Heated seats in your truck are nearly a must-have in chilly weather (just ask us; we’re from Minnesota). Some of our customers ask us: is it safe to put seat covers on heated seats?
Let’s clear the air and get down to the facts about protecting your heated seats without losing their warming benefits.
What kind of material is safe on heated seats?
Thin, breathable materials like polyester, CORDURA®, or certain blends are typically safe as they allow efficient heat transfer. Avoid materials that are too thick, foam-backed, or insulated, as they can block the heat and potentially cause damage to the heating elements. We’d also suggest avoiding faux leather or anything furry…for more reason than one.
Are seat covers safe with aftermarket seat heaters?.
Generally, seat covers are compatible with both factory-installed and aftermarket heating systems. However, aftermarket heaters can add extra bulk to your seats. Properly install heaters so that they're smooth under the covers. You can enjoy the added warmth and protect your seats with the right approach, but if your seat heaters are too bulky under the covers, you may want to consider a thinner option.
Safety and efficiency
When using seat covers on heated seats, consider the following:
Ensure the seat cover is properly fitted and doesn’t bunch up, as uneven distribution can lead to overheating in certain spots.
Be aware that seat covers may slightly reduce the heat intensity you feel.
Regularly check the seat covers and seats for any signs of heat damage.
How do TigerTough seat covers work with heated and cooled seats?
They work great, if we do say so ourselves.
“The covers work great with heated seats. They'll warm up just like the factory seats, and you won't notice a difference. If you use them with cooled seats, they'll work, but you'll notice less of a breeze. That's because the factory-cooled seats are perforated, but the covers are not. The covers will still cool and let some air through because the fabric is breathable, but it'll just be less than you're used to with the factory seats.”
-Sheldon Zitzmann, Marketing Director
Ready?
Planning to outfit your heated seats with covers? No problem, but let's do it right. Choose materials that play nice with the heat, and you're all set. It's about striking that perfect balance – enjoying the cozy warmth while keeping your seats rugged and ready. Go the right route, and your heated seats stay snug and secure, season after season.
We've seen people reviewing our seat covers (which are made for humans) and talking about how they love them for their dogs.
Whether you've got hunting dogs, service dogs, household pets, volunteer with a rescue, or work with a K9 unit, you will need a cover that protects from wetness, stains, scratching, and chewing.
Since we make our covers for humans, it's only fair that we look at seat covers that humans can use, so we won't review pet hammocks. And because we only make seat covers for trucks, SUVs, and vans, we'll look at those covers.
We're going to divide these into two types:
Seat protectors: Not a custom fit, have a boxier shape and will obviously be a cover in your truck
Seat covers: Custom fit and will blend in with your truck's interior
Here are some of the top-searched brands for backseat and how they hold up to dogs:
Seat protectors all have a very similar shape: a boxy apron that fits hundreds of different bench seats with a skirt that runs around the edge, so it will feel (and look) like a universal cover. But these top contenders all have strengths in different areas.
WeatherTech Seat Protector
Image source: WeatherTech website
We've reviewed WeatherTech before, and here's the bottom line: We love WeatherTech, but would stick to their floor liners and not their seat protectors.
We like that these are made in America, easy to install, and machine washable. We don't love that you won't be able to access the center seatbelt or use the features of a split seat.
Takeaways from the WeatherTech Seat Protector:
No center seatbelt access
Can't use the split seat
Water resistant, not waterproof
Made in America
Quick to install
Washable
Some people love this seat protector; some people don't. Overall, half of their customers wouldn't recommend it.
“The straps around the headrest did not provide a very tight fit, and my two labs consistently moved the seat cover off the seat while jumping in and out of the truck during our trip. It is well made but moves around too much.”
Orvis is known for quality gear that can brave the elements, so the Orvis Backseat Protector should be no exception.
This has a very similar fit to WeatherTech's version, but this is a new item from Orvis, so we'll need to wait for reviews to come in to see if it's a better investment.
Orvis stands behind their products with the Great Catch Guarantee. If you aren't happy with your item, you can return it for a small restocking fee online or for free at a local store.
We've also reviewed Canvasback before. They're known for their cargo liners but make seat protectors too. They were founded in the 1990s by a dog owner wanting to make interior vehicle protection durable enough for dogs.
Their rear bench covers are like the ones we mentioned above, with a few notable differences: they're waterproof, have more color options, and can fit smaller SUVs.
Takeaways from the Canvasback Bench Seat Cover:
No center seatbelt access
Can't use the split seat
Waterproof
Made in America
Woman-owned company
Quick to install
Machine washable
“I was delighted to find a car seat cover made in the USA and happy to support a woman-owned business! … The price is on par with what I've paid for other seat covers (namely Orvis). The quality appears to be good; I appreciate that the pieces velcro together for easy cleaning. Like most seat covers, it doesn't fit perfectly, but with so many car makes and models out there, I imagine it's hard to find a perfect fit.”
