When choosing a bean bag chair , the most important decision is which material to use for the cover. The inside of any bean bag is fairly standard — a sealed bag of EPS beads, polypropylene, or foam. The outside cover is where the differences matter. Cotton and polyester are the two most common and affordable options, and they perform very differently. Here's how to choose between them.
What's the Difference Between Cotton and Polyester?
Cotton and polyester are complementary materials that are often blended together in clothing and furniture. Together, the fabric takes on properties that neither has on its own. The most fundamental difference is their origin: cotton is a natural plant fibre, and polyester is a manufactured synthetic. This difference in origin drives most of the differences in how they perform. For a full overview of all bean bag fabrics, see our bean bag fabrics guide .
What is Cotton?
Cotton is a plant that produces a soft, fibrous mass around its seeds. The fibre is almost entirely cellulose — and like a dandelion, the fibres are designed to catch the wind and carry the seed. Cotton is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, native to the Americas, Africa, and India. Australia is the world's second-largest cotton exporter , producing millions of bales each year.
How cotton is processed
At a microscopic level, cotton fibres are hollow tubes — like a tiny straw — that collapse after the boll opens. As the threads develop, they form a natural waxy coating that makes raw cotton water-resistant. After harvesting, the cotton is spun into yarn, then wet-processed to remove that wax. The wet processing is what makes the finished fabric soft and absorbent.
Properties of cotton
Because the fibres are loosely separated, cotton allows air to pass through easily — making it breathable and comfortable against skin. It wicks sweat away from the body. An unusual property is that cotton actually increases in strength when wet. Most commercial cotton products are treated with a flame retardant. Cotton is soft, comfortable, affordable, and biodegradable.
Downsides of cotton
Cotton is a high-maintenance crop that uses significant quantities of water and pesticides — it takes approximately 20,000 litres of water to produce the cotton for a single t-shirt. The Organic Trade Association considers it one of the most chemically intensive crops in the world. As a fabric, cotton is not water-resistant, stains relatively easily, and takes a long time to dry when wet.
What is Polyester?
Polyester is a polymer made from both natural and synthetic chemicals. It includes naturally occurring compounds from plant cuticles as well as synthetics like polybutyrate. Natural polyesters are biodegradable; synthetic polyesters are not. Most polyester used in clothing and furniture is thermoplastic — it can be reshaped by heat — and is derived from petroleum. For more on polyester's properties, see our posts on whether polyester is recyclable and whether polyester fabric is safe .
How polyester is manufactured
Polyester is manufactured from small petroleum-based pellets or chips. When heated, the pellets become malleable and are forced through tiny holes — a spinneret — which extrudes continuous polyester fibres. The diameter of the fibre depends on the size of the hole. Unlike cotton, polyester produces solid fibres through which air and moisture cannot pass.
Properties of polyester
Because polyester is oil-derived, it's naturally water-resistant. It doesn't absorb moisture, which is why it mixes well with cotton in blended fabrics — the cotton provides breathability, the polyester provides water resistance. Fibre length and thickness can be controlled precisely during manufacturing, which means polyester fabrics can be engineered to a specific strength or elasticity. Higher-denier polyester (thicker fibres) produces a heavier, more durable fabric — making it an excellent choice for waterproof outdoor furniture .
Downsides of polyester
Polyester is non-biodegradable and is derived from a finite petroleum resource — it's not a sustainable fabric by any measure. A Plymouth University study found that polyester releases approximately 500,000 fibres per wash cycle — non-biodegradable microplastics that contribute to ocean pollution. On a practical level, polyester doesn't wick moisture, so sweat and body heat remain against the skin, which can cause discomfort in warm conditions.
Which Is Better for a Bean Bag Chair?
Cotton gives a bean bag cover a soft, breathable feel. It's comfortable against skin, wicks sweat, and is among the most affordable options. It's easy to mend and machine washable. The limitations: cotton stains easily, isn't water-resistant, and takes a long time to dry. For an indoor bean bag where comfort is the priority and it won't be exposed to moisture, cotton is a strong choice.
Polyester is stain-resistant, water-resistant, strong, and tear-resistant — which makes it the obvious choice for outdoor use or anywhere spills are likely. It's comparably priced to cotton and considerably more durable in demanding conditions. The trade-off is breathability: polyester doesn't wick moisture, which matters more for indoor extended use than for outdoor occasional use. For more on outdoor fabric options, see our post on the differences between nylon and polyester .
Other Bean Bag Fabrics Worth Knowing
If cotton and polyester don't suit your needs, the other main options are:
Leather — looks premium, is durable, and suits adult spaces. Real leather is expensive and requires conditioning; it's not waterproof. Our leather bean bag guide covers what to look for.
Faux leather — water-resistant, durable, and looks similar to real leather at a lower price. More rigid than real leather, which makes it less comfortable for long sitting sessions.
Microsuede — a tightly woven synthetic fabric (made from polyester microfibre, not leather) that mimics the look and feel of suede. Soft, stain-resistant, and comfortable. Not suited to outdoor use and requires appropriate cleaning products. See our post on microsuede vs microfibre for more detail.
Nylon — strong, easy to clean, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Slightly more expensive than cotton or polyester but the most durable of the standard options. Learn more about the best materials for outdoor bean bag chairs .
Faux fur — soft, warm, and tactile. Best suited to indoor use in lower-traffic spaces. Browse our faux fur bean bag range for options.
The Short Answer
For an affordable indoor bean bag , choose cotton. For an affordable outdoor bean bag , choose polyester. For help finding the right fabric for your specific situation, see our guide to choosing the best bean bag fabric .
