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Choosing the right car seat cover material isn’t just about style—it's about comfort, durability, and maintenance. Whether commuting daily, tackling tough jobs, or cruising on the weekend, the material you choose affects your experience.

We'll closely examine materials like the tough-as-nails CORDURA®, the tried-and-true duck cotton, and the versatile neoprene. Each of these has its own set of strengths tailored for the hardworking vehicle owner. We'll also tackle why some popular choices like pleather, faux leather, leather, and suede might not cut it for everyone. Join us as we break down the pros and cons of each material, arming you with the knowledge you need to outfit your ride for the demands of everyday life.

CORDURA®: Tough, Trustworthy, and Tailored for Your Truck

Pros

• Made in America: One of the standout features of CORDURA® is its American heritage. Manufactured with rigorous quality control standards, CORDURA® offers reliability that you can trust. 
• Breathable: For those long drives or hot summer days, breathability is key for comfort. CORDURA®'s breathable fabric ensures that air circulates well, preventing you from the discomfort of sticking to your seat, making it an excellent choice for warmer climates and heated and cooled seats.
• Durable: If toughness is a top priority, CORDURA® is hard to beat. It resists abrasions, tears, and scuffs; CORDURA® fabric is built to last. Whether you’re hauling tools, pets, or just about anything else, these seat covers won’t easily give in to wear and tear. This stuff is nearly indestructible, which is why we do torture tests on it.

Cons

• Not the Softest: With great durability comes a slightly less soft texture, something similar to a backpack material. While CORDURA® excels in many areas, it may not provide the plush comfort that some users prefer, especially those looking for a cushiony feel. It’s more about practicality and less about luxury, making it ideal for those who value longevity and performance over softness.

Duck Cotton: Comfortable, Breathable, Yet Less Durable

Pros

• Breathable and Comfortable: Duck cotton is highly prized for its comfort and breathability, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a pleasant seating experience. You might recognize this as Carhartt’s signature material. The fabric's natural fibers allow air to circulate freely, reducing sweat and sticking during long drives or in warm weather. 

Cons

• Not Waterproof: While duck cotton scores high on comfort, it falls short in its resistance to water and spills. Duck cotton might not be the best choice if you often have drinks in the car or transport pets and kids. Its absorbent nature can lead to moisture seeping into the seats, potentially causing stains and even mildew if not addressed quickly. 
  • You can spray the material with a waterproofing barrier, but do this on a day when you can keep the windows open for a few hours–otherwise, you’ll be ridin’ high on those fumes.
  • Also, check to see if the seat covers you’re considering have already been treated to be water repellent.
• Durability Concerns: Despite its many benefits, duck cotton does not always stand up well to the test of time, especially under rough conditions. It may not withstand rigorous durability tests, and some synthetic fabrics or more rugged materials like CORDURA® may not. This can be a significant drawback for those who use their vehicles heavily or in harsh environments, as the material might wear out faster than expected.

Neoprene: Flexible, Comfortable, but Moisture-Retentive

Pros

• Flexible and Comfortable: Neoprene is flexible, making it an excellent choice for seat covers. This material conforms closely to the shape of your seats (just like a wetsuit hugs your body), providing a snug fit without bunching or sliding. Its cushiony feel enhances the driving experience, especially during long hauls or frequent commutes.
• Protects the Seat: Neoprene is exceptional at protecting your seats from liquids and other common spillable substances. It acts as a barrier, preventing spills from seeping through to the upholstery beneath, which helps maintain the integrity and appearance of your car’s interior.

Cons

• Holds Liquids: While neoprene does a great job at preventing spills from reaching the seat, it does tend to hold onto moisture. This characteristic can result in a damp feeling on the surface, which might be uncomfortable for some users, especially in humid climates or during hot weather.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Given its insulating properties, neoprene might not be the best choice in very hot climates as it can contribute to a warmer seating experience. It might inhibit the effectiveness of built-in cooling features in some high-end car seats, which could be a drawback for drivers relying on these features during summer.

Sheepskin: Ultimate Comfort with a Luxe Feel

Pros

• Supreme Comfort: Sheepskin seat covers are the epitome of comfort. The soft, plush material provides a luxurious feel that enhances every driving experience, making even the longest drives enjoyable.
• Excellent Insulation: Known for its natural insulating properties, sheepskin maintains a comfortable temperature in all climates. It keeps you warm during the cold winter months by trapping body heat and cool in the summer by allowing air to circulate and reduce sweat.
• Durability: Despite its softness, sheepskin is remarkably durable. With proper care, these seat covers can last for years, making them a worthwhile investment for those looking for long-lasting quality.

