| Fabric | Special Characteristics | Resistance to deterioration by sun | Resistance to fading | Soil resistance | Flammability | Care |
| Cotton | Drapes well | Poor to fair | Good to very good | Fair unless treated | High unless treated | Washable |
| Acetate | Drapes well | Poor to fair | Fair to good | Fair to good | Burns quickly unless treated | Dry clean |
| Acrylic | Drapes well, may stretch | Very good | Very good | Good | Melts or burns | Washable |
| Modacrylic | Drapes well, may stretch | Very good | Very good | Good | Will not flame | Washable |
| Nylon | Builds up static | Fair to good | Fair to good | Good to very good | Melts | Washable, press on low |
| Polyester | Wrinkle resistant, drapes well | Good to very good | Good | Good | Melts & drops off in flame | Washable |
| Rayon | Drapes well, tends to stretch unless modified | Poor to fair | Fair to good | Fair to good | Burns like paper unless treated | Washable or Dry clean depending on label |