Choosing patio umbrella fabric involves more than just selecting your favorite color. Outdoor fabric comes in different ranges of quality, price and durability. In this case, quality and price go together. A polyester, thinner, and less expensive fabric might work if you are careful about putting the umbrella away when you're not using it and storing it during your off season months.

A more durable fabric is better for those of you (like me) who will leave it out in the hot sun and rain full time. In this case paying more for a better fabric that doesn't fade and lasts longer is the smart choice. Two of the best options are Sunbrella and Coolaroo fabric. However these two fabrics have different features. We own one of each.

Sunbrella Outdoor Fabric

Sunbrella outdoor fabric is used for outdoor chair and chaise cushions, hammocks, pillows, awnings and patio umbrellas. Some of the reasons people love this outdoor fabric is because of its durability and easy maintenance. Stain and mildew resistance are important features to consider when selecting your umbrella fabric.

When we purchased a patio umbrella we decided to spend a little extra on the Sunbrella fabric in order to get a fade, stain and mold resistant fabric. Because the fabric has been specially treated, when it rains the water beads right up. Even though we've had lots of wet leaves fall on the umbrella there is not one stain.

Coolaroo Fabric

Coolaroo fabric is a great option for your pool umbrella. How would you like an umbrella that can actually help to reduce the temperature making it more comfortable for you and your guests?

This outdoor fabric can do just that. Not only is it very durable, but it offers a unique design that allows the fabric to breathe which then reduces the temperature of the air under the Coolaroo umbrella. What's so "cool" about this fabric is that it blocks out UV rays, but still allows any cool breeze to pass through to keep you comfortable (especially if you live in hot climates like Florida, Texas or Arizona).

This high quality outdoor fabric has a unique design - the fabric has millions of tiny spaces that allows the fabric to breathe and for the air to flow through. We conducted our own little test on a hot Fourth of July in Georgia. There were over 30 people at our pool party and we asked the adults to sit under the Sunbrella umbrella and then under the Coolaroo one and to tell us which one felt cooler. It surprised me, but probably not the Coolaroo people, but everyone said sitting under the Coolaroo umbrella was "cooler"!