Cons

• High Cost: All this comfort and luxury come at a price. Sheepskin is generally more expensive than other materials used for seat covers, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
• Care Requirements: Maintaining sheepskin covers involves more than just a simple wipe-down. They require specific cleaning methods to preserve their look and feel. Regular brushing and special cleaning agents are recommended to handle stains and maintain the fleece’s natural oils.

Microfiber: Affordable Comfort with Style Flexibility

Pros

• Soft and Comfortable: Microfiber seat covers are soft, providing a comfortable seating experience that enhances the feel of your car’s interior.
• Versatile Design Options: Available in many colors and patterns, microfiber allows you to customize the look of your car or truck to suit your style without breaking the bank.
• Ease of Cleaning: Unlike more delicate materials, microfiber is relatively easy to maintain. It can be cleaned effectively with simple techniques and is less likely to stain, making it ideal for those who want hassle-free upkeep.
• Cost-Effective: Often priced more affordably than genuine leather, microfiber offers a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing comfort or looks.

Cons

• Breathability Issues: Microfiber is not as breathable as cotton or CORDURA®, which might be a concern in hotter climates where air circulation is crucial for comfort.
• Odor Retention: Over time, microfiber can absorb and retain odors, which might require more frequent cleaning to maintain a fresh smell inside your vehicle.
• Durability Concerns: Despite its many benefits, microfiber is not as durable as other materials. It may wear out faster, particularly under frequent use or in harsh conditions, which could lead to earlier replacement or repair needs.

Materials Not Recommended

Pleather/Faux Leather

• Pleather and faux leather lack breathability, which can be problematic in warmer climates. Sitting on these materials during hot weather can lead to discomfort (swampa**) and excessive sweating, as air circulation is strangled in the synthetic material.
• In high temperatures, these materials can become sticky and uncomfortable, making them less than ideal for use in vehicles without effective air conditioning.

Leather

• Leather requires regular conditioning to prevent cracking and drying out, which can be a significant commitment.
• They’re also insanely expensive. Many aren’t just covers; they’re a whole new skin on your factory seats. That’s a commitment. 

Disclaimer: This could be a good option if you want to replace your interior entirely. It’s just not something we’d classify as a “seat cover” if you’re doing a full upholstery swap. 

Suede

• Suede is notoriously challenging to maintain, especially in a car environment where spills and stains are likely. Its delicate nature requires special cleaners and cannot be simply wiped down in the event of spills.
• Unlike more robust materials, suede can wear down relatively quickly with regular use, leading to an unkempt appearance and necessitating frequent replacements or repairs.

Choosing the Right Seat Cover Material for Your Needs

Selecting the perfect seat cover material involves balancing various factors, from comfort and durability to maintenance and cost. In this guide, we've explored several popular materials, each with its advantages and drawbacks.

• CORDURA® offers unmatched durability and breathability, ideal for those who need rugged protection.
• Duck cotton scores high on comfort but may fall short in durability and water resistance (unless it’s been specifically treated for that).
• Neoprene excels in flexibility and water protection, though it retains moisture and may affect temperature control features.
• Sheepskin provides luxurious comfort and excellent insulation but comes with a higher price tag and maintenance demands.
• Microfiber offers a budget-friendly and stylish alternative, but it lacks in breathability and durability.

As you consider your options, consider your vehicle's specific needs and personal preferences. No seat cover is perfect, but whether you prioritize easy maintenance, ultimate comfort, or durability against the elements, there's a seat cover material out there that will work best for you.

Ever wondered just how spill-proof your seat covers can be? Inspired by a customer down south who accidentally tested her seat covers with a hearty spill of gumbo, we decided to put our own twist on the challenge. Being from Minnesota and not quite as familiar with gumbo, we opted for the next best thing—a two-dollar can of chili for this spicy torture test.

The moment the chili hit the seat, we knew our work was cut out for us. For the record, it smelled as bad as it looked—maybe even worse. But this was about more than just enduring a foul smell; it was a chance to prove the resilience of our seat covers.

