The best shower curtain material depends on your priorities, but polyester is widely considered the best overall choice for durability, low maintenance, and quick drying. If you prioritize luxury, choose cotton or linen; for 100% waterproofing, choose PEVA.
Cotton, linen, and other natural fabrics are the best materials for shower curtains.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Shower Curtain
Shower curtains are most commonly made from polyester for durability and water resistance, or natural fibers like cotton and linen for a luxurious look. Vinyl (PVC) is also widely used as a budget-friendly, fully waterproof material.
For a truly mold-resistant shower, the best options are non-porous materials like solid surface, acrylic, or porcelain. These do not absorb moisture or provide the crevices mold needs to grow. Unlike traditional tile, seamless shower panels eliminate grout lines, which are the #1 source of mold and mildew.
No shower curtain is 100% immune to mold forever, as mold feeds on skin cells and soap scum left on the material. However, certain materials are highly resistant, quick-drying, and machine-washable.
Polyurethane laminate (PUL) textiles are composites that consists of a fabric such as polyester laminated to a thin film of polyurethane to provide waterproofing.
The healthiest shower curtains are made from 100% natural, un-dyed fabrics like organic hemp, linen, or organic cotton. These materials are completely free of toxic off-gassing, VOCs, phthalates, and PVC. Because they are not inherently waterproof, they require proper ventilation or a fabric-safe liner to prevent mold.
Unlike shower liners, fabric shower curtains require regular washing to prevent mildew buildup, especially in humid environments. Some curtains come with water-resistant coatings, but they are generally not as effective as liners in keeping water contained.
Are polyester shower curtains waterproof? Yes, like vinyl, polyester shower curtains are waterproof. While the majority of curtains repel water, it's always best to check the label. Polyester, or microfibre, is particularly durable, lasts longer and is easily washed, either by hand or in a machine.
Most fabric shower curtains are machine washable, but always check the care instructions before washing. Aim to wash your shower curtain every 6 months. Fabric shower curtains don't need to be replaced very often, and most people don't replace it until they redecorate their bathroom.
Upgrading your bathroom without a traditional shower curtain is easy and highly customizable. Top modern alternatives include stick-on acrylic screens for a sleek, glass-like look, ceiling-mounted fabric drapes for a luxurious feel, or roll-up shower blinds for a minimalist, space-saving solution.
Hotels often use detergents made of hotel sheets and towels. These detergents are mild and light enough for use on shower curtains.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
While its durability seems like a redeeming quality, using PVC shower curtains comes at a heavy cost. PVC is frequently made with numerous hazardous chemicals, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your bathroom.
The best shower curtain depends on whether you want a standalone waterproof liner or a decorative fabric curtain. Top-rated options like the Liba PEVA Liner excel on a budget, while the Quince European Linen or Madison Park Spa Waffle add a luxurious touch.
Materials like polyester and PEVA are popular for their water resistance and easy care, while fabric curtains with liners offer a softer, more luxurious appearance. A good-quality material prevents mold buildup, dries quickly, and withstands frequent exposure to steam and water.
The best fabrics for shower curtains include polyester, cotton, and linen. Polyester is durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain, making it a popular choice.
To keep water inside a doorless shower, install a collapsible silicone water dam on the floor to act as a threshold barrier, and hang a weighted or heavy-duty shower curtain to deflect splashes. Angle your showerhead toward the back wall and ensure the floor slopes properly toward the drain.
Yes, fabric shower liners absolutely get moldy. Because bathrooms are naturally humid environments, fabric liners that remain wet are prime real estate for mold, mildew, and bacteria. The lower portions of the liner are most vulnerable since water pools there and soap scum easily accumulates.
Natural fiber shower curtains — like cotton, hemp, or linen — are a safer, cleaner choice. Organic cotton, hemp, or linen curtains breathe better, dry quickly, and resist mold and mildew more effectively in humid bathroom conditions.
Polyester is highly flammable and prone to absorbing odors. You should also avoid putting them in your front room if you want to showcase your new curtains, as they may not look as good as other materials on this list.
For a truly mold-resistant shower, the best options are non-porous materials like solid surface, acrylic, or porcelain. These do not absorb moisture or provide the crevices mold needs to grow. Unlike traditional tile, seamless shower panels eliminate grout lines, which are the #1 source of mold and mildew.
Waterproof Breathable Fabrics
Wearing 100% polyester has notable drawbacks: it is inherently less breathable and traps heat, acts like a magnet for static and pet hair, and notoriously retains stubborn body odors. Additionally, it is a synthetic, petroleum-based material that can irritate sensitive skin and sheds microplastics during the wash cycle.
NeverWet Fabric Spray (by Rust-Oleum) is a superhydrophobic, one-step water-repelling treatment. It creates an invisible, breathable barrier that forces liquids to bead up and roll off materials like canvas, polyester, suede, and cotton blends without altering the fabric's look or feel.