Seat covers are a great way to protect your car’s original upholstery from spills, stains, heat and UV rays. They also provide a more luxurious look to an older vehicle whose previous owner didn’t take good care of it. There are a wide range of seat covers on the market to suit all types of drivers, from budget-friendly universal covers to made-to-measure cloth and neoprene fabrics that offer a premium feel.
When choosing a fabric, it’s important to consider what type of lifestyle you’ll be using the seats for. If you have children, pets or work with machinery, for example, then you might want to choose a tough, durable fabric that can stand up to scuffing, wear and tear, and spills and stains. A 100% waterproof and mildew resistant canvas might be the ideal choice if your vehicle is a family runaround or work vehicle, while neoprene seat covers are soft, comfortable and flexible, allowing them to stand up well to everyday use.
Most seat covers are made from trilaminate materials consisting of a face fabric, foam layer and scrim backing. The face fabric is designed for aesthetics, while the foam layer provides insulation and cushioning. The scrim backing fabric is used to control stretch properties, dimensional stability and abrasion resistance. Most cover materials also have anti-static and flame retardant properties. Generally, polyester is the preferred material for covers as it’s strong and lightweight and does not require much maintenance.