We started by tackling the larger chunks with a paper towel. Once the big pieces were out of the way, we went to town with an all-purpose cleaner and more paper towels. It was a messy job, but someone had to do it, and we were determined to see it through.

After some vigorous scrubbing, the results were impressive. The seat cover looked pristine, with no stains or lingering smells. It was as if the chili incident had never happened.

This test goes to show that whether it’s gumbo, chili, or any other messy disaster you might encounter, our seat covers are up to the task. They’re not just built to handle the everyday wear and tear of getting in and out of your vehicle; they’re designed to stand up to the messiest of challenges.

So, go ahead and live your life—don’t worry about your seats. With TigerTough covers, they’re protected against spills, stains, and those unfortunate but sometimes inevitable smelly accidents.

Have you ever accidentally gotten drywall mud on your seat covers and wondered how tough cleaning up would be? OK, maybe not, but we decided to put our seat covers to the test and share our findings.

In our usual style, we didn't just apply a little drywall mud; we slathered on a generous amount and then used a heat gun to dry it thoroughly, making sure it really set into the fabric. 

Initially, the big wet globs of mud wiped off with no trouble using a wet wipe—a good start. However, the real challenge was the dried mud, which was too stubborn for a simple wipe. That’s when we had to get serious: out came the scraper to remove the bigger, hardened chunks.

Once the chunks were gone, we liberally sprayed an all-purpose cleaner and scrubbed it with a rag. This part took a bit of elbow grease, especially for the toughest spots that had dried onto the fabric. But after a couple of minutes of persistent scrubbing, the results were clear—the seat cover looked as good as new. All traces of the mess were completely gone, and you'd never even know there had been drywall mud on there at all.

If you love coffee like we do, spills are bound to happen in your cab. But how do TigerTough seat covers hold up when faced with the inevitable coffee spill? We decided to find out with a torture test that's more than your average accident—because, let’s face it, where’s the fun in normal?

So, we staged a dramatic coffee spill—because a simple dribble just wouldn’t cut it for a proper torture test. The spill was significant, mimicking what could happen in real life but with a bit more flair. 

We spilled and then wiped up the excess with a shop rag. And yes, looking super concentrated while wiping it up seemed to help—or at least it made us feel like we were doing a thorough job.

After the cleanup, it was the moment of truth. We removed the seat cover to inspect the damage underneath. The truck’s seat had some pre-existing stains from its previous life, signs of neglect from past owners. But here’s the real kicker: under the seat cover, it was completely dry. The coffee hadn’t soaked through at all.

This test wasn’t just for show. It was proof that our seat covers aren’t just for looks; they’re a shield against spills, keeping moisture from seeping through and protecting the fabric underneath. The seat underneath stayed bone dry even when faced with a "disaster-level" coffee spill.

So, if you're prone to coffee–or other liquid–mishaps on the road, our seat covers are ready for the challenge. Success? Absolutely.

💡 Have a Torture Test idea you'd like us to try? Let us know here.

We’ve already reviewed the best work truck seat covers, so our answers won’t vary a ton from that, but we really want to zero-in on Ford F150s.

The F-150 first came out in 1975; since then, it’s been one of the most popular trucks on the market. F-150s are like the Bruce Springsteens of the truck world–reliable, palatable, and a crowd favorite. 

Used for everything from company vehicles to camping shelters, America loves their Ford trucks. So let’s go over some of our favorite American-made seat covers that protect that investment your hard-earned money paid for.

Best for Wet Environments: Wet Okole

Despite the name literally translating to wet butt in Hawaiian, Wet Okole are a great option. They’re made from the same material as a wetsuit–neoprene bonded with nylon. They’ll absolutely protect your seats from liquids, but keep in mind that the cover itself holds the liquid, so you’ll indeed get a wet butt if you spill a coffee and then sit back in your truck before the cover dries.

Another interesting fact about Wet Okole is that they’re self-extinguishing. This probably isn’t a feature that’s needed in an everyday vehicle, but if you find yourself around sparks and fire on a regular basis, it’s good to know that you don’t need to worry about your seats catching fire.

We came across Wet Okole thanks to their loyal fanbase, and we’re happy to hear that they usually outlive the trucks they’re in–so we give them a thumbs up.

