Choosing the right seat cover is an important investment for car owners concerned about protecting their original upholstery from dirt, spills, stains, wear and tear, and premature fading. Many manufacturers offer seat covers in a range of fabric options to fit the personality and preferences of individual vehicle owners.
The fabric used to make a seat cover has a significant impact on its performance attributes, including tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and pilling propensity. Those attributes are largely determined by fiber type, yarn structure, and fabric construction. Seat cover fabrics also may be coated to improve some of these performance characteristics.
Other key factors in the selection of a seat cover include ease of installation, comfort, and durability. A good quality seat cover should not interfere with the safety features of a vehicle, such as harnesses and seat belts. It should also be easy to clean and able to withstand frequent use.
Before making a purchase, a driver should determine their top priority and review available choices to help narrow down the selection. Leather offers luxury, polyester is budget-friendly, neoprene provides water resistance, and velour guarantees supreme comfort. Other factors to consider include color and customization. Some brands have a wide range of color options to choose from, while others offer specific patterns that can complement the vehicle’s interior. A specialized design feature such as embroidery can also be applied to some seat cover products, further personalizing them. A variety of other options, such as a non-slip backing and velcro straps, are also available to enhance the functionality of a seat cover.