---
title: "Striped Outdoor Cushion Fabric: Which Stripes Can Live Outside"
url: "https://cushionguide.com/answers/striped-outdoor-cushion-fabric/"
section: "The Cutting Table"
author: "Callum Reid, The Weather Man of Casco Bay"
author_url: "https://cushionguide.com/masters/callum/"
published: "2026-04-30"
updated: "2026-09-24"
keywords: "striped outdoor cushion fabric, outdoor stripe cushion, water-repellent striped fabric, ticking stripe outdoors, UV resistant cushion fabric"
---

# Do you have a striped fabric that works outdoors?

*Two stripes can look alike from the porch steps. Only one of them is built for rain.*

Also asked as: Striped outdoor fabric in two colors?; Can the N range go outdoors?

> **The quick answer:** Yes, striped outdoor cushion fabric is on the outdoor charts: code V-38 is a water-repellent, UV-resistant outdoor stripe. The N-series stripes and the fine ticking stripe are 100% cotton, so they're for indoor use only, and the N range has no two-color outdoor version. For a plain natural look outside, the outdoor linen-look fabrics are also water-repellent and UV-resistant.

![Charcoal and white crackle-pattern outdoor cushion on a stone and cedar bench by a fire pit at dusk with whisky glasses](https://cushionguide.com/media/outdoor-cushions/charcoal-crackle-cushion-stone-bench-fire-pit-1600.webp "A charcoal outdoor cushion made for evenings by the fire, on a stacked-stone bench capped with cedar.")

## Key facts

- V-38 is a water-repellent, UV-resistant outdoor stripe.
- The N-series stripes are 100% cotton and indoor-only (N8 is 98% cotton, 2% polyester).
- The N range has no two-color outdoor versions.
- The fine ticking stripe is 100% cotton and not for outdoor use.
- Outdoor linen-look fabrics in natural tones are water-repellent and UV-resistant.
- A stripe from a listing photo can be ordered even if it's missing from the chart; a photo confirms it first.
- The outdoor range runs to close to 200 fabrics on 4-5 charts.

## Stripe by stripe: indoors or out

| Fabric | Made of | Outdoors? | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-38 outdoor stripe | Outdoor weave, water-repellent and UV-resistant | Yes | Patio, porch and fire-pit benches |
| N-series stripes | 100% cotton (N8: 98% cotton, 2% polyester) | No | Indoor benches and window seats |
| Fine ticking stripe | 100% cotton | No | Indoor cushions |
| Outdoor linen-look | Outdoor weave, water-repellent and UV-resistant | Yes | A plain, natural look outside |

## Covered porch or open sky?

| Where the cushion lives | Fabric to choose |
|---|---|
| Closed roof, no rain, no direct sun | Regular indoor fabric is fine, though not waterproof |
| Screened porch with pollen, dust and humidity | Outdoor fabric |
| Open patio, all year | An outdoor stripe such as V-38, or outdoor linen-look |

## Why the cotton stripes stay inside

Cotton is a fine indoor cloth, soft and washable. But rain doesn't negotiate, and cotton isn't made for a season outdoors. That's why the N-series and the ticking stripe stay in, and why the N range has no two-color outdoor version.

For stripes that can take weather, ask for the outdoor charts: close to 200 fabrics on 4-5 charts, all water-, UV- and fade-resistant. Compare [outdoor acrylic](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/outdoor-acrylic/) with [striped cotton and ticking](https://cushionguide.com/fabrics/striped-cotton-and-ticking/), then browse [outdoor cushions](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/outdoor-cushions/). The [water-repellent vs waterproof](https://cushionguide.com/guides/water-repellent-vs-waterproof-cushions/) Pattern is worth ten minutes. Where do your cushions spend the night, friend?

## The stripe in the photo that isn't on the chart

You can still order it. The workshop sends a photo of that exact fabric to confirm, then uses it. One check before it goes outside: ask whether that stripe is outdoor-rated, because the answer wasn't given for every photo fabric. A [fire-pit bench](https://cushionguide.com/concepts/fire-pit-bench-cushions/) is no place to find out the hard way.

