Custom Seat Covers Explained: Fit, Fabric, and Protection

All vehicle interiors are immacate when you first purchase them and then everyday life takes over. It's the coffee stains, muddy boots, and UV through the windshield that do more damage than most owners realize. There are seat covers to catch that damage before it can do any damage to your factory seats.

The interesting thing is that many people think that a basic cover will do, but a cover designed specifically to their seat will do more. A generic cover is not always a good fit, it has wrinkles around the rim and is often worse than no cover at all. One that fits correctly acts totally differently.

So what exactly is considered 'custom' for a seat cover?

In this business, the term custom is thrown around and it's important to have a clear definition of what it actually means. After precise measurements of each seat are taken, accurate CAD and CAM systems are used to cut the true custom covers, which also take into account the shape of the headrest, positioning of armrests and side airbags.

Over the last 25 years, the entire seat cover business, of which CalTrend is a sole manufacturer, has worked hard to become this precise, which is why CalTrend makes every pattern based on the make, model, and year of a vehicle, and not a generic one. They are all designed, cut and sewn in the USA which insures a high level of quality control from start to finish.

Frankly, as soon as you see a correctly fit cover in place beside the universal cover, you will know the difference within seconds.

The Fabulous Fabrics That Count!

The type of protection a driver requires varies from person to person. The requirements of a sedan commuter are quite different from those of a working truck.

The advantage of Poly cotton blends is that they are soft, comfortable and less prone to ripping and wear.

Faux leather alternatives create a more polished look (and feel) for a budget-friendly price (and effort) compared to real leather.

Water repellent, UV treated fabrics are designed for use in vehicles that are used a lot outdoors and in direct sunlight.

Many of these fabrics also have special treatment for mildew and fading resistance – and this is far more important than people think when a vehicle is stored outside for a few summers.

The following is an example of a Real World Scenario:

Consider a man that purchased a pickup truck just to use for work. Without some protection, tool belts, dirt and long hours on the road will quickly take their toll on factory seating. In such cases, a durable and tough abrasion resistant fabric designed specifically for the shape of that seat is of much more importance than it would be any other time.

Just because of this is why custom seat covers are so important when it comes to real world applications. They absorb the day-to-day wear and tear that will otherwise destroy factory upholstery in a year's time and allow the owner to just clean or replace the cover rather than repairing the seat.

The question of airbag compatibility isn't something that should be considered after the car has already been designed.

This aspect is missed over and over again. A great deal of modern vehicles have side mounted airbags embedded in the seats, and if the cover is poorly designed it could actually stop the airbags from deploying in the event of a collision.

This is addressed by quality manufacturers by sewing side impact flaps directly on the cover, so that the airbag will inflate as designed. This is one of those little things that doesn't come across as significant until you realize the importance for safety.

How many good covers should a good cover last?

Custom covers generally last for quite a few years if they are cared for properly. The majority of the good brands will cover any material defects or workmanship under a two year warranty, indicating that they believe the covers will last for a minimum of two seasons.

In reality, the maintenance is fairly straightforward for most types of fabric. Most common stains can be cleaned using a damp cloth and mild detergent, eliminating the need for owners to seek out professional cleaning services simply to keep their covers looking “fresh” again.

Installation Without the Hassle

Installation of custom fitted covers is typically very easy. As the pattern is already in the same shape as the seat, there is no need to cut, stretch or guess. In most cases, the covers are just pushed over the factory seat and fastened by the existing structure, and require no tools at all.

Why This Saves Resale Value as well too.

It is almost as important to the buyer to like the interior of a vehicle as it is to like the engine. Even if the vehicle has been well maintained, a crack in the seat or sun-faded dashboard area indicates neglect. A covered original seat will still look good when you want to sell or trade in because the interior is protected.

Final Thoughts

It is not difficult or costly to protect a car's interior from damage; it is easier than having to replace seats that have been damaged later. When you fit a cover with the correct material for your lifestyle, your factory seats don't have to. From children to pets, tools to everyday commutes, the right cover extends the life of your interior looking newer for much longer.