Whether you’re looking for a more comfortable ride, a protective layer for a major financial investment or both, a car seat cover should match the interior aesthetic of your automobile. That’s a no-brainer. But settling on a fabric out of the many options available might be overwhelming. A few non-negotiables: the cover should be waterproof, so rain, snow and sweat don’t damage the car seat. It should also be durable, breathable and pleasant to sit on. Everything else is gravy, which, by the way, should be easy to wipe right off.
Polypropylene makes for excellent car seat cover material because it’s strong, fade-resistant and stain-resistant. The fabric has inactive dye sites, so if something spills on it, the stain sits between the fibers, rather than seeping in. No mess, no fuss.
Canvas, denim, neoprene, saddle blanket or faux leather? Each material has a list of pros and cons, but if you’re looking to sit in the lap of luxury, you can’t go wrong with leatherette. Genuine leather absorbs spills and grime and scratches easily, whereas the faux fabric is durable and can easily be wiped clean.
Since it will spend 100 percent of its time on top of a beautiful seat underneath, a car seat cover should be at least nearly as attractive. Look for extras like a two-toned design or embroidery that will help it stand on its own visually. Clever design features, like pockets to stash your phone and keys, are an added bonus.
