Alcantara or eco-leather - which is better, comparison of advantages and disadvantages

The interior of a car can say a lot about the owner. Today, the choice of car covers is very wide, and many cannot decide which is better - Alcantara or eco-leather. Both materials are artificial and look like genuine leather and suede. In terms of characteristics, they are not very different. The average service life is the same and is 4–5 years. Let's consider the main features of the materials.

Which is better, Alcantara or eco-leather? We are considering options for the car interior

When making feasible interior tuning, many car enthusiasts are forced to figure out which is better, Alcantara or eco-leather.
Maybe most of them would like to reupholster the interior in leather. But, firstly, not everyone can afford it - the material costs exorbitantly and is not accessible to such a wide masses. Secondly, the skin itself cannot be called practical. The interior of the car is not a very comfortable operating place for it: it sometimes sits in the sun for hours, and in cold weather at night it is not heated. As a result, leather seats begin to crack quite quickly - either from drying out or from freezing. And if there is a small child in the family, this skin will not live long at all. A significant category of drivers are not satisfied with fabric covers, primarily because of their very budget-friendly appearance, which sometimes turns into downright wretched. They don't wear any better either, since they wear out quite quickly, and when they get dirty, they can't be rubbed off by hand - just take them off and wash them.

What is better, Alcantara or eco-leather, can only be understood by understanding what kind of materials they are and what qualities the manufacturers initially included in them.

Alcantara covers: reviews from car owners

That’s why car owners note that they use these types of covers for a very long time, and nothing happens to them during this time.

The first thing they note is that Alcantara is surprisingly pleasant to the touch. No other material has such qualities. They also write that in winter these car covers do not get cold when getting into a cold car, as often happens with leather counterparts. And in summer, Alcantara does not stick and removes heat perfectly.

It is also noted that this material has excellent anti-slip properties, and when cornering in a car with these covers, everything will be great.

There are many other reviews about Alcantara, but almost the only wish is the same everywhere: “Well, come up with something to reduce the price of this super material!”

The answer to this is also the same. Don't be tempted by free cheese, it leads to a mousetrap! It's best to order covers here.

What is meant by the term eco-leather?

For some motorists, this word causes certain mistrust and suspicion in connection with its origin. Especially for those who remember old Zhiguli cars with seats covered in dermantine. They remember the rigidity, sticking, sweating of body parts and cracking of the skin very well, and subconsciously expect the same from the new material.

However, there is a significant difference between old-made leatherette and eco-leather. In the first version, polyvinyl chloride was used in production, in the new version - polyurethane. For leatherette, the bottom lining was made from artificial materials, while for eco-leather, it was made from natural cotton.

From here we have a number of advantages:

• Polyurethane provides the material with the ability to breathe, especially since it has perforation. Thus, eco-leather covers are, so to speak, ventilated; in summer they do not heat up like a frying pan, in winter they do not turn into an icy shell;
• Eco-leather is resistant to both frost and summer heat, which extends its service life not only in comparison with the notorious dermantine, but also with its natural counterpart;
• Caring for seats covered in eco-leather is simple: wipe with a cloth and you have clean chairs. Moreover, this even applies to motor oil, which can be easily removed;

Velours

The most popular material for car covers. Modern velor varies in density and length of the pile. To make high-quality velor car covers, multi-layer fabric is used. The outer layer is velor, the middle layer is foam rubber, and the bottom layer is a thick lining.

• Does not heat up in summer and keeps warm in winter;
• Creates friction when sliding;
• Good wear resistance;
• Practicality and easy care;
• Acceptable price.

• In case of careless operation, early wear is possible;
• Attracts dust and fur;
• Presses down quickly;
• Highly electrified;
• It has a high degree of flammability.

What can you say about Alcantara?

This material almost exactly copies the visual and tactile sensations that suede gives. It is made from polyurethane, polyester and cotton. Motorists rarely choose suede covers: the natural material wears out very quickly and begins to shine.

