Is Bouclé Upholstery Fabric Durable? Here’s What To Know

Bouclé is a classic material that’s having a resurgence in popularity for upholstery. But before you use this material in your home, you likely want to know how durable bouclé fabric is. Here’s what you need to know about its care and durability.

What Is Bouclé?

Bouclé is a heavy fabric made from fleecy, looped yarn. Its name comes from the French word boucler, which means "to curl," due to the fabric’s many differently sized curls.

Is Bouclé Durable?

Is bouclé upholstery fabric durable? For the most part, yes! Unlike similar textiles, such as sheep skin, bouclé won’t mat or bunch up. It also won’t shed as much as other fabrics.

Boucle fabrics can be washed as you would most other fabrics. While we always recommend that you vacuum or spot clean with a dampened cloth and warm, soapy water; cotton and linen boucles can be machine washed on a delicate setting in cold water and tumble dried with low heat, while wool and other varieties should be cleaned with a handheld vacuum or a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water.

That said, there are some areas where bouclé isn’t all that durable. For instance, the material’s nubby curls can snag and tear easily if treated roughly. Pet hair is another issue, as it easily gets stuck in the fibers.

When To Use Bouclé

So, when should you use this fabric in the home? If you have pets with claws or curious tots who like to touch, grab, and pull, bouclé may not be the best upholstery fabric for you. But if kids and critters aren’t a concern, then it’s a cozy and low-maintenance option.

If you want to glam up your couch with some bouclé sofa fabric, come and shop the Fabric Outlet’s high-quality bouclé. We have a wide variety of warm, neutrals hues. Using this fabric, you can make your sofa look as soft and warm as sheep’s wool.