance fabric sofas and find the perfect fit for your home.  

What is a performance fabric?  

Performance fabric is a type of upholstery material specifically engineered to withstand everyday wear and tear while offering added benefits like stain resistance, durability, and easy maintenance. Unlike traditional fabrics, performance fabrics are often treated with special coatings or woven using advanced fibers that resist moisture, spills, and fading. Sundays Furniture’s LiveLife™ fabric, for example, combines these practical qualities with a soft, luxurious feel, making it ideal for households that balance style with busy family life. 

Are performance fabrics worth it? 

Absolutely. Despite slightly higher upfront costs, their durability and low maintenance needs can lead to cost savings in the long run. They help protect furniture investments by extending the lifespan of upholstery. This means your sofa will look fresher for longer, even in high-traffic areas. Plus, their stain-resistant and easy-to-clean properties make them a lifesaver for families with kids, pets, or frequent gatherings. With options like Sundays’ LiveLife™, you get a premium look and feel without the worry of everyday messes. 

How long does performance fabric last?  

Performance fabrics are designed to be more durable than traditional upholstery materials, often lasting up to twice as long. With proper care and regular maintenance, your performance fabric furniture can easily maintain its quality and appearance for 5 to 10 years or more. Sundays Furniture’s LiveLife™ fabric is particularly long-lasting due to its ability to resist wear and tear, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants their furniture to stand the test of time. 

Is performance fabric good for dogs? 

Yes, performance fabric is an excellent choice for dog owners. Performance fabrics like LiveLife™ are resistant to scratches and are easy to clean if your furry friend tracks in dirt or has an accident. The fabric’s durability ensures that it can handle the occasional pawing or digging, while its stain resistance means you don’t have to worry about muddy paws ruining your sofa. It’s both pet-friendly and low maintenance, which makes it a win-win for dog lovers. 

By Noah Morse, Sundays co-founder and head of product