Alcantara can be used for seat trim:

• it has increased wear resistance: it does not wipe off (and therefore does not shine), is difficult to damage even with cutting objects, does not burn out if accidentally hit by a spark from a cigarette, does not collect dust and successfully resists ordinary machine pollution;
• Alcantara’s thermoregulation is excellent: it’s not hot on seats with covers made of it in summer, not cold in winter;
• Caring for Alcantara is similar to caring for eco-leather: no dry cleaning or washing is needed, all you need to do is wipe the stained area with a damp sponge. True, it is better to remove difficult stains as quickly as possible: if they have time to become embedded, difficulties may arise. However, if after a long period of use the covers cease to satisfy you in terms of cleanliness, they can easily withstand dry cleaning, are not damaged, do not shrink or stretch;
• Thanks to the rough surface, Alcantara covers hold the driver's body well in sharp turns.

Alcantara, developed back in 1972 by the Italians in collaboration with the Japanese, is widely used by many automakers and furniture manufacturers. By the way, our compatriots have less mistrust of this material than eco-leather: it did not have a predecessor that undermined its reputation.

If you think about what is better, Alcantara or eco-leather when applied to covers, then most motorists agree that the ideal cover would be a combination of both, in which the side parts are made of eco-leather, and all the central inserts are made of artificial suede.

Polyester

Polyester must be understood as a synthetic material that has a huge range of applications. In appearance it looks like wool, but in quality it is close to cotton. It is ideally smooth, unpretentious and easy to care for, dries quickly, does not stretch, does not shrink or wrinkle. Polyester also has high density and wear resistance.

It also has disadvantages - it does not allow air to pass through well, does not absorb moisture and accumulates static electricity.

Flock is a synthetic or natural fiber applied to a sticky backing. To obtain this non-woven textile, polyamide or nylon pile is most often used. The design is applied to flock covers using dry or wet printing.

• Does not get wet;
• Very soft and light;
• Does not fade or fade;
• Easy to wash and clean;
• Absorbs moisture well;
• Practically does not burn;
• Does not lose its original qualities for a long time.

The disadvantages of flock include poor heat transfer - in summer the cover sticks to the body, and in winter it becomes too cold.

Alcantara or eco-leather – which is better, let’s find out

It's nice to see, and even better to sit in, a car that's covered in leather.
You immediately feel status, self-esteem grows and the feeling that life is a success. But genuine leather is an expensive, albeit prestigious pleasure. Therefore, many motorists choose more affordable substitutes.

Today there are enough leather substitutes, fortunately chemists don’t get paid for their work in vain. But most of all, car owners hear such names as Alcantara and eco-leather.

About Alcantara and eco-leather

Externally, Alcantara resembles suede, and it also feels similar to it. The material has been produced (over 50 years) from three derivatives:

Prestigious car brands such as Mercedes or Lexus have seat upholstery made of this material.
Eco-leather is a relatively new material that is gaining popularity not only among car enthusiasts, but also shoemakers and fashion designers.
Fabric base and polyurethane film are the components of the material. High-quality polyurethane is non-toxic and does not harm the human body. Eco-leather covers look prestigious and status-worthy. Externally, eco-leather is practically no different from natural leather, but it costs several times less.

Biflex

Supplex is a knitted material (taffy) consisting of nylon and a small amount of lycra. It is characterized by high strength, elasticity, practicality, and low degree of creasing. It has a dense structure and a wide range of colors. Covers made of this material completely follow the shape of the human body. There are not many disadvantages of supplex. It accumulates static electricity and has a medium degree of breathability. As a rule, the back part of the cover is made from supplex.

Eco-leather Arigon or Alcantara, which is better?

The new materials eco-leather and Alcantara cannot be compared with the first prototypes of leather substitutes. For example, leatherette was made from polyvinyl chloride with an artificial base. And modern eco-leather and Alcantara are materials of half natural origin.

Eco-leather is produced in various versions, but our consumers are most familiar with the Arigon brand. The material is popular and in demand for car seat covers or upholstery and for tuning studios (finishing any parts in a car showroom).

The latter is generally popular to improve the basic properties of a car. Arigon is made only by hand, so the quality of the material is at the highest level. In addition, Arigon has a variety of colors, which makes it possible to choose the ideal option for your car.

Products made from argon are breathable, which significantly increases its performance properties. Arigon is a type of eco-leather that comes in different designs. But if a car owner wants to get a unique and exclusive interior, then the Arigon brand is the best solution.

