"Performance fabric" is a category of upholstery engineered with specific goals in mind, such as resisting stains, moisture, abrasion or everyday wear. It is not a single material, and the label alone doesn't tell you how a sofa will hold up. Constructions vary widely, and so do results with spills, pets and daily use.
Performance fabric vs. Cozey performance weaves
The two terms are easy to mix up, so here is how we use them.
- Performance fabric (the category): upholstery engineered to resist stains, abrasion or daily wear. Many different constructions fit this description.
- Performance weaves (the Cozey fabrics): our Performance Plain Weave (90,000 Martindale cycles), Performance Basketweave (more than 100,000), Performance Natural Weave (18,000) and Performance Textured Weave (54,000), each with its own feel, weave and test results.
- Aquaforte Regular: a separate Cozey fabric with excellent stain resistance, 78,000 Martindale cycles and a more open, directional weave.
- Aquaforte Velvet: a separate Cozey fabric with excellent stain resistance, excellent pet suitability, strong pilling performance and 200,000 Martindale cycles.
These fabrics do not share identical properties, and they should not be treated as interchangeable. Even among Cozey's stain-resistant fabrics, stain resistance is not identical.
How Cozey's fabrics compare
| Cozey fabric | Martindale cycles | Stain resistance | Pet suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaforte Velvet | 200,000 | Excellent | Excellent |
| Aquaforte Regular | 78,000 | Excellent | Good |
| Performance Plain Weave | 90,000 | Intermediate | Moderate |
| Performance Basketweave | more than 100,000 | Intermediate | Moderate |
| Performance Natural Weave | 18,000 | Intermediate | Moderate |
| Performance Textured Weave | 54,000 | Intermediate | Moderate |
| Chenille | 48,000 | Intermediate | Good |
The stain resistance and pet suitability ratings are Cozey's own product assessments, based on internal product knowledge. They are not independently standardized pet-suitability ratings.
What the technology does, and doesn't, mean
Aquaforte's water and stain resistance comes from a combination of fabric construction and a C0 protective treatment. C0 is a fluorine-free treatment designation. All current Cozey fabrics are PFAS-free and OEKO-TEX certified.
Two points are worth keeping in mind. Stain resistant does not mean stain-proof: spills still need to be blotted up promptly. And OEKO-TEX certification means a fabric has been tested against a defined set of criteria and limits for certain substances. It is not a guarantee that every potentially harmful substance is absent.
What Martindale numbers tell you
Martindale testing measures a fabric's resistance to repeated friction and wear. It is a useful measure of general durability, but a higher number does not automatically mean a fabric is better at resisting pet claws, pilling or stains.
Aquaforte Regular is a good example. It reaches 78,000 Martindale cycles and we rate it Good for pets, as we do Chenille, which reaches 48,000. A rub count alone does not tell you how a fabric suits pets. This is the kind of detail a generic "performance fabric" label hides.
Which fabric suits which household
Households with pets
Aquaforte Velvet is the strongest choice, followed by Chenille. Aquaforte Regular resists stains well and we rate it Good for pets. Cozey's performance weaves have a more open weave and are rated moderate for pets. Vacuum with an upholstery attachment between washes to keep hair under control. For a wider comparison, see compare all sofa fabric types.
Families with young children
Aquaforte Velvet and Aquaforte Regular both have excellent stain resistance, which gives you time to blot up a spill before it sets. Chenille and our performance weaves have intermediate stain resistance, so they need quicker attention.
High-traffic living rooms
Look at the whole picture rather than one number: Martindale cycles for wear, plus pilling performance and stain resistance. Aquaforte Velvet leads on wear and pilling and is at the top for stain resistance. Fluffing and rotating cushions regularly helps them keep their shape.
What to look for in any performance fabric sofa
- Ask for the fabric's actual name and test results. The category label doesn't say how a specific fabric performs.
- Check the weave. Performance fabrics are not all tightly woven, and a more open weave can trap fur or be easier to scratch.
- Look for removable, washable covers. Over time, especially with pets or children, a full machine wash does more than surface cleaning. See our guide to sofa covers. Not every component of every Cozey sofa is removable, so check what is washable on the model you are considering.
- Check colorfastness. A fabric should hold its color under regular use and cleaning.
Cleaning and care
For routine care, vacuum regularly with an upholstery attachment and wipe light soiling with a damp cloth. For spills, blot immediately, then follow with a lightly damp cloth.
For removable covers, machine wash cold with a mild, fragrance-free detergent and lay flat to dry, unless the care label says otherwise. Fabrics differ in how they handle washing. Chenille washes well but is less stain-resistant than Aquaforte. Textured Weave and other open weaves should not be rubbed aggressively. Always test any cleaner on a hidden area first.
For step-by-step instructions, including set-in stains, see the sofa cleaning guide.
Harsh chemical cleaners, including bleach, or anything not indicated as safe for upholstery, can damage the fabric's protective finish and, on Cozey sofas, may void the 5-year limited warranty. Mild soap and water-based cleaners are the safe default. See the warranty for details.