How to choose the right fabric

The fibres

Cotton

Natural, durable and breathable, cotton is one of our most-used fibres. And for good reason. Strong and absorbent, it stands up well to daily use while staying soft to touch. Cotton also holds colour beautifully and tolerates washing well, making it a solid all-rounder.

Polyester 

Easy to care for and hard to wear out, Polyester is a synthetic fibre known for its durability, wrinkle resistance and affordability. It mimics the look of natural fibres, dries quickly and is less prone to fading – great if your space sees a lot of sun or spills. Look for recycled options for a more sustainable choice.

Linen 

Cool in summer, classic all year long. Linen is a strong, natural fibre made from flax. It’s naturally breathable, antimicrobial and elegant, with a beautifully relaxed look. It does wrinkle more easily and can shrink slightly. But most Bemz linens are pre-shrunk, so their character only grows with time.

Wool 

Resilient, insulating and tactile, wool is ideal if you want comfort and character. Wool resists odours and stains naturally. It stays cool in summer and warm in winter. It’s also naturally flame-resistant and pet-friendly, with hairs that brush off easily.

Blends 

Some of our fabrics combine different fibres to balance out texture, durability and aesthetics. By blending fibres, we can achieve unique finishes or weave structures that wouldn’t be possible with a single material. Blends often offer the best of both worlds – form and function.

Fabrics that fit you   

Need something tough for pets? Or soft for occasional use? Martindale ratings help you match fabric durability to how you live. It’s an industry-standard test that measures how well a fabric holds up to friction and wear. The higher the number, the more durable the fabric.

Martindale ratings explained: 

• 10,000–15,000: Best for light, decorative use (like cushions or accent chairs).

• 15,000–25,000: Ideal for everyday use in homes – perfect for most sofas and armchairs.

• 25,000–35,000: Great for busy households, especially with pets or children.

• 35,000+: Extremely durable – best suited for commercial spaces or heavy daily wear.

Pro tip!

See the specific Martindale score for each fabric under ‘Fabric Information’ on the product page.

Pilling

Pilling happens when loose fibres bunch into small fuzzy balls after regular wear – usually where there's friction, like seat cushions or armrests

How to minimise pilling:

• Wash gently – use cold water and a low spin cycle.

• Avoid mixing soft fabrics with rough items like jeans or towels.

• Use a laundry bag to reduce abrasion.

• Line dry when possible – tumble drying increases friction.

• Choose tightly woven fabrics that are less likely to pile.

Fade protection

Like all textiles, Bemz fabrics can fade with time, especially in strong or direct sunlight. To keep colours looking vibrant for longer, try to limit full-day exposure by drawing the curtains or covering areas with a throw when the room is empty.

Some fabrics naturally fade faster than others. Check the light fastness score under each fabric to see how it holds up in bright spaces.

Our light fastness scale:

Recyclability score

Want to make a more circular fabric choice? Our Fabric Recyclability Score helps you see how each fabric measures up, based on how it’s made and how recyclable it is at the end of its life.

Each fabric is rated from 1 to 5. You’ll find the score listed under ‘Fabric Information’ on each product page.

5/5 Circular:

Made from recycled or renewable materials and fully recyclable or biodegradable after use.

4/5 Recycled:

Contains at least 70% recycled content that can be fully recyclable after use.

3/5 Recyclable:

Made from raw materials that can be recycled after use, instead of becoming waste.

 2/5 Renewable:

Made from renewable sources like wood and responsibly produced with minimal environmental impact, and can also be recycled at the end of life.

1/5 Not recyclable:

Made from fibres that cannot currently be recycled.

Certifications

All Bemz fabrics are vetted for the best quality, safety and sustainability. Here are some of the certifications you might spot in our collections:

GRS – Global Recycled Standard
GRS ensures fabrics contain verified recycled materials and meet strict social, environmental, and chemical requirements. GRS-certified textiles support responsible recycling and reduce waste across the supply chain.

BCI – Better Cotton Initiative
This initiative promotes better cotton farming that’s kinder to the planet and people. BCI cotton supports reduced chemical use, healthier soil, and improved water efficiency, helping cotton production become more sustainable.

GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
One of the most trusted organic certifications. GOTS-approved fabrics must contain at least 70% certified organic fibres and follow strict environmental and social guidelines – from growing the fibre to finishing the fabric.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
Guarantees every part of the fabric has been tested for harmful substances. This globally-recognised label for safe, skin-friendly fabrics is especially reassuring for families and sensitive skin.

REACH – EU Chemical Safety Regulation
Protects both people and the planet by ensuring that harmful chemicals are identified, assessed, and restricted before entering the market. All Bemz fabrics comply with REACH regulations.

EU Ecolabel (Euro-ECO)
Awarded to fabrics that meet high ecological standards from production through to disposal. EU Ecolabel textiles are made with fewer harmful substances and help reduce water and energy use during manufacturing.

FSC – Forest Stewardship Council
Applies to all wood-based – and fabric content – in viscose fibres or packaging. FSC ensures wood comes from responsibly managed forests, protecting biodiversity, respecting human rights, and supporting sustainable forestry.