We hadn't heard of Kurgo before we started researching, but their site was really nice to use. We actually liked their No Slip Grip Bench Seat Cover better than this one, but the No Slip option was only 55" wide, not wide enough to work in most large SUVs and pickup trucks. So, we'll be reviewing the Kurgo Wander Bench Seat Cover Extended Width.
The cool thing about this cover is that it has additional pockets to store a leash, poop bags, etc. Kurgo also has a piped edge ( a slight raised edge around the seat) to help prevent liquidy messes from spilling into the floor. According to their customer service, their products are made in Vietnam, China, and Taiwan.
Takeaways from the Kurgo Wander Bench Seat Cover:
No center seatbelt access
Can't use the split seat
Waterproof
Made in Vietnam, China, or Taiwan
Quick to install
Not machine washable
“After having this seat cover in my SUV for several years, we bought the extended size for our 2020 F-150 back bench seat - it fits perfect. These products are awesome and wear like iron.”
Meadowlark really isn't any different than the other seat protectors here. But it's one of the most affordable. It has the same basic shape and won't let you use the 40/60 or 60/40 split seat features.
Takeaways from the Meadowlark
No center seatbelt access
Can't use the split seat
Waterproof
Made in China
Inexpensive
Quick to install
Washable
“Been looking around for a decent cover for my dog. He tends to drool after a fun day at the park. This did the trick, and it fit the rear bench perfectly.”
4Knines Multi-Function Crew Cab Truck Seat Cover with Hammock
Image source: 4Knines website
We added the 4Knines cover to this lineup because it had some unique options not available in the other brands mentioned.
Now, we said we weren't going to review hammocks, and we stand by that, but this protector has a foldaway hammock that you can tuck away, making this one an option for people to use. It also has a split design, so you can flip seats up or down as needed without removing the cover. We love that.
4Knines does warn that their cover isn't chew-proof. So keep that in mind if you've got a chewer.
Takeaways from the 4Knines Multi-Function Crew Cab Truck Seat Covers
Access to all seat belts
Split-seat design
Waterproof
Made in China
Optional hammock
Quick to install
Machine washable
Not chew-proof
“This is our second 4knines cover (the other goes to our smaller vehicle), and just as I suspected, this cover is the best one I've seen for a truck! Easy to install and fits just right! I love that it's easy to split if I have something big I need to put inside the cab or if I've got the kiddos with me. No need to worry about dog hair or drool all over everything, which is a big plus in my book (it's a legit worry when you've got a giant breed!). If it does get dirty, it's easy to take off and throw in the wash.”
It's tough to say. Your preferences will be different than ours. But if you want an American-made seat cover, go with Canvasback. They're a little cheaper than WeatherTech, a small business, and have more color and pattern options.
If you don't care where your seat protector is made, we like 4Knines. It's more attractive than the extended fit of the Kurgo, and you can use your split bench features. It's not the cheapest, but it's also not the most expensive.
Seat Covers for Dogs
These seat covers will be tailored to fit your truck's bench seat like a glove. It's a custom fit that will complement your vehicle's interior. These don't just have one or two sizes. They have dozens (if not hundreds) of sizes because they're made for your specific truck.
Covercraft Carhartt SeatSavers
We're no strangers to Covercraft's Carhartt seat covers. These are a fan favorite in the seat cover world. We love that these give you a custom fit and remind you of your favorite Carhartt jacket.
These covers, like TigerTough, are meant to withstand the conditions of hardworking men and women. Grease, dust, snow, mud, it can handle it all. Think about what a pair of Carhartt coveralls goes through, the seat covers can put up with the same.
They have two kinds of Carhartt covers. Both covers offer a custom fit, a three-year limited warranty, and two Carhart colors. Let's go over the differences.
Carhartt Seat Savers
Image source: Covercraft website
This is the more affordable of the two Carhartt options offered by Covercraft. The only thing that would make them better is if they were all made in America, had multiple pieces, and were waterproof (they're water-resistant).
Being one piece, you need to tuck the cover into the crease where the seat back meets the seat bottom. If your dogs are rambunctious in the truck, you might find that these don't always stay in place.
Takeaways for the Covercraft Carhartt SeatSavers:
Access to all seatbelts
Split-seat design
One-piece cover
Water-resistant (not waterproof)
Made in Mexico and the United States
Three-year warranty
Machine washable
“They look good, they fit great, and the dogs and wife love them. We do a lot of hunting and fishing, and they clean up great, and dog hair does not stick to them.”
These are the premium Carhartt seat covers from Covercraft. They're most similar to what we have at TigerTough because they are multiple pieces, so you'll get the best, most secure fit on your seats.
