Performance fabrics are built to take on whatever life throws at them — spills, scratches, kids, pets, and even the occasional red wine accident. They have redefined home decor.
At Comfort Works, we don’t believe you should have to choose between durability and design. We have the best performance fabrics for sofas because they are designed for real life: made to last, easy to clean, and soft to the touch. They look beautiful, feel cosy, and stand up to daily wear without the stress.
Whether you’ve got a busy family household, a pet that rules the sofa, or you just want low-maintenance style, CW performance fabrics have your back (and your back cushions).
Table of contents
- Comfort Works performance fabrics: Our bare minimum
- What makes the best performance fabric for sofas? These 5 additional upgrades.
- CW performance fabrics FAQ: Your top questions, answered
- What are CW performance fabrics made of?
- Do CW performance fabrics feel stiff or synthetic?
- Are CW performance fabrics safe for sensitive skin?
- Can I machine wash my CW performance fabric couch covers?
- Will the fabric coatings wear off over time?
- What’s the difference between stain-proof protection and liquid-repellent coating?
- Which CW performance fabrics are best for pets?
- Can I use CW performance fabrics outdoors?
- Are CW performance fabrics eco-friendly?
- Are performance fabrics worth the cost?
- Do CW performance fabrics work for all sofa models?
Comfort Works performance fabrics: Our bare minimum
When it comes to fabric, we don’t do average. Every single material that makes it into the Comfort Works collection must meet our strict standards for durability, comfort and care. If it’s not made to last — and made for real life — it simply doesn’t make the cut.
That’s why all our performance fabrics start with five non-negotiable qualities. These are the bare minimum we demand before we’ll even consider calling it a CW fabric. Whether you’re choosing a linen-look, velvet, or outdoor-friendly cover, you can count on these key features across the board:
What makes the best performance fabric for sofas? These 5 additional upgrades.
When it comes to durability and everyday ease, our core performance fabric features already tick the must-have boxes — washable, colourfast, low-pilling, heavy-duty, and hypoallergenic.
But if you’re looking for the best performance fabrics for sofas, the real game-changers are in the details. These five advanced features offer even more protection, comfort and peace of mind — especially for homes with pets, kids, or just a lot of life happening.
1. Liquid-repellent coating (EzGuard™)
Spilled tea? Knocked over wine? No big deal. Our liquid-repellent fabrics are treated with an eco-friendly coating that causes liquids to bead up on the surface — giving you time to blot before it soaks in. This invisible barrier doesn’t affect the fabric’s softness or breathability, and makes everyday messes feel a lot less stressful.
CW couch cover fabrics that have a Liquid-repellent coating (EzGuard™):
- Care+ Canvas
- Care+ Tweed
- Care+ Linen
- Mod Boucle
- Mod Basketweave
- Signature Velvet
- Signature Microfibre
2. Stain-proof protection
Go ahead — eat on the sofa. Our stain-proof performance fabrics are built to handle everyday spills and splatters, from ice cream to wine. A protective finish helps stop stains from setting deep into the fibres, so you can spot clean with a damp cloth or throw the covers in the wash when needed. It’s an easy way to keep your sofa looking fresh.
CW couch cover fabrics with stain-proof protection:
3. Mould and mildew resistance
Freshness, even in the most humid corners. Thanks to a tight weave and moisture-repelling properties, our mould-resistant fabrics help prevent the growth of mildew, mould and even algae. That means fewer odours, better air quality, and covers that stay cleaner for longer — even in tropical climates or outdoor spaces.
CW couch cover fabrics with mould and mildew resistance:
4. UV and fade resistance
Sunshine-safe and colour-stable. With a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), these fabrics are designed to withstand direct sunlight without fading, weakening, or losing vibrancy over time. They’re a great choice for sun-drenched rooms, balconies, or anywhere your sofa soaks up the light.
CW couch cover fabrics with UV and fade resistance:
5. Scratch-resistant texture (PawSafe™)
Pets welcome — seriously. Tightly woven to prevent snags and pulls, our PawSafe™ fabrics stand up to curious claws and daily scrambles onto the couch. The texture is smooth and comfy (never rough or stiff), so you don’t have to choose between protecting your sofa and spoiling your furry friends.
