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Cloth VS Leather Seats

3 Mins read

Whether you are buying a new car or deciding on what type of covers to buy for your existing car, choosing what type of material the seats are made of is an important decision to make.

 

When deciding on what’s better: cloth VS leather Seats, both cloth and leather seats come with their own unique set of pros and cons. To make a decision, you need to decide what is most important to you as well as what price you are willing to pay for comfort and convenience. The type of material your car’s seats are made of can significantly impact how much enjoyment you will get out of your vehicle and is an important decision that shouldn’t be overlooked. You can reach a guide on cleaning car seats the right way by clicking here

The Drawbacks of Cloth Seats

Cloth seats are typically made of nylon or polyester and are quite porous, which means that they absorb everything from odors to spilled liquids. This makes it more difficult to get unpleasant odors removed from your car, and the seats will need to be professionally cleaned periodically to keep them clean and odor-free.

They also tend to attract particles of dirt, hair, and any other debris until they are vacuumed off. However, if you don’t smoke or eat in your car or allow passengers to make a mess on your seats, it is possible to enjoy clean cloth seats for a longer period of time before needing to get them cleaned.

The Benefits of Cloth Seats

Cloth seats do have their benefits as well. For one, they are very soft and comfortable. They also don’t get uncomfortably cold or hot in different weather conditions since they do not absorb heat in the same way other materials such as leather do.

They are also easy to sit in as they are not slippery, so you won’t slide around when you sit on cloth seats.

A car that has cloth seats installed in them can cost much less than a luxury model equipped with leather seats which is a huge bonus if you are shopping on a limited budget.

Cloth seats come in many different colors, textures, and styles, and they do not fade in the sun.

They are actually quite low-maintenance as long as you keep them clean since you don’t have to treat them with any special cleaners or conditioners regularly.

The Appeal of Leather Seats

Leather seats are known for being luxurious and even prestigious. It seems that all the high-end luxury models of vehicles have them, and they are typically the first choice among car buyers.

However, you will have to pay as much as a few extra thousand dollars more for a car that has them, which may break the bank, depending on your budget.

You also have to be careful when shopping for a car with leather seats as not all leather is genuine. Many cars for sale will specify that they have leather seats when they are actually made of faux leather. If in doubt, always ask whether the leather material is genuine or not because it makes a difference.

Faux leather, or leatherette, may look the same as genuine leather, but it will begin to crack and flake over time, which is not a very good look. Leather is not a porous material and very easy to clean since spills will not seep into it and are easily wiped with a cloth.

However, since leather is actually an animal hide, it needs special care. It can dry out and crack and fade if not properly cared for. You will need to use cleaning products made especially for leather, and you will need to replenish the natural oils found in leather by conditioning it regularly.

Leather can get hot or cold depending on the weather, so it is always best to park in a garage or even cover it with a car cover.

Leather is also somewhat slippery due to its smooth surface and can also feel relatively stiff especially new leather. Over time, leather will soften somewhat, and cold leather will also warm up after you sit on it for a while.

Depending on the model of your vehicle, many leather seats come with a heated option so they can be warmed up if they are cold to take the chill off.

If you ever plan on selling your vehicle in the future, leather seats are a great selling point, and they also bring up the value of your vehicle substantially.

When weighing out the benefits and drawbacks of cloth VS leather Seats, it all boils down to your personal preferences and what will be the deal-breaker for you.