These offer a better fit than the SeatSavers, and they're made exclusively in the United States.
Takeaways from the CoverCraft Carhartt Precision Fit Seat Covers:
Access to all seatbelts
Split-seat design
Multi-piece cover
Water-resistant (not waterproof)
Made in the United States
Limited three-year warranty
Machine washable
Most expensive option
“Outstanding product and protection of seats. I have [them] only on [the] rear seat for my dogs. Great product, but installation was a real challenge. Directions and tips on installation can be improved.”
Like Carhartt, our covers are made for hardworking men and women. Unlike Carhartt, all our seat covers are made in the United States from nearly indestructible CORDURA, are waterproof, and come in multiple pieces for a super custom fit.
With our unconditional warranty, your dog can do its worst to our seat covers, and we'll repair or replace them for free.
Based on the specs alone, we like the TigerTough covers best. OK, yes, we work for TigerTough so that feels biased. But they're the cheapest option, have an unconditional warranty (important when you have dogs), and are made on American soil. We like Carhartt and love the look of the covers and suggest them if there's ever a vehicle we don't make a seat cover for.
But there are many great seat covers for you and your pup. We like to say to look for these things you're considering seat covers:
Waterproof
Easy to clean
Come in multiple pieces for a great fit
Have a great warranty and return policy
Made in America
Depending on your activity level, size and number of dogs, and your budget, there's a seat cover out there that will meet your needs. And when it doubt, any protection is better than none, so go with what you can afford.
To be direct, yes, airbag-compatible seat covers are considered safe if they allow the airbag to deploy in third-party testing.
But for those who want to know more details, this article is for you.
Airbags are relatively new in automobile history. They were heavily considered for passenger vehicles in the 1950s, according to The Rough Road to Airbags. The concept was brought to Chrystler, but they weren't interested. Ford and General Motors experimented with prototypes but couldn't mass-produce them.
However, they didn't become common until decades later. NHTSA now estimates that frontal airbags have saved more than 70,000 lives in the U.S. through 2019, and they reduce driver fatalities in frontal crashes by 29% and front-seat passenger fatalities by 32%
So what are airbag-compatible seat covers, and why are they important?
What are airbag-compatible seat covers?
Seat covers are considered compatible with airbags when holes or flaps allow the seat airbag to deploy. They're considered safe for installation.
TigerTough seat cover with airbag-compatible tag
When you install seat covers on a newer (2012+) vehicle, you're almost guaranteed to cover up an airbag in the side of your seat. If your seat cover doesn't allow the airbag to deploy, you will likely be smashing your head and upper body into the side of the vehicle in the event of a crash. That's not something fun to think about, but it's true.
Watch this video and see how the torso airbag in the seat works with the ceiling airbag to protect the driver from hitting the side of the vehicle:
That doesn't mean you shouldn't install seat covers on your vehicle. Just don't install cheap, universal-fit covers. But watch out; even well-known manufacturers don't always have airbag-safe covers.
WeatherTech Seat Cover instructions and warnings
If the seat cover doesn't mention anything about compatibility, and you see straps or anything covering the side airbag, it's probably best not to install it in your car, truck, van, or SUV.
A seat cover that's not compatible with airbags.
Which brands of seat covers are compatible with airbags?
In our research, we've found the following top brands to be considered safe:
Covercraft
Wet Okole
Canvasback
ShearComfort
TigerTough
We haven't looked to see if these brands (other than TigerTough) have been independently tested, but according to their websites, they're considered safe with airbags. We suggest you only install seat covers that are independently tested and verified for airbag compatibility by a qualified third-party laboratory.
So TigerTough seat covers are airbag-safe?
Yes.
TigerTough seat covers have been independently tested and verified by MGA Research Corporation in Troy, MI. Watch the airbag deploy in under 30 milliseconds in the testing video below:
Whether you're installing truck seat covers or installing them on your car or van, check that the cover will allow your airbag to deploy. You owe it to yourself and your passengers.
Why are they important?
When adding aftermarket parts to your vehicle, you need to make sure you're not hindering any of the safety features of your truck, van, car, police vehicle, etc.
All vehicles today have airbags in the steering wheel and passenger side dash. Most vehicles come with them in the side of the seat back. Some cars have airbags in the A-pillar (by the dash), the B-pillar (by your head when you're in the seat), the ceiling, and other locations in the vehicle.
We HIGHLY recommend checking your owner's manual before modifying your vehicle's interior to ensure you aren't compromising your and your passengers' safety. And when you're ready to install seat covers, be sure they're compatible with your airbags.
Each TigerTough custom seat cover is shipped with step-by-step color instructions on installing them on the exact vehicle they were specifically designed for.
So if you ordered seat covers for your 2022 Toyota Tacoma, you’ll get instructions on how to install those covers in a 2022 Toyota Tacoma. Pretty nice, right?
