Leather vs Cloth Seat Covers: Which Should You Buy?

Choosing between leather (or leatherette) and cloth seat covers comes down to how you use your car, your climate and your budget. Both protect the original upholstery and refresh a tired cabin, but they feel and behave very differently day to day.

Leather and leatherette covers

Genuine leather covers look and feel premium, but most products sold for cars are leatherette (PU or faux leather), which gives a similar look for less money and without the maintenance.

• Pros: wipe-clean surface, resistant to spills and pet hair, easy to keep looking smart, and a more upscale appearance.
• Cons: can feel hot in summer and cold in winter, may be slippery, and cheaper leatherette can crack or peel over time if quality is low.

Cloth covers

Cloth covers, including jacquard and polyester blends, are the comfortable all-rounder that many drivers prefer for everyday use.

• Pros: breathable and comfortable across seasons, grippier so you slide around less, usually cheaper, and softer to the touch.
• Cons: can absorb spills and odors, harder to wipe clean quickly, and may show wear or staining sooner without machine washing.

Durability and cleaning

Leatherette wins for quick cleanup, which is why it suits pet owners, parents of young kids and anyone who eats in the car. A damp cloth or a wipe lifts most spills before they soak in, and pet hair brushes off instead of embedding. Cloth typically needs vacuuming and the occasional wash, but quality cloth holds up well to UV and daily abrasion, and it hides minor dirt better between cleans. For both materials, fit matters as much as fabric: a snug cover that tucks deep into the seat resists shifting and wears more evenly, so always measure your seats and check the sizing guide before buying.

Comfort and climate

Climate should weigh heavily in your decision. In hot regions, plain leatherette can become uncomfortable in direct sun and may stick to skin, so look for perforated or ventilated versions, or pick cloth for its breathability. In cold climates, both warm up quickly once you are moving, though cloth feels less chilly on first contact. If you frequently carry passengers in shorts or take long trips, the breathability and grip of cloth often edge out the easy-clean appeal of leatherette.

Style and resale

Leatherette gives the cabin an upmarket, uniform look that many buyers associate with a higher trim level, which can help a car feel newer. Cloth, especially in subtle patterns, blends in more naturally with most factory interiors. Either way, covers protect the original upholstery underneath, which is what really preserves resale value when it is time to sell.

When to choose each

• Choose leather or leatherette if you want a premium look, fast spill cleanup, easy pet-hair removal and a cabin that wipes down in seconds.
• Choose cloth if you prioritize all-season comfort, grip, breathability and lower cost, and you do not mind occasional washing.
• Mixed needs? Some sets pair a leatherette bolster with a cloth or perforated center panel, blending the easy-clean edges with a cooler, grippier seating surface.

Safety reminder

If your seats have side airbags, only buy covers labeled airbag-compatible in either material. These use seams designed to split on deployment, and a non-compatible cover should never go over a side airbag.

Whichever material fits your life, check current prices, sizes and verified buyer reviews on Amazon. Browse our curated picks for car seat covers to compare leather and cloth options side by side.