Advantages and disadvantages of Alcantara

Alcantara is a fairly durable material that is wear-resistant in use and mechanical stress, such as cutting objects or heat from a cigarette.
Alcantara repels dust and dirt. Remarkable ventilation performance allows the material to breathe, and good thermoregulation does not accumulate either heat or cold. The anti-slip effect is especially noticeable during sharp turns.

According to experts, the material has no particular disadvantages, but there are a couple of comments that it is advisable to take into account when choosing Alcantara as seat upholstery:

1. Suede fabric requires regular care. Therefore, weekly cleaning of the interior and covers is mandatory.
2. Suede is not always the preferred upholstery option for car enthusiasts.
3. The cost of Alcantara is much higher than eco-leather, which is not an advantage in choosing the material.

Advantages and disadvantages of arigon

Arigon is eco-leather produced by the brand of the same name. Users who have chosen Arigon as seat upholstery note the following advantages of the material:

1. The ventilation rates of eco-leather are not too high, so in the hot season the seats quickly heat up, and in winter they remain cold for a long time.
2. The thermal conductivity of ecological leather is comparable to natural leather, so it is pleasant to the touch.
3. The material levels itself. This is important as there may be cases where it gets crushed in aggressive mode.
4. Eco-leather is “indifferent” to temperature fluctuations, so it does not crack and has a long service life.
5. Eco-leather is easy to care for. It is enough to simply wipe it with a sponge. Even a difficult stain is not a problem. The material can be dry cleaned.
6. Eco-leather covers do not come apart at the seams and do not lose their shape throughout their entire service life.
7. Only a good specialist will be able to see eco-leather, which is difficult to distinguish from natural leather, which gives prestige and status to the car.
8. Wide application makes the material in demand for many sectors of light industry.
9. The material is hypoallergenic and does not cause negative reactions in humans upon contact.

The disadvantages of the material, such as seat upholstery, are the mandatory impeccability of the size of the covers relative to the seats. If there is insufficient tension or vice versa, the covers will begin to wrinkle and wrinkle or crack.

To make the right choice, you need to know exactly the dimensions of the seats and select the covers individually, excluding averages.

Features of Alcantara

Alcantara is a special ultramicrofiber made from the finest polyester fibers, which are coated with PU. The inner layer of the material is processed with abrasive paper, due to which the material receives fluffy pile.

Soft, velvety and shiny, Alcantara is lightweight and highly breathable. At the same time, the material is durable and looks no worse than natural suede. Moreover, artificial material does not shine, does not rub off and shows better results in terms of wear resistance.

In addition, it is worth highlighting other advantages of Alcantara seat covers:

• The material is almost impossible to damage with sharp objects. If a spark gets on the fabric, there will be no fire, and there will be no marks left on the Alcantara itself.
• The fabric repels dust and dirt, so the car owner does not have to guess how to care for the covers.
• The material has excellent thermoregulation. This means that in winter the material will warm, and during the summer heat it will not “float”.
• Thanks to the rough surface, it is comfortable to sit in the chair; the material does not creak or stick to the driver’s skin. In addition, during turns and turns, the driver will not slide out of the seat.
• The material is resistant to chemicals.

If we talk about the varieties of this material, then it comes in the following types:

• Soft – covering with foam backing.
• Cover – Alcantara made from textiles with a backing.
• Formal is a textile backing for inserts on covers.
• Panel – in this case there is no backing. This type of material is used to cover pillars, dashboard and ceiling.

Healthy! Regardless of whether the car owner chooses covers made of eco-leather or Alcantara, it is worth giving preference not to universal models, but to choosing products for a specific car.

When choosing one material or another, the question of cost arises for every motorist.

What is Alcantara?

The fabric was created in the 70s by Japanese scientist Miyoshi Okamoto, who worked for a large chemical company. Synthetic nonwoven material has quickly become popular in Europe and Asia due to its performance and aesthetic properties.