There are covers in the seat cover world that look awful because the installation process is confusing or inadequate. It’s a common problem with seat covers. We addressed this head-on by making installation as straightforward as possible.
And if you toss your instructions aside in a moment of confidence and need a few pointers along the way, you’re in luck, because we record installation videos for every vehicle.
Since each vehicle is different, each seat cover install will be different.
We’ll walk you through what a typical installation looks like.
Watch the video version
Before you start
Lift and remove the headrest.
Lean the seat back.
Remove any straps on the underside that hold the carpet up.
If you have a Ford, unclip the plastic connectors under the seat–they might feel like they’re going to break, but they will come off.
Installing the seat bottom cover
Make sure you start with the correct seat cover–passenger and driver’s seats are different, so just look for the tag.
Line the seams up.
Push the top flap of the seat cover between the seat back and the seat bottom.
Take the strings and put one between the seat and the center console and cover and one between the seat cushion and plastic on the door side. These need to go down and under the seat, not straight back and behind the seat.
Tuck the cover between the cushion and the plastic trim around the seat.
Go behind the seat and find the strings you ran through the sides of the seat.
Run them under the seat. Look at your specific instructions to see if you need to run them behind or in front of the seat mounts.
Run the strings through each side of the StringLock as tight as possible and clamp it (the tighter, the better!).
Run the front seat flaps over any seat-adjusting bar and under the seat.
Pull tight on the front and back flaps and fasten them underneath the seat.
Installing the seatback cover
Make sure the airbag tag is on the door side of the seat.
Slide the cover over the seat.
Press the cover down around the plastic headrest mounts.
Go to the back and tuck the carpet flap up into the seat cover.
Push the front flaps through the seat crease and fasten them on the backside.
Lastly, install the headrest cover
Put the headrest back in, but don’t put it all the way down.
Take the cover and make sure the long flap is in front.
Tuck the flap to the back and secure it.
You can put the headrest down now if you’d like.
How easy was it?
We’ve installed other seat covers (check out this Carhartt install we did) and must admit that ours take longer. Since our covers come in multiple pieces, you’ll get a better fit, but it will take a little while to get those pieces where you want.
We say to expect to spend up to 45 minutes per seat on installation.
“If you’re looking for a seat cover that you can throw on for the weekends and then take off during the week, this cover is likely not the best choice. While you certainly can remove and reinstall these covers, the process is involved enough that I wouldn’t want to do it frequently. To get a precision fit, you give up being able to quickly and easily take the covers on and off.”
Wrapping it up (see what we did there?)
These aren’t the easiest to install, but they’re also not rocket science. If you’ve ever stepped foot on a job site, you can install these. And we can assure you that every installation step helps give you the best-looking fit on your new seat covers.
Every vehicle installation is going to vary a bit. But we won’t leave you in the dark. You’ll get detailed instructions, an install video, and you’re always welcome to contact us if you’re stumped. And if you want to skip the installation altogether, check out one of our 850+ dealers.
Let’s just get this out of the way: Camo alone doesn't make a seat cover suitable for hunting
That’s like painting your truck like a police cruiser and saying it’s ready to patrol the streets. It's about the right features and build, not just the appearance.
So we’ll sift through the best hunting seat covers for trucks. We'll look beyond the camouflage and assess what really matters: durability, functionality, and whether they can stand up to the challenges of hunting life.
Disclaimer: We had Marathon seat covers in this blog originally. While the OG Marathon covers were great, they were recently bought by Covercraft, and the design of the seat cover changed. Here's a look at the old vs. new Marathon seat covers.
Carhartt
We all love Carhartt. Their RealTree Camo Seat Covers are just their SeatSavers with a different pattern on the fabric. We can give a pretty accurate overview since we’ve had our hands on these and installed them in a vehicle.
Price: $337
Pros
You know exactly what these seat covers will feel like. They’re made of the same Carhartt duck cotton you know and love. There’s nothing unexpected or surprising about these covers.
Cons
We’ve done a lot of homework on Carhartt’s seat covers, so we’re pretty familiar with them.
These covers don’t have a separate back and bottom, so they shimmy a lot. They’re not waterproof (which is pretty important for a hunting seat cover). They’re not made exclusively in America and are not as durable as CORDURA®️.
Verdict
If you’re brand loyal and love what Carhartt stands for–go for it! But you might not be getting the most durable cover on the market, and you’ll be buying the most expensive one we’re reviewing.
The name Saddleman conjures up the image of a cowboy emerging from a hazy fog after vanquishing villains from a nearby town, so naturally, we’re drawn to these seat covers.
Price: $260
Pros
These are made in America, which we love (and we’d expect nothing less of a cowboy). Saddleman stands by their products and offers lifetime support. This means that you can send your covers to them for repairs for the product's lifetime for a small fee. There were only six reviews, but all of those customers seem thrilled with their covers.
