Outdoor Fabrics for the Contract Sector: Durability, Performance and Design

For many years, outdoor fabrics were chosen almost exclusively for their durability. The priority was simple: they had to withstand sun exposure, rain, chlorine and changing seasons without fading or deteriorating. Design was often an afterthought. Fortunately, that is no longer the case.

Today, the most thoughtfully designed hotels and resorts devote as much attention to terraces, pool areas and gardens as they do to their interiors. Outdoor spaces have become an integral part of the guest experience—and in many cases, they are the areas guests remember most.

That is why outdoor fabrics have become an essential design tool, helping create spaces with personality, comfort and visual consistency. A beautifully designed terrace or carefully curated poolside lounge not only encourages guests to linger longer, but also inspires them to photograph and share their experience.

Milpa and Holbox, Gancedo's two outdoor collections, perfectly embody this new approach to exterior design: high-performance fabrics that also elevate the aesthetic quality of any hospitality project.

What Makes a Great Outdoor Fabric?

The technical demands placed on outdoor textiles in hospitality environments are significant. These fabrics must withstand prolonged sun exposure, constant contact with pool water, sunscreen and heavy daily use by dozens of guests—often in challenging climates.

Industry standards are demanding: abrasion resistance between 40,000 and 60,000 Martindale cycles, lightfastness ratings of 7 or 8 out of 8 for exceptional resistance to UV exposure, genuine water resistance and easy maintenance.

In areas subject to fire safety regulations—restaurants, terraces and public spaces—flame-retardant performance is essential. Yet technical specifications alone are not enough. The best outdoor fabrics must also offer a soft hand, an elegant drape and a refined appearance that conceals their highly technical nature. This combination is what distinguishes truly premium textiles from ordinary performance fabrics.

The armchair pictured above is upholstered in Totomoxtle, from Gancedo's Milpa collection.

Natural Inspiration, Professional Performance

Designed by architect and designer Nyra Troyce—whose career has been deeply rooted in hospitality design and recognised with awards including the WWBID, SBID Award and A'Design Award—Gancedo's Milpa outdoor collection draws inspiration from the traditional Mesoamerican milpa, an agricultural system where different crops grow together in harmony with nature.

This concept is reflected throughout the collection, where every design carries its own meaning. Totomoxtle references corn husks; Lluvia celebrates the rain essential for growth; Sol represents the energy that nourishes the fields; and Surco evokes the act of sowing itself.

The colour palette follows the same narrative, featuring lush greens inspired by vegetation, rich earthy ochres and warm sunset oranges reminiscent of the Mexican landscape.

Beyond its distinctive identity, Milpa fully meets the performance requirements of the hospitality industry. Depending on the design, the fabrics achieve up to 60,000 Martindale cycles, offer a lightfastness rating of 7/8, provide water resistance and incorporate technical fibres such as polypropylene, recycled polyester and Trevira CS. Selected qualities are also flame retardant and certified according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.

"By choosing high-quality textiles, we are planting the seeds for a better world. This commitment not only reconnects us with our cultural roots, but also encourages a more conscious and responsible way of consuming. Through every fabric, I invite people to become part of this transformation," says Nyra Troyce.

Holbox: Blurring the Line Between Indoors and Outdoors

Inspired by the Mexican island of Holbox, this Gancedo outdoor collection brings the tranquillity of its beaches, the depth of its cenotes and the colours of the Caribbean landscape into outdoor living spaces.

At the heart of the collection is an innovative polyolefin yarn—first introduced in the Nuance collection—which delivers an exceptionally soft touch and a drape more commonly associated with interior fabrics than technical outdoor textiles.

Behind its refined appearance lies outstanding performance designed specifically for hotels and resorts: waterproof, stain-resistant, quick-drying fabrics that resist humidity while remaining easy to maintain.

The collection combines subtle stripes, geometric patterns inspired by Mayan culture and versatile plains in natural tones that coordinate effortlessly, creating calm, elegant environments whether used on terraces, around swimming pools or in indoor-outdoor lobby spaces.

Styling Tips

Selecting the right fabric is the first step; combining it successfully is the next.

One effective approach is to mix plains and patterns within the same collection—for example, pairing Pelican with Plankton in Holbox or Surco with Maíz in Milpa—to introduce visual depth without overwhelming the space.

In high-traffic areas such as outdoor dining terraces or poolside seating, it is advisable to prioritise fabrics with the highest abrasion resistance and certified flame-retardant properties.

It is also worth taking advantage of their indoor-outdoor versatility. The same fabrics can be specified for curtains, headboards, chair upholstery and outdoor cushions, simplifying procurement while creating a cohesive design language throughout the property.

Both collections are manufactured in Spain and certified according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, providing an additional advantage for hospitality projects with sustainability objectives.