Buying a car and maintaining it are two very different things that come to the mind of every car owner. While looking at all the car accessories, one of the most important interior accessories is the car seat covers. However, the most important thing about a car seat cover is also its material, because in a country like India, where the climate varies in different conditions, the heating of car seats or issues arising in the seats in winter also depend on the material of the seat cover.
Car seat covers are mainly made of leatherette and fabric material; both materials have their benefits, like comfort, maintenance, durability, aesthetics, breathability, cost, and climate suitability. If you have bought a new car, or want to upgrade your car, and if you are a style-conscious driver, then in this blog, we will tell you the best seat cover material for cars and which seat cover you should install in your car.
What Are Leatherette and Fabric Seat Covers?
Leatherette seat covers: These are harder than normal clothes and are also called copies of pure leather, but there are different types of these, too, whose durability is different. These include PU leatherette, Nappa Leatherette, Faux leatherette, and Synthetic leatherette.
Fabric seat covers: This material includes normal fabrics like cotton, polyester, and blended textiles; their durability is less, and their seat covers may have to be changed frequently.
Leatherette vs Fabric Seat Covers: Comparison Table
Below is a side-by-side table showing the difference between leatherette and fabric seat covers, which is better, leatherette or fabric seat covers, and which one should you choose for your car, This table will give you a better idea.
| Feature | Leatherette | Fabric |
| Comfort | Moderate | High |
| Maintenance | Easy | Difficult |
| Durability | High | Low |
| Aesthetics | Premium look | Casual |
| Breathability | Low | High |
| Cost | Mid-to-high | Low |
| Climate Suitability | Prefer in Winter | Prefer in Summer |
Comfort and Climate Suitability
The material of the seat cover is affected most by the climate, and in summer, the question that arises most is Which Seat covers for hot weather, leatherette or fabric? The simple answer to this is that fabric seat covers are made of the best material in summer, as they have the advantage of breathability, while on the other hand, leatherette has the sweating issue, so in this case, you can now decide the Best car seat material for summer
Maintenance & Cleaning of Material
Seat covers need to be maintained to keep them lifelong, but their material can get damaged by cleaning them with anything. But are leatherette or fabric seat covers easy to clean?
Leatherette: You can simply clean this material with a wet cloth. Different types of polishes are also available in the market, with the help of which it can be cleaned.
It is a little difficult to maintain these fabrics as they quickly absorb stains and also require vacuuming and shampooing to clean them.
If you have pets or kids in your house, then it is easy to maintain leatherette material, whereas it is difficult to maintain fabric material.
Durability and Longevity
Leatherette vs fabric car upholstery in the long run
Fabric: While these material costs are effective then their quality gets compromised, i.e., with time they start fading and becoming worn out; their life is short, so with time these may have to be changed again and again.
Leatherette: These come in the mid to high range, so their quality is good and high which makes them dust proof, water proof, and heat proof. Their life is good, which lasts for a long time, and also, they do not have to be changed again and again.
Aesthetics & Customization Options
Fabric: This material is available in multiple colors, textures options which you can choose as per your choice and your car's interior. It is used in hatchback cars, but it looks very casual.
Leatherette: It comes with premium looks and high quality, and also has customized options available, and is mostly installed in premium cars.
But this question is hatchback vs SUV vs sedan, which material seat covers would be best to use in which car? For hatchbacks, it would be best to use fabric; for sedans it would be best to use leatherette material.
Price and Value for Money
So now we come to their pricing, and what is the price of which material and which one to buy will be value for money
Fabric: The price of seat covers made of this material generally starts from Rs 2000
Leatherette: The price of seat covers made of this material generally starts from Rs 7000
Now let's talk about which material will be a good investment that can give you a better return
If you keep changing the seat covers after some time or get bored with the old seat covers, then the fabric option is the best.
If you want a premium feel and want to invest for a long time, then Leatherette material will be the best option, but it will be a bit on the expensive side
There are many such websites and shops in the market which deal both online and offline, and also make different combos and sell them, in which you get a good discount, like seat cover + floor mats, seat cover + steering wrap.
Which One Should You Choose? [Quick Decision Guide]
You should choose leatherette seat covers if:
- If you want a premium look and appearance in your car.
- If you live in a cool area where it is hot.
- If you are very busy and do not pay much attention to maintenance, then it is easy to clean.
You should go for fabric seat covers if:
- You prioritize comfort and breathability
- You live in a hot region
- If you are searching for affordable or budget friendly
Final Closing
In the end, your lifestyle, climate, preferred level of comfort, and financial situation will determine whether you choose leatherette or fabric seat covers. Leatherette seat cover are perfect for people who value style and hassle-free cleaning since they provide a high-end appearance, long-term durability, and ease of maintenance. However, fabric seat covers are more affordable, more breathable, and more comfortable in hot weather, making them ideal for daily usage and family vehicles.
Every material is suitable for a variety of car, including sedans and SUVs. Fabric is superior in terms of summer comfort and ventilation, but leatherette is superior in terms of style and durability. Fabric might be a better option if you live in a hot area, have children, or pets. However, leatherette is the best option if you want a luxurious feel and a surface that is easy to clean. To select the best choice, consider how often you use your car, the temperature in your area, and your own preferences. Still not sure? To get the best of both worlds, look at combo possibilities.