Cons
Saddleman doesn’t say what their covers are made from (beyond polyester), so you can’t determine their durability. They’re also not waterproof. And like the Carhartt, they don’t have separate pieces, so the fit won’t be as secure as it could be.
Verdict
We’re not sold either way on these. Since they’re American-made and at the bottom of the price point, they’re probably worth trying.
We weren’t super familiar with Northwest, so we were intrigued when it popped up in our Search. Northwest has been making seat covers since 1997, and we enjoyed reviewing what they offer.
Although they don’t specifically state it, these are made in Canada. We contacted their customer service team, and they confirmed that the covers are made in Vancouver, BC.
Price: $462
Pros
Northwest uses 600-Denier fabric for their hunting seat covers. Knowing the fabric's denier is so helpful because it will tell you how strong it is. 600 is decent, but we’d prefer to see something in the 800-1000 range. Northwest also provides a two-year warranty that’s more generous than most–they’ll fix or replace a seat cover that experiences wear due to normal use. And bonus: they have videos showing that their seat covers are airbag compatible.
Cons
Ok…we were on #teamnorthwest until we read the website section that says you need to CUT YOUR OWN HOLES in the seat cover for things like headrest posts and latch holes. That’s a big no-no for seat covers because it compromises the seat cover's integrity.
Verdict
As Grandpa always said: never buy a seat cover you need to stab.
Northwest is a pretty expensive seat cover, but their fit does look good. We also love their generous warranty, but we’re not sure we’d recommend them without knowing a little more.
We’re always happy to find another U.S.-based seat cover company using CORDURA®️. Sportsman has been in business since 1999, making their covers in good ole Mississippi.
Price: $330
Pros
As mentioned, we love that these are made in America. We also appreciate that they’re made from CORDURA®️. These covers look great!
Cons
Even though these are CORDURA®️, they’re only made with 500-denier. That’s not the best it could be. Sportsman also says that their seat covers are padded and quilted. While padding might be great, it degrades over time and can make the seat cover baggy. Quilting looks great, but every seam makes the seat cover less durable.
And if you go with a solid color from Sportsman, know that they are nonrefundable and nonreturnable.
And according to their vehicle search, they only cover seats up to 2025, so call to confirm if you have a 2026 or newer.
Verdict
It’s hard for us not to like this company. They’re doing great things. We’d love to see a better return policy and a stronger denier without padding and quilting…but then they’d just be a Mississippi version of TigerTough. Since their price point is lower than most, we’d give them a try.
The design on the Kryptek seat covers is unique, and there’s a variety of colors to choose from. They also include a back seat pocket on their covers, typically an additional fee.
Cons
You’re paying $100+ more for the Kryptek pattern on your seats. (Coverking’s Neosupreme covers cost around $220 when this was published.)
Since these are not made of neoprene, they’re not totally waterproof.
Verdict
If you can get them on sale, go for it. Otherwise, we suggest going with the Coverking version in color you can live with. It might not be camo, but it’s literally the same otherwise.
We’re also no strangers to ShearComfort. We did a side-by-side comparison of the 1000-Denier ShearComfort vs. TigerTough. The ShearComfort Realtree Camo seat covers are super similar in specs to Northwest’s seat covers: 600-Denier, DWR top coat, PU undercoat, etc. We asked, and although they are similar, ShearComfort and Northwest each make their own covers. There’s no manufacturing overlap that we could find.
Price: $440
Pros
They are pretty easy to install, and they come with a seatback pocket. These look great in the stock photos, but we haven’t had our hand on these particular covers. However, reviewers love them.
Cons
ShearComfort uses different fabrics on the front of the seat covers than the backs. When we asked customer service about this, they said their solid camo seat covers use the same material around the whole seat. So if you don’t want varying materials, order the solid camo versions. The one thing we don’t love is that these are close to $400 for a set.
Verdict
We don’t love ‘em or hate ‘em. If you end up buying them, let us know what you think. We’d love to hear you out.
We’re based in Minnesota and all of our seat covers are made on U.S. soil by American men and women. We strive to make seat covers the blue-collar world can be proud of. Since we focus on trucks and heavy equipment, we design every seat cover to withstand major abuse.
Price: $339-$377
Pros
Our camo seat covers are made of 900-denier polyester in standard camo and 1000-denier CORDURA for our Realtree options and can withstand tools, pets, and spills. We offer an unconditional two-year warranty–it doesn’t matter how you ruin them, we’ll repair or replace them. We also offer an antimicrobial option, in case you're worried about stinkin' up the joint, but that only comes in black and gray.
Cons
Our covers cost more than some of the others.
