Eventually the interior of your car will need repair or replacement, whether it is the upholstery of the driver’s seat or the back seat, rips and tears are inevitable. By replacing this auto fabric, your car will look newer, having a nicer feel, and the interior will last for many more years. There are a few different textile solutions when looking at car seat fabric, so it is important to take into consideration what texture you want along with the color.

Cloth vs. Leather Fabric
If you are thinking about redoing your auto upholstery fabric, the biggest choice you will have to make is cloth versus leather fabric. There are pros and cons to each of these textile solutions, so taking into consideration each of these will help make your decision easier.

Leather fabric generally costs more than cloth fabric. Depending on how much area you have to cover in your car will depend on how much more the leather will cost. If you are willing to spend the extra amount, leather does give off an elegant vibe and is stylish.

Climate Considerations
When comparing upholstery seat fabrics, it is important to take into consideration what type of area you live in. Leather gets extremely hots during the summer months, especially if you live in warmer climates. Leather absorbs heat, so skin that touches a car surface that is over 150 degrees Fahrenheit can be burned within one second according to the National Safe Kids Campaign. Cloth fabric does not absorb heat like leather, so they are a better choice if you live in an area that gets extremely hot during the summer months.

When it comes to cold weather, leather can be just as extreme. Sitting on leather fabric in the winter can make you very cold if your car is not warmed up beforehand. Newer cars do have seat warmers, which can offset the cold leather. Cloth fabric gets cold, but not as cold as leather during the winter months.

Children and Pets
Another thing to think about when comparing automotive textiles is what stage of life you are in. Do you have children? Do you have pets? If you do, chances are you are going to have more stains than other car owners. Leather generally wipes clean, but it can also be torn easier by pets nails. It is a toss up when it comes to stains and tears between leather and cloth.

There are a variety of textile solutions when it comes to reupholstering your car. The biggest decision you will have to make is the fabric, choosing between cloth and leather. Each type has its own benefits and downfalls, so take these into consideration when making your decision.