CW couch cover fabrics with a scratch-resistant texture (PawSafe™):
CW performance fabrics FAQ: Your top questions, answered
What are CW performance fabrics made of?
Our performance fabrics are crafted from a blend of high-quality synthetic and natural fibres, carefully chosen for their strength, softness, and ease of care. Many are enhanced with smart innovations like EzGuard™ for spill protection and PawSafe™ for added scratch resistance — giving you peace of mind without compromising on comfort.
Click here if you would like to know how our CW performance couch covers are made.
Do CW performance fabrics feel stiff or synthetic?
Not at all. One of our biggest priorities is making sure our fabrics feel as good as they perform. Whether you choose something plush like Signature Velvet or structured like Care+ Canvas, each fabric is soft, breathable and designed to suit everyday living.
Are CW performance fabrics safe for sensitive skin?
Yes — and we’ve got the certification to prove it.
All CW fabrics are OEKO-TEX certified, which means they’ve been independently tested and confirmed free from harmful substances like PFAS, formaldehyde, heavy metals and VOCs. They’re also hypoallergenic, with a tightly woven structure that helps block allergens like dust, dander and pollen. Ideal for homes where comfort and wellness go hand in hand.
Can I machine wash my CW performance fabric couch covers?
You sure can. All CW performance fabric covers are pre-shrunk and machine washable, so you can refresh your sofa with ease whenever needed.
Just note: if your fabric is treated with EzGuard™ (our liquid-repellent coating), we recommend spot cleaning when possible to help maintain its protective finish.
Will the fabric coatings wear off over time?
With proper care, the protective finishes will last through regular use. For EzGuard™ liquid-repellent fabrics, we recommend spot cleaning and limiting machine washes to help preserve the coating. Always follow the care instructions provided with your cover for the best long-term results.
What’s the difference between stain-proof protection and liquid-repellent coating?
Great question. Stain-proof couch covers are designed to prevent stains from setting into the fibres, making them easy to clean.
Liquid-repellent couch covers, like those with EzGuard™, cause liquids to bead up on the surface so you can blot them away before they soak in. Some CW fabrics offer both features — so you get double the protection.
Which CW performance fabrics are best for pets?
Look for covers with PawSafe™ protection, they have a scratch-resistant texture. These fabrics are tightly woven to resist scratches, snags and pet-related wear, while still feeling soft and comfy. Customer favourites include Signature Velvet and Signature Microfibre — both offer great durability with a smooth finish.
Can I use CW performance fabrics outdoors?
Yes — but only selected fabrics are designed for outdoor use. If you’re looking for a cover for your balcony or patio sofa, we recommend our Sunbrella Canvas and Sunbrella Fretwork couch covers. These fabrics are water-repellent, mould-resistant and UV-protected — perfect for humid or sunny environments.
Are CW performance fabrics eco-friendly?
We’re committed to sustainability wherever possible. Many of our fabrics are OEKO-TEX certified and made without harmful chemicals. Plus, by extending the life of your existing sofa with a durable, washable cover, you’re helping reduce landfill waste — which we think is a win.
Are performance fabrics worth the cost?
Absolutely. We have the best performance fabrics for sofas. Our couch covers help your sofa last longer, look better, and stay cleaner — with less effort. They resist stains, spills, scratches and fading, making them a smart investment for busy homes. At CW, you’re getting durable, custom-fit covers that protect your space and save you money in the long run.
Do CW performance fabrics work for all sofa models?
Yes! Our performance fabrics are available for hundreds of IKEA, Pottery Barn and other custom sofas. As long as we have your sofa model on file — or you provide the right dimensions — we can make a custom-fit couch cover in your chosen performance fabric.
Ready to transform your sofa?
Leave a comment on this post
Read more on sofa guides
Behind the seams
Why replace when you can refresh?
Our sofa covers give your sofa a brand-new look without the cost or hassle of buying new.
Find your perfect couch cover