Ultramicrofiber looks presentable, even luxurious. Alcantara has a soft and velvety surface that is pleasant to touch. Externally, the material resembles suede. That is why it is used for upholstery of various car interiors: it is used for reupholstering the ceiling and seats, for decorating individual parts and interior elements. Manufacturers use non-woven fabric to produce high-quality and comfortable clothing, furnishings and furniture for commercial, retail, public, residential and other premises. The material is purchased for upholstery of luxury yacht interiors.

The important operational advantages of the material can confidently include the following characteristics:

• The fabric stands out for its lightness and visual beauty. The material consists of 32% polyurethane (characterized by strength, decent resistance to weathering, high loads, chopping blows) and 68% polyester (characterized by waterproofness, durability, wear resistance).
• Alcantara is a safe, environmentally friendly, breathable fabric that does not cause allergic reactions. As a result, the material is widely used in industry, production of products, furniture, and clothing.
• Alcantara perfectly retains its shape throughout its entire service life. At the same time, the fabric is easily cleaned from various contaminants, including spilled drinks, paint, varnish, fats, sweets, and cosmetics.

What is eco leather?

Eco-leather is a high-tech and high-quality material that is produced using special technology. At the same time, no PVC is used during creation. Eco-leather, as a rule, consists of two main layers. The outer surface is made of polyurethane: a durable, reliable, frost-resistant material that can withstand temperatures reaching -35°C. Polyurethane with micropores is applied to polyester or cotton fabric. The amount of polyurethane used to cover the base depends on the quality of the product.

Eco-leather is used to produce furniture, bags and accessories for men and women. It is used for sewing clothes and for making shoes, for creating car seat covers and other products.

Main operational advantages of eco-leather:

• The material is hypoallergenic, so it can be used for upholstery of almost any vehicle.
• Eco-leather products are not afraid of temperature changes, so during use they do not crack due to cold or heat.
• The material retains its aesthetic appearance for many years. It is distinguished by its resistance to various chemical compounds.
• The products are easy to clean from various contaminants. For example, to clean surfaces, use a damp sponge soaked in warm water or soapy water.
• Eco-leather “breathes”: natural air exchange occurs between the environment and the modern material. At the same time, it does not allow drops of water to pass through.
• Eco-leather is a safe product because it contains no harmful components.
• The material is pleasant to touch.
• Eco-leather looks attractive. In appearance it strongly resembles natural leather. As practice shows, only a specialist can identify the differences.
• Car seat covers retain their shape for many years.

Are eco-leather and artificial leather the same thing?

On the one hand, eco-leather can truly be called a modern type of leather substitute. However, there are quite significant differences between these materials:

• Leatherette is a fabric base with a layer of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) applied to it. In addition, it contains numerous chemical additives. Such material does not allow air to pass through and, if not manufactured correctly, can emit harmful substances. Therefore, leatherette cannot be called safe for the health of the car owner.
• Eco-leather is made from 100 percent cotton with a layer of PU (polyurethane) without adding harmful components. This material contains a large number of pores, making it breathable. At the same time, eco-leather car covers are hygroscopic and hypoallergenic. The surface of the material does not require serious maintenance and does not heat up much under the influence of sunlight.

Unlike leather substitutes, eco-leather is not capable of releasing caustic substances into the atmosphere, thereby eliminating the risk of an unpleasant chemical odor.

Based on this, it becomes obvious that a more modern material has many advantages, but can it compete with natural leather?

Which material to choose: eco-leather or Alcantara?

As we can see, eco-leather and Alcantara are characterized by numerous advantages. That is why many are interested in what material is best to purchase for interior trim.

As a rule, the steering wheel in sports cars and SUVs is decorated with Alcantara. After all, the material has a rough surface and does not slip.

Covers made from eco-leather are not very well ventilated, although they allow air to pass through. In hot weather they heat up quickly, and in winter an unpleasant coolness emanates from their surface. But capes made of Alcantara are characterized by excellent thermoregulation and are ventilated. As practice shows, real Alcantara is more expensive than eco-leather.

Ultramicrofiber stands out for its unique wear resistance. The fabric can withstand various mechanical impacts and impacts from sharp objects. When exposed to sunlight, the surface does not crack or fade, and does not smolder due to cigarette ash. As a rule, the cape retains its brightness and beauty throughout its entire service life.

