Our discussion on Sunbrella vs. O’bravia fabrics will help you decide which material suits your needs. We will look at the cost, durability, colorfastness, cost, and many other aspects of these two materials.
At the end of it, you will know if O’bravia is as good as Sunbrella.
Table of Contents
What are they?
Sunbrella® fabric is a 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric made by Sunbrella, a subsidiary of Glen Raven, Inc. This superior performing material has uses in indoor, marine, and outdoor upholstery, pillows, window treatment, awnings, canopies, pergolas, umbrellas, marine tops and covers, cushions, among other uses.
By solution-dyed, we mean that the raw materials or fibers are dyed before being used to make yarn, i.e., it occurs in the liquid stage.
Sunbrella is headquartered at North American Headquarters, 142 Glen Raven Road, Burlington, NC 27217-1100, and has manufacturing facilities worldwide.
On the other hand, O’bravia is a 100% solution-dyed polyester fabric. This proprietary material of Treasure Garden, Inc. has various uses, including indoor and outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and awnings.
O’bravia’s ring-spun fabrics are softer, bulkier, and look and feel so natural. Also, the spinning method allows for better abrasion resistance.
Therefore, Sunbrella is a 100% solution-dyed acrylic brand, the other brand being Outdura, while O’bravia is 100% solution-dyed polyester. Other solution-dyed polyester fabrics include SunDura, Spuncrylic, and Pacifica.
Sunbrella vs. O’bravia features review
You have a hint on what each of these two fabrics is. It is time to give you a more in-depth analysis to look at the different features of these two.
Colorfastness
Sunbrella has a better colorfastness than O’bravia, i.e., it comes with a 5-10 years warranty against loss of color and strength depending on the exact fabric you pick. The upholstery, decorative shade, and specialty fabrics have a 5-year warranty, while the marine and shade come with a 10-year warranty
On the other hand, O’bravia has a 3-5-year warranty, i.e., O’bravia awning fabric has 5-year, O’bravia furniture fabric 4-year and O’bravia 2 fabric (O’bravia furniture fabric) 3-year warranties.
Therefore, you expect O’bravia to fade faster than Sunbrella, i.e., it will retain its color much more extended than O’bravia even with routine cleaning, exposure to outdoor conditions, or everyday wear.
UV protection
Both the fabrics offer UV protection and UV protection. Sunbrella boasts of a Skin Cancer Foundation Seal since the product helps protect against the harmful UV rays associated with increased skin damage and cancer risks.
On the other hand, O’bravia comes with 50+ UV protection, and it will equally protect you from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Mold and mildew resistance
Solution-dyed acrylic (Sunbrella) and polyester (O’bravia) fabrics are naturally resistant to mold and mildew. If you notice any, you can easily clean them off the material by following the cleaning guideline each has.
Cleaning
Sunbrella is the standard if you look for a cleanable fabric that will retain its integrity and strength. Their engineers incorporate stain-resistant technology during the manufacturing process.
However, this doesn’t mean O’bravia isn’t easy to clean since their fiber bonded stain release finish will ensure it is doesn’t stain easily, is easy to clean, and lasts for a long time.
Comfort
Sunbrella boasts of the most comfortable and soft fabric that will remain cozy and comfortable indoors while tough enough to withstand outdoor conditions. The various surface textures and weaves are so relaxing.
On the other hand, O’bravia’s ring spinning ensures it is also very soft and comfortable. However, it is not as smooth and comfortable as Sunbrella.
Eco-friendliness
If you want an eco-friendly fabric you can recycle, O’bravia should be your choice. Polyester is 100% recyclable, while Sunbrella, being acrylic, isn’t easy to recycle. It can remain in landfills for up to two centuries before it biodegrades.
Polyester recycling creates products for use in the automotive interior, filtration, geotextile, and horticultural markets.
Durability
Both fabrics are durable, resistant to fraying, abrasion, shrinking, or reaping. Additionally, polyester doesn’t stretch while acrylic doesn’t.
However, Sunbrella outperforms O’bravia, and the warranties it comes with are an assurance that the material will not fade or lose its strength quickly.
Prices
While it is clear that Sunbrella is the best fabric choice in terms of durability and colorfastness, it is way much more expensive than polyester. Just try to see the difference between a polyester umbrella and a Sunbrella umbrella, and you discover that it is costly.
Concluding remarks
To end our discussion on Sunbrella fabric vs. O’bravia, you deserve to know that Sunbrella is the king of the jungle because it has superior colorfastness, durability, and comfort (soft and comfortable). It is an excellent material when it comes to performance and nothing less.
Additionally, Sunbrella is easier to clean, has more extended warranties, more colors, patterns, styles, and textures, from a single color to sophisticated jacquards to various unique textures. Every designer loves this material.
However, since it is costly, people looking to make a saving and a fabric that doesn’t stretch, O’bravia is a good bet. Alternatively, you can go for olefin, which is cheaper and superior in colorfastness to polyester.