Verdict
Not the cheapest seat covers, but still on the lower end of the pricing scale. We offer the best warranty out of all these hunting covers–that’s not an opinion, it’s just fact. If you’d like a third-party review, check out what HuntTested had to say about TigerTough.
900-Denier Polyester and 1000-Denier CORDURA® in Realtree®
Waterproof
☑️
Airbag Safe
☑️
Camo Patterns
5
Where are they made?
U.S.
Seatback Pockets
Optional
Warranty
Unconditional two-year
Return Info
30 days, no restock fee
Summary
In the hunt for the perfect seat covers, remember, they're not all built for the same game. The ideal choice for your hunting adventures should tick these boxes:
Totally waterproof for those unexpected elements
Easy to clean after a day in the wild
Supported by a robust warranty and a fair return policy
Proudly crafted in the USA
Don't get trapped with seat covers that can't keep up with your hunting lifestyle. You need resilient, cost-effective options to endure years of outdoor excursions, ultimately saving you money in the long run. And for those who hunt with a four-legged friend, be sure to check out our review of the best backseat bench covers for dogs – they're a game-changer.
So, as you scout the options for truck seat covers, tailor your choice to fit your hunting needs and budget. Make a choice that’s not just good for now but one that stands as your reliable partner in every hunting journey.
Considering seat covers for your vehicle's leather seats? It's a decision many drivers think about. Leather is a premium material that demands thoughtful care, and the pressing question is whether seat covers help or harm leather seats.
For the most part, no, seat covers won't ruin your leather seats.
They're generally seen as a protective layer, guarding against daily wear and tear, spills, and sun damage. However, not every seat cover is suitable for leather. Some may negatively impact the material over time, like the ones that can trap moisture and adhere to the leather.
Understanding Leather Seats and Seat Covers
While those leather seats are pretty sturdy on their own, they can absolutely benefit from the extra protection that seat covers bring. It's all about keeping them in prime condition for as long as possible, and that's a job seat covers do pretty well, if we say so ourselves.
Leather seats are tough yet tender
Leather's durable, but it's not invincible. Constant sun exposure, the daily in-and-out, and the occasional coffee spill can leave leather looking worn and faded. Leather is also porous, so it absorbs spills, odors, and oils over time and needs some regular care to stay in tip-top shape.
Seat covers are your leather seat’s BFF
Think of seat covers as a shield for your leather: they keep the bad stuff (UV rays, spills, dirt, grease, pet hair) off your seats while still allowing the leather to breathe. The right seat cover protects your leather from the everyday abuse that ages it fastest, helping you preserve both the look and the resale value of your vehicle.
Do Seat Covers Protect Leather?
Yes, the right ones do. Seat covers are one of the best ways to protect leather seats. Here's what they guard against:
UV damage: Prolonged sun exposure causes leather to dry out, crack, and fade. A quality seat cover blocks UV rays entirely.
Spills and stains: Leather is porous and difficult to deep-clean. A seat cover takes the hit so your leather doesn't have to.
Wear and friction: Daily in-and-out causes surface abrasion over time. Seat covers absorb that friction instead.
Pet scratches: Claws and nails can quickly scratch or puncture leather. A tough fabric cover is a much cheaper fix than reupholstering.
You need to choose a cover that doesn't trap moisture, doesn't chemically react with your leather's finish, and fits well enough that it doesn't shift and create friction underneath.
How to Protect Leather Car Seats
Here are the best practices to maintain your leather seats:
Clean your seats before installing covers. Dirt or moisture trapped under a seat cover can cause mold, mildew, and accelerated wear. Give your leather a thorough clean and let it dry completely first.
Choose breathable materials. Seat covers made from breathable fabrics (like high-quality canvas or CORDURA) allow air circulation so moisture doesn't get trapped against the leather.
Avoid foam-backed covers on freshly conditioned leather. If your leather was recently conditioned, wait a few days before installing foam-backed seat covers. The conditioner and foam can react in ways that damage both the cover and the leather's surface finish.
Ensure a proper fit. A loose seat cover shifts around and creates friction which is exactly what you're trying to avoid. Choose covers designed for your specific make and model.
What are the best seat cover materials for leather seats?
The best overall choice for leather seats is heavy-duty canvas or woven fabric. Tough woven fabrics like TigerTough's seat covers are breathable, durable, and won't chemically react with leather. They sit against the seat without trapping heat or moisture, and they're machine washable, which makes them easy to maintain. If you're using your vehicle for work or hauling gear regularly, this is the go-to.
Our favorite seat cover brands for leather seats are:
TigerTough (obviously)
Carhartt
Marathon
Northwest
Materials to avoid on leather seats
These are our opinions, backed by a few facts. We absolutely suggest doing your own research to determine what you’re comfortable with.