> **Tailor's margin:** A cotton ticking stripe looks the part on a patio but is indoor-only; outside, pick a water-repellent, UV-resistant outdoor stripe like V-38.

> Cotton stripes belong indoors: the N-series and ticking are 100% cotton, so an outdoor striped cushion needs a water-repellent, UV-resistant code like V-38.
>
> — Callum

## Buyer questions

**A common question:** Do you have a striped fabric for outdoor cushions?

**The workshop's answer:** The N-series stripes are 100% cotton, so they're indoor-only, and that range has no two-color outdoor combinations. For stripes outside, the outdoor charts include fabrics such as V-38, which is water-repellent and UV-resistant.

**A common question:** Could the ticking stripe stay out on patio cushions all year?

**The workshop's answer:** No. The ticking stripe is 100% cotton and isn't suitable outdoors. The outdoor linen-look fabrics are water-repellent, UV-resistant and come in natural tones.

**A common question:** The stripe in your main photo isn't on the chart. Can I order it anyway?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. The workshop sends a photo of that fabric to confirm, and uses exactly that stripe once you order.

**A common question:** Can outdoor cushions be 6 in thick, with ties and no piping?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. Outdoor cushions are made to any size and thickness, including 6 in (15 cm), in water-resistant outdoor fabric. Piping is optional, and ties go where you want them.

## Questions buyers ask next

### How many outdoor fabrics are there to choose from?

Close to 200, spread over 4-5 charts. All are water-, UV- and fade-resistant woven fabrics of the same quality; the charts differ only in texture, color and pattern.

### Can I get a dark green and white stripe for outdoors?

Ask for the outdoor stripe options. They're sent on request for classic looks such as dark green and white, with close-up photos so you can compare shades before ordering.

### Are the covers on outdoor cushions removable?

Yes. The outdoor performance fabrics are made up as removable, washable covers, so you can take them off for cleaning between seasons.

## Related at the atelier

- [Can I use your linen, velvet or chenille cushions outside?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/indoor-fabric-cushions-outdoors-linen-velvet-chenille/): No: linen, velvet, chenille and the other indoor-listing fabrics are not made for open-air use.
- [Can you make outdoor cushion covers to fit the inserts I already have?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/replacement-outdoor-cushion-covers-existing-inserts/): Yes: zippered outdoor covers are made to fit your existing inserts from measurements and photos, and the old cushions never have to be sent.
- [What outdoor fabrics do you have, and how are the charts different?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/outdoor-cushion-fabric-options-charts/): The outdoor range has close to 200 fabrics on 4 to 5 charts, and every one is water-, UV- and fade-resistant woven cloth from the same factory at the same quality.
- [UV-resistant outdoor cushion fabric compared: solution-dyed acrylic, olefin, polyester](https://cushionguide.com/guides/outdoor-cushion-fabric-acrylic-olefin-polyester/): Solution-dyed acrylic holds color longest and feels softest, olefin resists stains by nature but feels rougher, and batch-dyed polyester costs least and fades soonest, all within a 1,000 to…
- [Outdoor Bench Cushions in Blue Ticking on Curved Teak Benches](https://cushionguide.com/readings/blue-ticking-stripe-curved-teak-garden-bench-cushions/): Outdoor bench cushions on curved benches read as one seat when the stripe runs lengthwise on every segment and each cushion is the same thickness.
- [Outdoor Bench Cushions in Cream Ticking Stripes, Three Colorways](https://cushionguide.com/readings/cream-ticking-stripe-cushion-stack-terracotta-brick/): Outdoor bench cushions in different stripe colors read as one set when they share the same cream ground and stripe spacing and only the stripe color changes.
- [Waterproof outdoor cushions, honestly: fabric, seams, zippers and foam](https://cushionguide.com/guides/water-repellent-vs-waterproof-cushions/)

*Fair winds — Callum*

---

Written by Callum Reid (https://cushionguide.com/masters/callum/) for CushionGuide (https://cushionguide.com/about/). The site explains made-to-measure cushions and the partner workshop makes them; measurements are in inches first. This Markdown mirrors the page at https://cushionguide.com/answers/striped-outdoor-cushion-fabric/