Performance fabric is a broad term for upholstery fabrics engineered, or treated, to resist stains, spills and everyday wear better than an untreated equivalent. This can mean fibres that are inherently solution dyed and liquid resistant, a woven structure designed for durability, or a topical treatment applied to a more traditional fabric such as linen or cotton.
Many performance fabrics are now machine washable or simply wipeable, which suits households with children or pets. They are worth comparing by both fibre content and Martindale rating rather than the label alone, since the term is not tightly regulated. Our guide to sofas for pets and kids and sofa fabrics guide cover specific options in more depth.