Neoprene Seat Covers
A solid option for active or outdoor use. Neoprene is waterproof and easy to wipe down, which makes it popular for off-roaders and water sports enthusiasts. The tradeoff: Neoprene is less breathable than woven fabric, so it can trap more heat in hot climates. It's generally safe for leather as long as it's installed on clean, dry seats, but if you’re not one to baby your truck or your seats, maybe avoid neoprene.
Faux leather or leatherette seat covers
A lot of people like the way these look, and they’re easy to wipe clean, but they're not the best choice for protecting genuine leather underneath. Leatherette doesn't breathe, so over time it can trap heat and humidity against your leather seats. Better for aesthetic upgrades on cloth seats than for protecting premium leather.
Cheap Foam-Backed Covers
Low-cost foam-backed covers are the most likely to cause problems on leather. The foam backing can interact with leather conditioners and UV-protectant treatments, potentially degrading both materials. If you're going foam-backed, make sure your leather hasn't been recently treated.
Seat Covers on Heated Leather Seats
One of the most common questions we get with leather seats: can you put seat covers on heated leather seats?
Yes, in most cases, seat covers are safe to use with heated leather seats. Here's what to keep in mind:
Check the seat cover material. Thinner, more breathable fabrics transfer heat more efficiently. Very thick or insulating materials may reduce how well you feel the heat, but they won't damage the heating element.
Never use seat covers that aren't designed for heated seats on seats you regularly heat. The repeated heat cycles can cause ill-fitting covers to shift, bunch, or wear unevenly.
Avoid covers with metal hardware near the seat surface. Metal components like rivets can become uncomfortably hot and potentially scratch leather when the seat heats up.
We put various materials to the test in the dead of winter to see which ones worked best with heated seats. Check out the test results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will seat covers damage leather seats?
No. Quality seat covers protect leather seats rather than damaging them. The risk comes from using the wrong type of cover (like foam-backed covers on freshly conditioned leather) or installing them over dirty, damp seats.
Do seat covers protect leather from cracking?
Yes. UV exposure is one of the leading causes of leather cracking and fading. A seat cover blocks sunlight entirely, dramatically slowing the aging process.
Can you put seat covers on leather heated seats?
Yes, seat covers are generally safe for heated leather seats. Choose breathable, properly fitting covers and avoid thick insulating materials that block heat transfer.
What type of seat covers are best for leather seats?
Breathable, woven fabric seat covers are the best choice for leather. They protect against spills, UV, and wear without trapping moisture or heat against the leather surface.
Protect your leather seats
Seat covers and leather seats are a great combination, as long as you choose the right cover. Look for breathability, a proper fit, and clean installation. Skip the cheap foam-backed options, and you'll find that seat covers are one of the best investments you can make in protecting your leather's long-term condition and your vehicle's resale value.
We know WeatherTech makes incredible floormats. They’ve been in the business since 1989 and are well-known in the industry for their floor protection. A few of us at TigerTough even rock their mats in our trucks.
But when we were researching our Best Work Truck Seat Covers article, WeatherTech Seat Protectors were mentioned as an option for work trucks. Since we love their floormats, we had high expectations for their seat covers. So we ordered a single cover to fit a 2023 F150 XLT passenger seat to try our best to give an unbiased review.
Let’s see how it holds up.
Watch the video review
Ordering and shipping
WeatherTech wastes no time in shipping. We received our order in just two days!
WeatherTech shipping package vs. a TigerTough shipping package
The seat cover arrived in a plain brown box. This doesn’t affect our review, but we know their floormats come in a branded box, and it’d be cool to see that same thought put into shipping their covers.
Inside the box was the cover, wrapped in protective plastic, an invoice, and the installation instructions. No swag or fanfare. It was just a straightforward package.
Design and appearance
The weird thing is, WeatherTech does an excellent job of showcasing their Seat Protectors on the rear bench seats of vehicles in their stock photos, but you need to dig a little to find the covers shown on a bucket or captain seat.
WeatherTech Seat Protector installed
But once we installed the set we ordered on our Ford F150, we had that a-ha moment about why WeatherTech didn’t put their bucket seat covers in the spotlight.
It turns out they only offer six different fits for their seat covers–this fit is far from custom, despite searching for a specific vehicle when ordering. It reminds us of those weighted vests the dentist makes you wear before taking x-rays.
This is a one-piece seat cover, so you won’t get an attractive fit.
The lack of a headrest cover doesn’t help the appearance of an apron, so when you open the door, you can immediately tell this is a seat cover. Also, any grime from your head will still transfer to the headrest. That won’t help with resale value.
Fit
It’s crucial to point out that WeatherTech advises you not to install their seat covers on seats with side airbags. A standard consumer probably doesn’t realize that these airbags were being placed in vehicles starting in the 1990s. As of 1997, a mandate was put in place that all passenger-side seats contain airbags.