Eco-leather and Alcantara have no global disadvantages. If your budget allows you to decorate the interior using ultramicrofiber, then, of course, it is better to cover the interior with this fabric. At the same time, Alcantara has more than 50 shades. It goes well with other materials used to decorate the car, including wood, metal, and genuine leather. It is only important to use real ultramicrofiber. After all, on the modern market there are a lot of unscrupulous sellers who disguise fakes as real fabric.

Thanks to new technologies, substitutes for this material have appeared that are endowed with useful qualities, but are cheaper in price. Among them, products made from eco-leather and Alcantara have gained popularity. This is a budget alternative to natural products. Each of the accessories has pros and cons. Before purchasing, please read the product specifications.

Advantages of the material

Let's look at the most undeniable advantages of fabric for car interior trim:

1. Durable, wear-resistant material . It is difficult to cut or scratch with sharp objects. It does not become shiny and does not wear out over time. In addition, Alcantara covers are heat-resistant and are not damaged when exposed to sparks or ash. Predominantly resistant to dust, water and machine oils, thanks to its dense texture that repels liquids. As a result, the trim lasts for many years, maintaining the presentability of the car interior.
2. Excellent thermoregulatory properties . The Alcantara interior lining is capable of maintaining the same temperature at any time of the year, which provides the driver and passengers with maximum comfort.
3. The upholstery, made with a combination of eco-leather and Alcantara, can give your car a “luxury” look . Such covers always look great, they are pleasant to touch - matte, velvety fabric, shimmering with bright shades, creating a unique design. The car interior, “dressed” in Alcantara, has an amazing and very stylish look.
4. Easy to care for . Using a damp cloth and standard cleaning products is sufficient. But it is best to remove stains “fresh”.
5. Saving money . Purchasing Alcantara car seat covers is much cheaper than reupholstering the car interior or purchasing similar products made from natural materials.

Features of eco-leather cases: advantages and disadvantages

They will reliably protect the seat trim and radically update the car showroom. This artificial material has been produced since 1963 and is produced by combining a fabric base and a polyurethane film on top. Automotive companies actively use eco-leather in the production of new cars. They also sew covers that fit the range of vehicles already produced. Eco-leather is valued for its qualities that are similar in characteristics to natural leather.

Eco-leather car covers have the following advantages:

• beautiful design - their structure is similar to genuine leather, but their price is much lower;
• hypoallergenic - they do not contain harmful toxic substances, so both the driver and passengers will be safe;
• high mechanical strength, wear resistance, with proper use they will last a long time;
• the ability to pass air through micropores, they do not create a greenhouse effect;
• comfort for the body - in cold weather such seats keep you warm, and in summer it is not hot to sit on them;
• The material is easy to care for, no special products are needed for this, you can simply wipe the surface with a damp sponge;
• Accessories selected according to size retain their shape for a long time, do not form bulges or waves, and follow the contour of the seat.

Many vehicle owners prefer car covers made from eco-leather of the Arigon brand from.
They are not afraid of temperature changes, are especially durable, and do not come apart at the seams. They are made by hand on a cotton basis. This is an environmentally friendly material, durable and lightweight. Arigon covers are produced for different brands of cars, and a wide range of colors is offered. It is better to order accessories from branded retail outlets that provide a guarantee for their products. It pays to buy products from reputable manufacturers who have received positive customer reviews.

Types of eco-leather

When choosing universal covers made of artificial material, you should pay attention to its type:

• Oregon and Valencia. The materials are produced in India or China. It is 70% cotton, durable and abrasion resistant. Oregon is most often used for eco-leather, as it has an excellent quality-price ratio. There is also Oregon Antique (featuring a glossy tint) and Oregon Royal (shiny and smooth material). Valencia has a matte texture, which is indistinguishable from high-quality genuine leather, but it costs a little more.

• Alba. This material ranks second in popularity. Its main distinguishing feature is the ability to allow air and steam to pass through well. The material easily withstands temperature changes, sunlight and does not wear out for a long time.

• Companion. This is the most wear-resistant material of all. This can be achieved due to the fact that the polyurethane film is applied to PU foam located on substrates made of pile fabric.