Price: $347

Pros

✅ Easily washable
✅ Self-extinguishing
✅ Airbag safe

Cons

❌ Only a 90-day warranty
❌ No returns accepted

Best Middle Ground: Marathon

Marathon's seat covers recently got bought out by Covercraft. We don't know the business details, but we do know that the Marathon website no longer exists and you can only find the seat covers on the Covercraft site now. This came with a price increase on Marathon as well, bringing them from $315 to $500 per set.

While we haven't had the chance to try them ourselves (yet), a review from 2022 by a customer named John gives a great insight into their performance:

"I absolutely love the seat covers. They fit very tightly and can be a bit challenging to put on, but once they're on, they stay put. I've been pretty tough on my seat covers, and they’re holding up great. I’ll definitely be adding these to my other trucks."

These seat covers are constructed from tough 1000-denier CORDURA®. They used to be a stand-out seat cover due to their customization options with features like map pockets, gear pockets, gun loops, and bow holders. But it doesn't seem like these options are available under the Covercraft name.

Price: $500 

Pros

✅ Lots of colors
✅ Made from CORDURA®
✅ Waterproof
✅ Airbag safe

Cons

❌ Long turnaround time
❌ Price is higher

Best for Your Budget: Canvasback

These seat covers are designed to fit most seats, so keep in mind that they won’t provide a custom fit for your specific vehicle.

Canvasback is particularly renowned for their cargo liners. These liners are tailored to fit the cargo space of your vehicle perfectly and attach securely with hook and loop fasteners.

Ambre attests to their durability:

"In addition to carrying around all of my photography/videography gear and field gear for construction, I'm a search and rescue handler with a k9. We're usually covered in mud and debris.”

With such a glowing review, and one that includes dogs, we knew we had to highlight this option.

Price: $150

Pros

✅ Inexpensive
✅ Fits most vehicles
✅ Woman-owned company

Cons

❌ Not custom fit
❌ Limited six-month warranty

Pricier Option: ShearComfort

If you’re in the mood to spend a little more green, then we’ll go ahead and suggest ShearComfort’s CORDURA® 1000 Denier Xtra-Duty seat covers.

Similar to TigerTough, these covers are crafted from CORDURA® fabric, so we had to include them.

They check all the boxes on paper, but we weren’t as impressed with them in person. The one thing we really didn’t love is that ShearComfort doesn’t fully wrap the seat with CORDURA®. They use it on the part of the seat your body touches, but they use a cheap nylon on the back and sides of the seat cover. 

Price: $470

Pros

✅ Waterproof
✅ Guaranteed perfect fit
✅ Airbag safe

Cons

❌ They don't use CORDURA® on their entire seat cover
❌ Price is a little high
❌ Limited warranty

The Newcomer: VERTEX OFF-ROAD

VERTEX OFF-ROAD, established in 2021, is a newcomer specializing in truck seat covers. They refer to themselves as American craftsmen and enthusiasts dedicated to creating top-quality products that enhance and protect your truck for any journey.

With a mission like that, what's not to love? Let's rate their 1000-denier CORDURA® Canvas seat covers.

Price: $400

Pros

✅ Use CORDURA® nylon on their covers
✅ Automatically include a center console cover
✅ Lifetime warranty, albeit limited
✅ Airbag safe

Cons

❌ Foam-backed seat covers (foam breaks down over time)
❌ Limited vehicle line

TigerTough: Best Warranty

TigerTough seat covers are built for hardworking individuals. They are exceptionally durable, which is why we've extended our line to include heavy equipment covers, confident they can handle any challenge.

We subject our seat covers to rigorous torture tests, both for the fun of it and to demonstrate their resilience.

Still need convincing? We back our products with an unconditional warranty for at least two years. While they might get dirty and stained, they won’t let you down, and neither will we.

Price: $297

Pros

Cons

❌ Limited colors

Final Thoughts

You might be asking why we didn’t include Carhartt in this grouping. We love Carhartt and their branding oozes red, white, and blue. However, not all their seat covers are made in the U.S., and since this list focuses on American-made products, we chose to leave them out. If you’d like to read more about their seat covers, we suggest you hop over to this blog.

Overall, there are many options for seat covers for your Ford F-150. You’ll need to weigh your options and choose one that works for you. 

Seat covers cost money upfront. But are they worth the investment? We think so, but instead of telling you our opinion, we'll shoot it straight to you with the facts.

We'll use $327 for a set of bucket seat covers since that's what the average TigerTough bucket seat covers cost.

