Real Leather vs Synthetic Leather (Leatherette): Choosing the Ideal Car Seat Cover Replacement

When it comes to selecting car seat covers, the choice between synthetic and real leather can be a little bit confusing. However, just like any other decision about your beloved ride, your final solution comes down to a multitude of factors, each deserving careful consideration. In this blog, we’re going over these factors and we’ll discuss which material would suit your car best. It’s worth noting that at DSA Seat Factory, we offer OEM replacement seat covers which means we produce the same quality seat covers as the original. However, for many of the models we do offer the option of choosing either leather or synthetic leather. This blog is also intended to help you choose material when purchasing a new or used car.

There are a couple of things you should take into consideration:

• Your budget
• Your aesthetic preferences
• Your environmental considerations

Real Leather vs Synthetic Leather (Leatherette) Seat Cover Replacement

Both synthetic and real leather offer distinct advantages and drawbacks, ranging from cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance to luxurious feel and sustainability. Understanding the differences between the two materials is essential in making an informed decision that aligns with your needs. Let’s dive deeper into the characteristics of synthetic and real leather car seat covers to help you determine which option best suits your requirements.

Real Leather Car Seat Cover

Many automobile manufacturers use real leather in their interiors, and there are many reasons behind this choice; For example, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 AMG.

Real leather exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication that appeals to many car enthusiasts, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the vehicle. Whether it’s the rich aroma of genuine leather or the way it gracefully ages with time, the appeal of real leather for car interiors is undeniable. That is why many car owners seek to replicate the luxurious ambiance of factory-installed real leather by opting for the same exact materials when replacing their seat covers due to issues such as damage, wear and tear, or aging of the original upholstery.

Let’s look at all the reasons why people choose real leather: 

1. Luxurious Feel: Real leather often offers a premium, luxurious feel that many car enthusiasts appreciate.
2. Durability: High-quality genuine leather can be very durable and age gracefully over time with proper care.
3. Resale Value: Vehicles with genuine leather interiors may hold their resale value better compared to those with synthetic leather.
4. Temperature Stability: Real leather can be more comfortable in extreme temperatures compared to synthetic leather. It tends to stay cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather, providing a more pleasant driving experience throughout the year.

There are drawbacks associated with using real leather: 

1. Maintenance: While durable, real leather requires regular maintenance to keep it clean and supple. It can be susceptible to cracking and fading if not cared for properly.
2. Cost: Genuine leather tends to be more expensive than synthetic leather.

Synthetic Leather Car Seat Cover

Synthetic leather seat covers are the go-to option for many car owners. Commonly known as leatherette in the automotive industry, these materials are used in many cars’ upholstery. Take a look at the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205) or Subaru Outback (BR) for example. 

“If your ride has synthetic leather upholstery and you need a replacement seat cover, we strongly advise buying the same material to maintain the authenticity of the original.”

These materials have emerged as a highly sought-after alternative to genuine leather for car seat covers, offering a number of benefits and versatile applications. Here, we delve deeper into the many reasons why synthetic leather stands out as a compelling choice for car seat upholstery.

Let’s look at all the reasons why people choose synthetic leather:

1. Affordability: Synthetic leather is usually more budget-friendly than genuine leather, making it a more cost-effective option.
2. Ease of Maintenance: Synthetic leather is generally easier to clean and maintain compared to real leather. It’s often more resistant to stains and fading.
3. Environmental Impact: Some people prefer synthetic leather due to environmental concerns, as it doesn’t involve animal products.
4. Variety: Synthetic leather offers a wide range of colors and textures, allowing for more customization options.

Some of the disadvantages of synthetic leather include:

1. Durability: While synthetic leather is generally durable, it may not age as gracefully as genuine leather and can be prone to cracking or peeling over time, especially with heavy use. 
2. Breathability: Synthetic leather typically lacks the breathability of genuine leather, which can make it feel less comfortable in hot weather as it may not allow for adequate air circulation.

Real Leather vs Synthetic Leather (Leatherette): Which One Should I Buy for My Car?

At the end of the day, when it comes to choosing between real leather and synthetic leather for car seat covers, it’s a decision that’s influenced by lots of different factors. We recommend buying OEM replacement seat covers that would exactly match your car’s original interior. This ensures a seamless fit and maintains the authenticity of your vehicle’s design and upholstery.

Why Choose DSA Seat Factory for your Car Seat Cover Replacement?

At DSA Seat Factory, we know how important it is to keep your car’s interior looking and feeling its best. That’s why we’re dedicated to using the same exact materials for our seat cover replacements as the originals – whether it’s synthetic leather or real leather. For many models, we have identified the weaknesses of the original covers and made improvements. A seat cover bought from us is meant to last for many years.

By sticking to OEM standards, we make sure that your car stays as beautiful and comfortable as the day it was made while enjoying the benefits of high-quality seat covers tailored to your specifications.

No matter what kind of leather upholstery your car has, whether it’s synthetic or real, you can trust DSA Seat Factory to provide seat cover replacements that will keep your ride looking its best. We’re dedicated to using automotive upholstery materials of the highest quality. Here you can find your car’s exact match seat covers and shop by brand.