Kravet Fabric FAQs: What Designers Need to Know About Performance, Quality & Specs

Kravet Fabric FAQs: What Designers Need to Know About Performance, Quality & Specs

I'm a quality compliance manager at a mid-sized textile firm. Every quarter, I review about 200 unique fabric deliveries before they hit our clients' showrooms. In 2024, I rejected roughly 12% of first shipments—mostly for spec inconsistencies, color variance, or durability claims that didn't match reality test results.

Designers ask me the same questions over and over. Here's what I tell them.

1. Why is Kravet fabric more expensive than other brands?

Let's be honest—Kravet's pricing isn't for everyone. But when you're specifying for a luxury hotel lobby or a high-end residential project, the cost difference comes down to three things: substrate quality, dye consistency, and performance certification.

In Q1 2024, we did a blind comparison: Kravet's Crypton performance velvet vs. a mid-range competitor. The weight difference was 12%—Kravet's had a tighter weave and denser backing. Under flame testing, Kravet's passed first time. The other one? Failed twice. On a $15,000 order, that's not just fabric—that's reupholstery costs, deadline slips, and a very angry client.

Bottom line: You're paying for the piece of mind that it won't fail. And in my experience, that piece of mind is worth the premium—especially on deadline-sensitive jobs.

2. Is Kravet performance fabric really worth it?

Yes—but only if you actually need performance specs. I've seen designers specify Crypton for a dining room chair that's used twice a year. That's overkill. But for contract projects or busy family rooms? It's a no-brainer.

Kravet's performance line (Crypton, Sunbrella, and their own branded performance weaves) is actually tested to standards like ASTM D629 (abrasion) and AATCC 193 (stain release). In our lab tests, Kravet's performance fabrics consistently hit 50,000+ double rubs on the Wyzenbeek scale. For reference, most residential fabrics top out at 15,000.

But here's the thing I didn't always say: I only believed in performance fabric after ignoring the specs on a beach house project. The client chose a standard cotton velvet. Six months later, salt air and sunscreen had ruined it. Replacement cost? $4,000. The upgrade to Sunbrella would've added $500. That mistake taught me a lesson I won't forget.

3. What about Kravet bedding? Is it different from upholstery fabric?

Totally different. And this is where designers sometimes trip up.

Kravet bedding fabrics—duvets, shams, sheets—are made from cellulose-based fibers (cotton, linen, Tencel) or blends. They're not built for abrasion. In fact, running a standard martindale rub test on a bedding fabric will tear it. That's by design: bedding needs breathability and drape, not 50,000 rubs.

Quick rule of thumb I use: If it's for sitting on, get upholstery grade. If it's for sleeping in, get bedding grade. Mixing them up costs you—and your client.

4. How do polyester spandex mesh fabrics compare to Kravet performance fabrics?

They're not really competing products. Polyester spandex mesh (like the kind used for athletic wear or outdoor furniture slings) is stretchy, breathable, and quick-drying. Kravet performance upholstery is heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant, and stain-blocking.

Where designers get confused: They see 'mesh' and think 'outdoor performance.' But polyester spandex mesh isn't designed for upholstery—it's for shading, privacy screens, or lightweight drapes. I've had clients try to use it for contract seating. It didn't hold up past 6 months.

If you need outdoor-rated fabric for seating, go with Kravet's Sunbrella line (acrylic—UV-resistant, mildew-resistant). If you need mesh for breathability, polyester spandex is fine—but spec it for the right application.

5. What are the characteristics of rayon fabric? Does Kravet use rayon?

Rayon (viscose) is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. It's soft, drapes beautifully, and takes dye well—which is why you see it in luxury upholstery and drapery. But here's the catch: rayon has poor wet strength. When wet, it can lose 30-50% of its tensile strength. That means it's not great for high-humidity areas or outdoor use.

Kravet does use rayon in some of their decorative fabrics—usually blended with polyester or linen for stability. I've seen rayon blends that look stunning on a headboard but pilled within a year on a sofa. If you're specifying rayon, I'd recommend reserving it for drapery or accent pillows, not high-traffic seating.

Per the FTC's textile labeling guidelines (ftc.gov), rayon must be labeled as 'rayon' or 'viscose'—no 'bamboo' or 'eco-fiber' misdirection. If a Kravet fabric says 'rayon,' that's what it is.

6. What type of material is elastane? And should I care?

Elastane (also called spandex or Lycra) is a synthetic fiber that can stretch up to 500% and return to shape. In upholstery, it's used in small percentages (2-5%) to add stretch and recovery to woven fabrics.

Why this matters for Kravet specifiers: Some Kravet performance fabrics include a small amount of elastane for better fit on curved furniture. The stretch helps the upholsterer get a smoother finish on arm curves and seat cushions. Without it, you get wrinkles and sagging.

But I wouldn't recommend high-elastane fabrics for contract use—the stretch can relax over time, leading to baggy seats. For residential, though, that 2% elastane makes a real difference in install quality. I've seen enough photos of wrinkled sofa arms to tell you: the stretch is worth it.

7. How do I verify Kravet fabric specs before I order?

Don't just trust the website. At least, don't trust it for everything. In 2023, a Kravet listing showed 'abrasion: 40,000 Wyzenbeek' for a velvet we were considering. When I checked the actual test report, it was 35,000. That's within tolerance, but it's the difference between 'heavy duty' and 'contract grade.'

Here's my process:

• Request the physical memo (not just digital swatch)
• Ask for the AATCC or ASTM test report for stain, abrasion, and lightfastness
• Check the width tolerance—I've seen 54" fabric that ran 52-55.5" on the same roll
• For performance fabric, ask about the backing construction (some backings can delaminate on curved forms)

One more thing: never assume 'in stock' means available for next-day shipping. I've had Kravet reps say 'we have 40 yards' only to find it's 4 separate rolls that can't be shipped together without matching date codes. Always ask about dye lots.

Bottom Line

Kravet makes great fabric—no question. But the difference between a smooth project and a nightmare is how you vet the specs before you buy. Test reports matter. Fabric weight matters. Application matters.

If you're in a rush, pay for the performance guarantee. I've seen way too many designers skip the due diligence to save $200, only to face a $4,000 redo. That piece of mind is worth every penny.

Pricing and spec data as of January 2025. Always verify current pricing and availability with your Kravet representative. Regulatory guidelines from ftc.gov (December 2024).