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How to measure · Shade sails
Outdoor fabric, honestly: acrylic vs canvas vs mesh
There's no perfect outdoor fabric — each trades one thing for another. Here's the honest version, so you pick for your weather.
For all-day sun: solution-dyed acrylic
Dyed to the core, so it holds color for years (1500+ hours to noticeable fade). It repels water and dries fast rather than sealing it out — great for sun, not a rain barrier.
For sun + rain: PU-backed poly canvas
The balanced default. A polyurethane backing makes it genuinely waterproof; the trade is it breathes less than open acrylic. Best all-rounder for an exposed patio.
For budget or shade: olefin
Water-resistant and cheaper, but fades sooner in harsh sun — a smart pick for covered porches and shaded seating.
For shade sails: mesh vs oxford
HDPE mesh blocks ~95% of UV and lets rain and wind through (so it won't balloon). Waterproof PU oxford blocks rain and 100% UV but needs a drainage slope and stronger anchors. Pick mesh for a sun shade, oxford only if you need to stay dry.
FAQ
Is 'waterproof' always better?
No. A waterproof sail balloons in wind and pools water unless it's pitched; breathable mesh is the right pick for a pure sun shade. Match the fabric to the job.
What lasts longest in the sun?
Solution-dyed acrylic — the color is in the fibre, not printed on, so it resists fade far longer than dyed-surface fabrics.