Choosing the Best Waterproof Fabric

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Fabrics

Not all water-repelling fabrics offer the same level of protection. Waterproof fabrics provide a complete barrier against water penetration, meaning they will never allow moisture to seep through. In contrast, water-resistant and water-repellent fabrics have a treated top layer that repels water but may require re-treatment over time. Continuous exposure to heavy rain or standing water can eventually compromise their effectiveness. For a fabric that offers maximum protection, waterproof options are the way to go.

Types of Waterproof Fabrics

At Sailrite, our waterproof fabrics fall into two main categories:

• Upholstery Vinyl — Designed for seating and cushions, offering flexibility and durability.
• Topping/Cover Vinyl — Made for protective covers, marine enclosures, awnings and more, with superior dimensional stability.

Waterproof Upholstery Vinyl

If you need waterproof upholstery fabric for boat seats, motorcycle seats, golf carts or other outdoor applications, consider these top brands:

Morbern® Vinyl

• Sanibel: Soft hand, lightly textured and budget-friendly.
• Seabrook: Faux leather texture, thicker for added durability.
• Allsport: Four-way stretch, high sheen, ideal for stapling applications.
• Hexx: Modern high-luster finish with micro-hexagon design.
• Shock: Embossed twill design with a bold metallic finish.

Naugahyde® Vinyl

• Universal & All American: Durable, waterproof seating for high-traffic areas.
• All American: Heavier and thicker than Universal, offering maximum toughness.
• Advanced BeautyGard® Protective Finish: Protects against bacterial and fungal growth, preventing mold, mildew and pink staining.

EverSoft™ Indoor/Outdoor Vinyl

• Ultra-soft hand and four-way stretch for easy contouring.
• UV, abrasion and mildew resistant, making it perfect for marine and patio cushions, home upholstery, and auto applications.

Shop Marine Upholstery Vinyl Fabrics

Waterproof Topping & Cover Vinyl

For covers, enclosures and awnings, these brands provide superior performance:

Shelter-Rite® Vinyl-Coated Polyester

• Exceptional tensile strength and tear resistance.
• Used for heavy-duty covers, tenting and even large commercial sunshades.

Stamoid™ Top & Light

• High-tenacity woven polyester with a vinyl coating for UV resistance.
• Stamoid Top offers premium durability, while Stamoid Light is a lighter-weight, more budget-friendly alternative.

Sunbrella® SeaMark®

• Combines Sunbrella's solution-dyed acrylic with a waterproof PVC backing.
• Excellent colorfastness and durability for marine tops, covers and waterproof seating.

Weblon Regatta®

• Two-ply vinyl-laminated polyester for extreme weather resistance.
• Perfect for bimini tops, dodgers and other marine covers.

Shop Marine Topping Vinyl Fabrics

Conclusion

Choosing the right waterproof fabric depends on your project needs. Whether you’re upholstering seating or creating durable covers, Sailrite has a high-quality selection to meet your requirements. Still unsure? Order samples from Sailrite.com to see and feel the fabrics for yourself. Our customer support team is also ready to assist with expert advice on fabric selection!