A common consideration that many car shoppers have to make, which doesn't always get attention, is deciding between cloth or leather seats. So, let's take a look at important factors to consider. Here's what you need to roll over 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
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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 genuine leather and a lower-grade cloth, giving you more options to mull over.
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Maintenance
Both materials present their maintenance issues. Cloth seats don't have to be conditioned similarly, but they're 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.
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Comfort
Leather 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 to start cooling 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" some drivers like. Depending on the material and seat design, a slippery feeling may take getting used to.
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Aesthetics
I almost want to say that leather wins hands down in this category. Still, it depends on the fabric you're comparing it to and the seat design the fabric is hugging against. Still, if getting a premium, opulent look is essential, leather is probably the way to go.
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Resale Value
Suppose you keep your leather seats in good condition. In that case, it will contribute to a higher vehicle resale value than a car of equal status with cloth seats. Also, with cloth car seats, it's essential 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.
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Children
When it comes to leather vs. cloth seats for kids, some might think they should get cloth seats. Still, some experts suggest leather if you want a more durable material that is less likely to stain and rip.
Summary
Leather car seats are a good choice if you don't mind the additional costs and are prepared to care for them regularly. 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.
Some may firmly say leather is better, others will say to stay away, and the same goes for cloth upholstery. When it comes down to it, you should consider your requirements and desires, as well as other factors, to make a decision that best suits your daily needs.
Contact us to learn more about vehicles with cloth or leather seats, and visit our website now to view pricing and other offered features. Happy shopping!
