Although automakers upholster their seats with durable materials, years of driving and exposure to sunlight can take a toll on the appearance. A set of seat covers can help reduce the depreciation of the upholstery and slow down its deterioration, while also refreshing the interior’s aesthetic. However, it is important to select a cover that fits well and offers adequate protection from pointy keys, leaky pens, sticky fingers, stinky pets, and other mishaps.
Many aftermarket seat cover brands are available that can provide an array of colors and fabrics to choose from. Some are designed to complement the vehicle’s interior for a factory-look while others offer a more customized look. The choice of fabric is another crucial factor because it can affect the long-term life cycle, abrasion resistance, soil resistance, and other performance characteristics (Fung & Hardcastle, 2000).
A majority of seat cover manufacturers use a trilaminate construction that includes a face fabric, a foam layer, and a scrim backing fabric. The face fabric provides the visual appeal, while the foam layer improves abrasion resistance and comfort. A scrim backing fabric controls stretch properties and maintains dimensional stability. An extra coating may be applied to the trilaminate to improve abrasion and soil resistance.
Some seat cover brands use a direct joining method that involves the adhesive film bonding the laminate foam directly to the squab and cushion. This technique is advantageous as it helps with the fabrication of seats with curved and rounded contours. However, it can adversely impact the pile of velvet fabrics.