Slipcovers are one of the easiest, most transformative ways to protect and refresh sofas and chairs. If you’re shopping for slipcover fabric, here’s a practical guide that covers: what to expect, what to test first, and how to care for your new covers.

At a Glance Fabric Comparison for Slipcovers

Fabric Durability Washability Fade Resistance Best Use
Cotton canvas / twill High Some washable; may shrink if not prewashed Moderate; will fade in strong sun Everyday family rooms; classic slipcover look
Denim (prewashed) Very high Some washable; minimal shrinkage expected Fades like jeans over time Casual, durable slipcovers; homes with pets/kids
Linen High Some washable; many dry clean only Poor in direct sun; will fade Casual-elegant rooms; tailored slipcovers
Canvas (heavyweight cotton) Very high Many are washable; holds up to frequent laundering Moderate; can fade High-traffic seating, pet households
Performance fabrics (Sunbrella, Crypton, etc) Very high Some washable (varies by product) Excellent; designed to resist fading Sunny rooms, white slipcovers, heavy-use families

Which Fabrics Work Best for Slipcovers?

  • Cotton canvas and twill make the classic slipcover: sturdy, softening with wash, and usually machine-washable. They sit between affordability and long life, and they give that relaxed, tailored slipcover silhouette experts recommend.
  • Linen offers a refined, natural drape and softens over time, but watch for price and care instructions — some linens are machine-washable, many require dry cleaning, and linen can fade in direct sunlight.
  • Heavyweight canvas, denim and twill are top choices for durability and stain tolerance in high-traffic rooms; they’re commonly recommended as the most durable slipcover fabrics.
  • Performance fabrics such as Sunbrella or Crypton are excellent where fade resistance and stain repellency matter; some are washable and are purpose-built for heavy use or sunny locations.

We cannot emphasize enough matching fabric choice to traffic level, sun exposure, and desired look, since those factors determine whether you prioritize washability, fade resistance, or softness.

The Denim Advantage and What to Expect

Denim is a terrific slipcover fabric for durability and casual style. Important practical notes you should know before buying:

  • Many denims sold for upholstery are prewashed, so most shrinkage has already happened and you should expect only minimal further shrinkage.
  • Denim fades the same way jeans do — color will lighten over time with washing and sunlight exposure. This is an inherent property, not a defect; it gives a lived-in character and is commonly accepted by users.
  • If you’re unsure about a color or shrink behavior, buy one yard, launder it (wash and dry) exactly as you plan to care for the slipcover, and inspect the result. This quick test removes doubt and helps you evaluate hand, colorfastness, and fit before committing to yardage.

Those practical takeaways come from experienced makers and sellers: prewashing reduces shrinkage concerns, and the denim fade is expected and rarely a cause for complaints.

Practical Buying and Testing Steps

1) Order samples first so you can verify color, weight, and hand against your sofa and room lighting.

2) Confirm whether the fabric is prewashed/pre‑shrunk, especially for cottons and linens.

3) Check the laundering instructions on the product page.

4) Launder a small swatch the way you will treat the finished slipcover to confirm shrinkage and fade behavior, especially if you are considering denim.

5) Prioritize fade‑resistant performance fabrics (Sunbrella, Crypton) for sunny rooms or bright whites, or plan to rotate covers and avoid constant direct sun.

6) Choose heavier weaves (canvas, twill, performance) if pets and kids are a factor because these fabrics are both durable and easier to clean.

Care Tips to Keep Slipcovers Looking Their Best

  • Follow each fabric’s washing instructions precisely: temperature, cycle, and dryer recommendations make a big difference in longevity.
  • For machine‑washable cotton and denim, remove from the dryer while slightly damp to make refitting easier and reduce wrinkling.
  • Expect gradual, natural fading for denim; accept it as part of the aesthetic or choose a darker or performance alternative if you want to minimize change over time.
  • For high‑sun areas, re-evaluate fabric selection toward fade‑resistant options rather than relying solely on frequent washing to maintain color.

Final Thoughts

House Fabric has a broad selection of cottons, denims, linens, canvases, and performance fabrics that make creating durable slipcovers realistic for most homes. And right now we are having a Get 3 Free Slipcover Samples Sale. If you want to see the fabric before you buy it, which we highly suggest, now is your chance to get 3 samples free. Click here to get your samples now!

Remember: If you have any doubt about color or shrinkage, the simplest, most reliable step is to buy a yard of the fabric and wash/dry it exactly as you will care for the finished slipcover — that single test will give you the clearest answer for your slipcover plans.