Sling Fabric Manufacturers

Choosing the right sling fabric is one of the most important factors in restoring patio sling furniture. Most high-quality replacement patio slings are made from specialized mesh fabrics produced by leading textile manufacturers including Phifer, Twitchell, and Sunbrella. These fabrics are engineered specifically for outdoor sling seating, combining strength, UV resistance, breathability, and quick-dry performance. Understanding the differences between these manufacturers helps you select the best material for your replacement patio slings and ensures long-lasting comfort and durability for your outdoor furniture.

Understanding the Leading Sling Fabrics Used in Outdoor Patio Furniture

Outdoor sling furniture relies on a specialized mesh fabric engineered to support body weight while remaining breathable, durable, and weather resistant. Unlike traditional upholstery fabrics used for cushions, sling fabric must perform as a structural seating material, stretched tightly across the frame and exposed to sun, moisture, and daily use.

Most high-quality patio sling furniture manufactured in North America uses sling fabrics produced by three major textile manufacturers:

• Phifer (Phifertex® sling fabrics)

• Twitchell Corporation

• Sunbrella® Sling (by Glen Raven)

These companies supply sling fabric not only to replacement sling manufacturers but also directly to many outdoor furniture brands. Their fabrics are engineered specifically for tension seating and are known for long-term durability in outdoor environments.

Phifer Sling Fabrics (Phifertex®)

Phifer Incorporated is widely recognized as one of the largest producers of sling fabrics used in patio furniture. Their Phifertex® line of sling mesh fabrics has become an industry standard for both residential and commercial outdoor furniture.

Phifertex sling fabrics are woven from PVC-coated polyester yarns, creating a strong mesh material that maintains tension while allowing air to circulate through the seating surface. This breathable structure keeps sling chairs cooler than solid fabrics and allows rainwater to drain quickly.

Many patio furniture manufacturers specify Phifertex because of its balance of durability, comfort, and wide selection of colors and patterns.

Key features of Phifer sling fabrics include:

• Excellent dimensional stability for tension seating

• High resistance to UV degradation

• Quick drying mesh construction

• Mold and mildew resistance

• Wide selection of colors, textures, and jacquard patterns

Phifer sling fabrics are commonly used on patio chairs, chaise lounges, pool furniture, and commercial hospitality seating.

Twitchell Sling Fabrics

Twitchell Corporation has been producing performance textiles for outdoor furniture for decades. Their sling fabrics are widely used by furniture manufacturers looking for durable mesh materials that combine strength with refined woven textures.

Twitchell sling fabrics are also made from PVC-coated polyester yarn, engineered specifically to withstand constant tension and outdoor exposure.

Compared to some sling fabrics, Twitchell materials often feature more intricate woven patterns, giving the furniture a more decorative appearance while maintaining structural integrity.

Benefits of Twitchell sling fabrics include:

• Strong tensile performance for sling seating

• Attractive woven textures and patterns

• Excellent UV resistance

• Resistance to mildew and moisture

• Comfortable airflow through mesh construction

Twitchell fabrics are frequently found on premium outdoor furniture sold through specialty patio retailers.

Sunbrella Sling Fabrics

Sunbrella, manufactured by Glen Raven, is best known for solution-dyed acrylic cushion fabrics. However, the company also produces a limited collection of Sunbrella Sling fabrics designed for sling seating applications.

Sunbrella sling fabrics combine solution-dyed acrylic fibers with polyester support yarns, resulting in a softer hand feel compared to traditional sling mesh fabrics.

Because of the acrylic fiber content, Sunbrella sling fabrics are known for excellent color retention and fade resistance, which is a hallmark of the Sunbrella brand.

Advantages of Sunbrella sling fabrics include:

• Exceptional fade resistance

• Soft seating comfort compared to some mesh fabrics

• Mold and mildew resistance

• UV stabilized fibers

• Coordinating colors with Sunbrella cushion fabrics

The selection of Sunbrella sling fabrics is smaller than traditional sling mesh options, but they are sometimes used when a softer seating surface or coordinated design aesthetic is desired.

Why Sling Fabric Matters

Regardless of manufacturer, sling fabrics used in quality outdoor furniture are engineered to meet several important performance requirements.

A proper sling fabric must:

• Support body weight without excessive stretching

• Resist ultraviolet damage from sunlight

• Allow airflow for comfort in warm weather

• Drain water quickly after rain

• Resist mildew and environmental contaminants

These specialized fabrics allow sling chairs and chaise lounges to remain comfortable, durable, and low maintenance for many years of outdoor use

*Warranty coverage varies by fabric line and application. Always consult the manufacturer for specific warranty terms.