When shopping for furniture covers or bedsheets, or even clothing and luggage, you might find qualifiers like "thread count" or something like "300 Denier." A higher number is generally associated with better performance in one aspect or another...but what does it actually mean and why do higher numbers mean better quality, if they do at all?
Lets start with the definition:
Denier:
“Denier” is a unit of measurement used in the textile industry to describe the thickness (or linear mass density) of fibers and filaments, such as those in nylon, polyester, or silk.
So, with that definition, we understand that a higher "denier" means a thicker yarn or fiber.
Yarns make up textiles - single strands of a fiber are spun to create a yarn, that yarn is then either woven, or knitted, to create a textile. A thicker, or higher denier yarn, will create a denser, more durable textile.
Denier is simply a measurement of thickness.
For us consumers, thickness means durability and weight.
For example, a cotton denim is composed of thicker, higher denier yarns, whereas a cotton broadcloth for shirting is made from thinner, lower denier yarns. Both may have the same thread count, yet the denim and broadcloth have much different qualities. Denim is known for its durability, and can be rough and stiff. Broadcloth is softer and lighter.
What does this all mean for protective outdoor furniture covers? A higher denier fabric, like Sunbrella, simply means greater durability. But durability doesn't just come down to how the textile is made, but also what it is made from . A cotton of the same denier will be less durable than an acrylic or polyester fiber.
Sunbrella's Marine-Grade awning weight fabrics, which we use for our covers, have an abrasion rating of over 40,000 - the highest achievable rating.