WeatherTech warns not to install their Seat Protectors if the side impact airbag is compromised
That means you shouldn’t put WeatherTech Seat Protectors on any passenger seat of a vehicle made after 1998. They could work on airbagless rear captain seats if your vehicle has those, but they wouldn't work on the seats of the Ford F150 we tried them on.
A side strap covers the side impact airbag tearaway seam
Let’s just skip right past that red flag and move on to the control panels.
The skirt of the Seat Protector covers the control panel on a Ford F150
The front skirt of the Seat Protectors went over the side control panels of our Ford F150 passenger seat. So if we needed to adjust the seat, we’d have to pick up that fabric curtain to access the controls. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it's inconvenient.
But the back of the seat is a different story.
Back of the Seat Protector
The back of the seat isn't covered by anything beyond the hook and loop straps that secure the Seat Protector. This might not be a big deal if you don't have passengers in the second row. But either way, it's not going to give you a secure fit.
Despite claiming their seat covers are semi-custom, having six varieties for thousands of different vehicles won’t give you a custom fit.
Manfred from Connecticut was disappointed with how they fit his 2018 Ford F150:
“I found the quality of the material good. The elastic to hold the fabric up against the seat was not very strong and unable to tighten, allowing the back to sag. The ‘grippy’ material on the bottom does not work well with leather seats allowing the bottom to slide forward. It is almost impossible to access the seat belts. There is no way to secure the bottom to the seat allowing the cover to ride up.
“All in all, for a cover that you advertise as a ‘custom’ fit, it is very poorly designed. I have been using the cover for two weeks. For the price and ‘custom’ fit, I expected much better.”
Material
According to their site, the seat covers are “made from a polycotton twill fabric featuring a water-repellent finish, and an extra layer of nylon lining.”
We’re always fans of anything that will protect your seats from spills. Waterproof would be better, but we won’t be upset over water-repellent. Just get to those messes quickly before any liquid seeps into your seats.
But the non-slip backing is questionable. Reviews say that it doesn’t work on leather. Dave tried them on his 2014 Ford F150 with leather interior:
“Purchased cover for backseat. So disappointed. Does not stay in place on the leather seats. Keeps folding up. The whole thing is cheap what we got. I'm sorry....but not good. Seats were full of mud on our trip. A blanket would have served better.”
That grippy material on the back is similar to a foam shelf liner. No, we’re not being snarky; that’s what it’s like.
Backing on a WeatherTech Seat Protector resembles non-slip shelf liner
Installation
Installation was quick. We were able to install it in under three minutes. There’s a strap that goes behind the seat and one that goes under. There’s an additional clip that goes around the headrest. Note that if you don’t have headrests, you won’t be able to install this seat cover.
We’re happy to report that a novice could install these.
Effectiveness
We didn’t do any of our torture tests with these seats, so we suggest checking out the reviews on the WeatherTech site from people who’ve used these covers in action. They’ll be able to tell you how these have held up in the long run.
Spoiler alert: Only 50% of customers would recommend the covers.
Warranty
Here’s where we can give WeatherTech some points. They offer a limited lifetime warranty on their Seat Protectors.
If anything goes wrong with the cover that you couldn’t prevent, WeatherTech will help you out.
Value
The WeatherTech Seat Protectors cost around $300 for a pair of bucket seats. That’s not cheap. And when you consider that the covers don’t protect the back of the seats or the headrest, and you’d have to pay an extra $55 per seat for a seat back protector, you’re looking at over $400 to fully cover your front bucket seats.
If you have $400 to spend on a pair of seat covers, there are other brands we think you’ll be happier with.
Summary
We wanted to like these but just couldn’t.
On rear bench seats, these could work well for pets or equipment. (Especially if you don’t need the middle seat because center seatbelts won’t be accessible.) If you’re not hauling around humans, this could be a good option, and the humanless options seem to be what positive reviewers are using these for.
But even then, WeatherTech reviewers give the Seat Protectors 3.2 stars out of 5. That’s a 64%, and if we were still in high school, they’d be getting a D. Not something we’d brag about.
Let’s face it; seat covers aren’t WeatherTech’s bread and butter. They’re known for floormats and other vehicle accessories. So although we love WeatherTech, we wouldn’t recommend their seat covers, and we’re not just saying that as a seat cover company; we’re saying this based on research, testing, and verified customer reviews.
Mike from Pennsylvania gets how we feel:
“I gotten many items from Weathertech over the years. All top grade. But the front seat protector I just purchased is awful. Looks bad, doesn’t fit well, uses Velcro attachments. Just awful. I have it two weeks. Constantly had to refit and re-adjust Velcro. I gave up and took it off. $150 bucks for an absolute failure. Stick to floor liners. Those work great.”
If you’re ready to invest in seat covers that last, take a look at these favorite brands.
