A common consideration that many car shoppers have to make, and one that doesn't always get attention, is having to decide between cloth and leather seating material. So, let's take a look at important factors to consider. Here's what you need to roll over in your mind before deciding if leather seats are worth it or if the cloth is your perfect choice.
The Pros and Cons of Leather and Cloth Seats
Affordability
Leather car seats tend to come at a higher cost than cloth seats, so you must consider your budget and whether or not you're comfortable paying a premium. Several cloth upgrades may fall between the price of real leather and a lower-grade cloth, giving you more options to mull over.
Maintenance
Both materials present their maintenance issues. Cloth doesn't have to be conditioned in the same way, but it's often more prone to rip, stain, pick up odors, and collect dog hair.
While leather is more durable, you must condition the seats regularly if you don't want them to start cracking or lose their luster.
Comfort
Leather car seats don't stay as cool as cloth seats when it's hot. If you don't have a garage or carport and don't plan to buy a car with cooled/ventilated seats or at least a remote start to cool your cabin before entering, you should consider this. Cloth is a more breathable material, and you won't stick to it when wearing shorts as you might with leather.
Also, leather doesn't always offer the "traction" that some drivers like. Depending on the material and seat design, there may be a slippery feeling that takes getting used to.
Aesthetics
I almost want to say that leather wins hands down in this category, but it depends on the fabric you're comparing it to, as well as the seat design that fabric is hugging against. Still, if getting a truly premium, the opulent look is essential to you, leather is probably the way to go.
Resale Value
If you keep your leather seats in good condition, it will contribute to a higher vehicle resale value than a car of equal status that has cloth seats. Also, with cloth car seats, it's especially important to try and avoid rips, hard-to-remove stains, and hard-to-remove odors if you don't want to take a financial hit when trying to resale your car.
Children
When it comes to leather vs cloth seats with kids, some might think they should get cloth seats, some experts actually suggest leather if you want a more durable material that's less likely to stain and rip.
Summary
Leather seats for cars are a good choice if you don't mind the additional costs and are prepared to regularly care for them. They're also a good choice if you strongly desire a more luxurious look. Cloth seats are a good choice if you don't want to deal with regularly conditioning your seat upholstery and if you're looking for a lower vehicle cost.
All in all, some may firmly say leather is better while others will say to stay away, and the same goes for cloth upholstery. When it comes down to it, you should consider your personal requirements and desires when it comes to these and other factors in order to make a decision that'll best suit your daily needs.
Contact us to learn more about vehicles with cloth seats and leather seats, and check our website now to check out pricing and see other offered features. Happy shopping!
