Ico Traders Journal
The Wire

Textile choice Matters: Why We’re So Fussy About the Outdoor Fabrics we source.

At Ico Traders, we’re always thinking about the balance between looking good & good function. We treat our outdoor fabric choices the same way we do our outdoor furniture. It needs to look timeless, feel great & last.

We’ve handpicked a few special textiles from our local supplier in Christchurch NZ, to use for our outdoor cushions and chair pads. Making sure they tick all the boxes: strong enough to handle New Zealand’s harsh sun, resilient against rain and salt spray, but still soft, inviting, robust & good looking
Here’s a closer look at why we’ve chosen Kira, Abstraction and Elba for our soft furnishings.

Kira: The Classic Bouclé, Reinvented for Outdoors

Bouclé is one of those fabrics that instantly adds texture and sophistication. Traditionally reserved for interiors, it brings a cosy, tactile finish that feels just a little bit indulgent. With Kira, you get all of that charm, but wrapped up in a performance fabric that loves the outdoors as much as we do.

  • Washable, UV and mildew resistant
  • Fire retardant for safety
  • Textural and soft, but seriously durable

Kira proves that practicality and elegance don’t have to be opposites. It’s as at home on your deck as it is in your lounge.

  •  

Abstraction: A Bold Splash of Art for the Garden

Sometimes you want a little drama. Abstraction is where fabric meets artwork. A painterly design. Printed onto a heavy outdoor cloth, it’s durable and sun smart, but with all the character of a one off art piece.

  • Rich, layered print that adds personality
  • Strong enough for the outdoors
  • Designed to resist fading, stains, and everyday wear

It’s the perfect way to inject some life and colour into your alfresco spaces, without losing out on practicality.

  •  

Elba: Italian Elegance, Built to Last

Woven in Italy, Elba is one of those fabrics that feels like a little luxury. Its bouclé texture brings depth and warmth, while the colours merge seamlessly with Ico Traders colour palette. Soft feeling, but seriously tough.

  • Resistant to sun, saltwater and pool water
  • Outdoor safe, with high durability
  • Adds a touch of luxe, no matter where you use it

Elba is proof that performance fabrics can be beautiful and that you don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality.

  •  

Why These Outdoor Fabrics?

Because we want your Ico Traders pieces to stand the test of time. Our furniture is made to be lived with, to be sat on, spilled on, left outside, and still come up smiling. The fabrics we choose are no different.

By selecting textiles like Kira, Abstraction, and Elba, we’re making sure your outdoor cushions and pads don’t just look amazing on day one, but continue to look and feel good for years to come.

At the end of the day, it’s about creating soft furnishings that are easy to live with, but never ordinary.

Shop our outdoor cushions and chairpads here

  •  
© 2025 Ico Traders | All prices are in NZD
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Newsletter signup

HELLO & WELCOME TO ICO TRADERS, WE LOVE THAT YOU ARE HERE! SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER & RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER OF THE ICO TRADERS’ FURNITURE & HOMEWARES BRAND.*