1. Repairs and replacements

If you keep your trucks for a while, you'll need to repair ripped-up and damaged seats to improve conditions for the driver/operator (we're looking at you, blue collar folks). It also helps with your brand image. If your crew rolls up in a truck with foam spewing out of the seat, how does that speak to your work?

We asked some customers how much they've paid to repair or replace seats. The average cost to repair or replace seats was $632.50 per seat.

Not only do you have to pay for the seat to be repaired, but there's also truck downtime you need to factor into the cost. 

If a pair of TigerTough seat covers cost you around $327 and an average of $632.50 to repair or replace a seat, you've saved $465 per seat.

Money saved: $455/seat

2. Increased resale value

There comes a time in every truck's life when it's ready for the next journey. And when it comes time to sell, we want you to walk away with the most money you can.

The condition of your interior makes a bigger difference than most people think.

Kelley Blue Book data shows that buyers place just as much importance on interior condition as they do on mileage. Poor interior can knock 10-20% off a vehicle’s value

That’s thousands of dollars you're indexing on whether someone sees torn seats or a spotless cab. On a $30K vehicle, it’s easy to lose $3,000-$6,000 just because the inside looks rough.

A quality set of seat covers (like TigerTough) can keep your cab clean, intact, and buyer-ready. It's not just about staying clean today, it’s about locking in value later.

• A “good” interior vs. a “clean as new” interior can easily cost you the extra thousands.

• In practical terms, that’s more than enough to pay for a top-shelf set of seat covers—and then some.

Spills, snags, dirty kids, or gear don’t just make your cab look rough...they destroy your wallet too. Investing in seat covers now helps keep that value locked in for the long haul.

Money saved: $3,000-$6,000

3. Lease chargebacks

Maybe you lease your vehicles. Check into the charges you get after turning it in; it's normal for leasing companies to work in charges for seat damages.

On average, we see leasing companies charge $1,000-$1,200 for damaged seats. They'll allow some light wear, but if they deem a seat damaged, they'll charge you for the whole dang thing.

Money saved: $683-883

4. Detailing

We realize work trucks might not get detailed very often, but if you drive around a personal vehicle and spill a coffee inside, you'll probably want to get those seats cleaned.

So how much will a nice detail cost you?

An interior detail with deep cleaning can cost around $279. That's not terrible, but do it once and you've paid for a set of seat covers.

Check it out; we've taken a cup of coffee to a TigerTough seat cover to show you what happens:

Spoiler alert: The seat under the cover was totally unscathed. Your lap, on the other hand, might be a different story.

Money saved: $240 after two details

How much money will seat covers save you?

It all depends on how you use your vehicle, but here’s a rough idea:

• Seat repair savings: $465 per seat

• Resale value bump: up to $6,000

• Lease return savings: up to $883

• Cleaning savings: $250+

That’s anywhere from a few hundred bucks to over $6,000 just by throwing a set of tough seat covers on early.

Are seat covers worth it?

Do seat covers cost money? Yes.
Is there a range of prices? Yes.
Are they worth it? Yes. Especially if your vehicle's interior sees equipment, debris, dogs, or kids (like 90% of you reading this).

Do the research and find the best seat cover for your truck, and you'll walk away, saving money in the long run.

 Recently, we put our seat cover through a tough test by running it over with a dozer. Not satisfied with just a couple of holes, we decided to take it to the next level by introducing it to a stone crusher—a device that might remind you of a giant pepper grinder. Its usual job? Grinding six-inch rocks into road base. This time, though, its mission was to try and obliterate our tough-as-nails seat cover.

We tossed the already battered seat cover into the crusher, expecting it to be reduced to shreds, just like those rocks. The result? Surprisingly, like the proverbial cat with nine lives, it came right back. Sure, it was a bit more tattered, full of rocks, and sporting a few extra holes, but it was still remarkably intact.

This torture test was beyond extreme, but it proved a point: our seat covers are built to withstand just about anything. If your daily seat cover abuse involves less than hurling boulders through a mechanical pepper grinder, we’re confident our product will meet—and exceed—your toughest demands. And heck, it comes with an unconditional warranty. So if you do see wear on your cover, we’ll take care of it.

So, if you’re looking for a seat cover that can take a beating and come back for more, look no further. TigerTough has got you covered—literally.