Leather Or Fabric For The Seats?

When buying a new car , the choice between leather or fabric for the seats is not usually among the topics that are debated or on which a list of pros and cons is drawn up.

Depending on the type of model, the finish that is chosen or what in the end is the same, the budget that is available, the choice of one or another material seems to be included in the vehicle’s equipment, without more.

But in reality, this is not always the case. In fact, even when some manufacturers or even vendors do not make it known, this is one of the choices that can grant greater freedom of customization.

Beyond the economic budget that is available, when selecting the upholstery of the seats there are other variables that come into play. The type of climate of the region in which you live is one of them; Another important factor is whether the car ‘sleeps’ indoors or on the street.

Cloth seats, the ‘standard’ material

The cars of low or medium ranges, also some of higher status, have their seats covered with simple fabrics. This thanks to the fact that textiles are much cheaper than leather or any other material that is used for the same purposes.

However, this does not mean that they are in all cases of anodyne designs or devoid of any sense of elegance. Opting for fabric upholstered stools offers buyers greater possibilities for combining designs and colors.

Leather seats: luxury and sportiness

Almost all luxury cars have leather-lined seats ; and especially in the case of super sports models. Dashboard, door panels and armrest also feature leather.

C ada ever more houses throw themselves into the automotive market that allow models to choose from leather or cloth seats. And this without the eventual choice of the first option representing an additional cost for the buyer.

Comparative advantages (and disadvantages)

• The price is perhaps one of the most striking differences. Although in some models the difference between one material and another is zero, most of the time the difference between leather or fabric for the seats can be quite marked.
• Cloth-covered chairs tend to require less work to maintain; no special products are required, as is the case with squares. Although this is relative, the fabric stains more easily, while the leather does not absorb liquids or odors.
• Leather upholstery is, by far, much stronger than any other option available on the market . It does not ‘suffer’ neither with the hottest summer nor below zero. Nor does it fade over time, something that sooner or later ends up affecting fabric seats.

Leather and the weather

Cloth seats do not register any significant temperature variation, regardless of whether the car spends a night outside in the middle of winter. The same if it is parked in the open all day on the summer solstice.

With leather, the situation is completely the opposite. Whoever occupies an armchair with this kind of upholstery, will feel the cold or the heat more. Going to the extreme of causing burns or a lot of sweating.

To counteract this disadvantage, additional aids are usually installed on these sidewalks : heating systems for the winter and ventilation systems for the summer. These extras also contribute to increasing the additional cost of opting for this finish.

Safety

Although the designs of the latest automotive generations offer reliefs and accommodations that minimize these effects, sliding on a leather seat is relatively easy. This can cause the occupants to move forward in cases of braking or frontal collisions. Also sideways when turning on tight curves at high speed.

Other options to leather and fabric

Without the same overcrowding or availability as leather and fabric, there are two additional options when choosing car upholstery . These are vinyl and alcantara ; These are synthetic materials that are located halfway between traditional materials, both in prices, as well as in elegance and durability.