• Dollar. High-quality material with all the advantages of eco-leather. Features a wide range of colors. When choosing a universal car cover, the driver can choose both matte classics and brighter emerald shades.

It is also worth paying attention to the thickness of the material. Based on this parameter, universal covers can be:

• economy class - material thickness is 1 mm;
• standard – 1.2 mm;
• premium class - 1.5 mm (also features stronger seams).

On sale you can choose covers made entirely of eco-leather or with leather inserts, with or without armrests and headrests.

If products of this type are not trustworthy, or there are often animals in the car, then you can choose another budget option.

Alcantara: pros and cons

Alcantara looks and feels similar to suede. It has fluffy pile on top, is soft, velvety, and has a beautiful shine. This material has been in use for more than 50 years; it is made from three components: cotton, polyester and polyurethane. Many manufacturers use this material for interior upholstery. Its performance characteristics are superior to natural suede.

Alcantara has a number of advantages:

• durability, high degree of wear resistance, not afraid of mechanical damage and sharp objects, will not be damaged by animal claws;
• high ventilation rates - the material breathes, has excellent thermoregulation - it does not accumulate cold and heat, it will be comfortable on such seats in winter and summer;
• has an anti-slip effect even during sharp turns - this is facilitated by the rough surface, the material does not stick to human skin and does not creak;
• does not shine and does not rub off, does not form pellets, is endowed with thermal stability - it will not be damaged by sparks or ash from cigarettes;
• repels dirt and dust, does not absorb engine oils, does not fade in the sun, you can choose any color scheme to match the car interior;
• The upholstery is easy to care for - you can simply wipe it with a damp cloth and use standard cleaning products.

The price of artificial material is cheaper than natural suede. Accessories do not have to be changed for a long time; they retain their original appearance for a long period. Thanks to the use of such covers, comfortable conditions will be created for the driver and passengers inside the car.

Experts note that Alcantara does not have any particular disadvantages, but still, among its disadvantages there are:

• it requires regular care, like any suede fabric - you will have to clean the car interior and covers weekly;
• The quality of the material is negatively affected by spilled liquid and greasy stains. They must be wiped off immediately, otherwise the interior will need dry cleaning;
• Alcantara can suffer from too active use - protruding surfaces, armrests, and handles are especially susceptible to damage;
• the cost of the material is higher than eco-leather.

Correct installation of car seat covers is very important.
It can be entrusted to experienced craftsmen who do this kind of work professionally. There is no clear answer to the question of which material is best to choose for car upholstery. The choice depends on how the car is used, whether children and animals will be transported in it, and how often you will use the car. For those who prefer prestige, chic, and practicality, you can choose Arigon eco-leather. If a car enthusiast is interested in wear resistance, comfort, and external design, then Alcantara will be the best choice.

Cost is the second most important aspect when purchasing car covers. Eco-leather is much cheaper than Alcantara, but if you often use your car, you should still give preference to Alcantara - it is more wear-resistant and durable.

Regardless of which car covers you choose, buy accessories for a specific car brand, not universal ones. They are perfect in size and other parameters. Interior upholstery is the calling card of a car. Thanks to modern technology, there are many options on the market to choose from. Both materials can last a long time and with high quality.

The purchase can be made on the website of the branded online store “World of Cases”, the catalog of which contains products that are suitable in quality, color, design from well-known brands. The store consultant will answer all the buyer’s questions and help them choose car covers. They are also installed upon customer's request.

Tips for choosing

Before purchasing covers, you need to decide why they are being purchased in the first place, so as not to be surprised later that this accessory is absolutely useless. In addition to its protective function, the material should be easy to wash and dry quickly. If there are small children among the passengers, then an extremely important characteristic is hypoallergenicity and the presence of pockets that will be located in close proximity to the seat. The best option in terms of the cost of the case and the duration of its operation are materials that use Alcantara.

To maintain the original appearance and color, all car covers require regular maintenance, which consists of wiping with a damp sponge and polish.

Special care will help prolong the use of covers

Criteria for choosing material for reupholstering car interiors and sewing covers

It is impossible to answer unequivocally which fabric is better suited for upholstering a car interior or sewing covers. When choosing a material, it is recommended to consider:

• Specifics of vehicle operation. If it is often used to transport children, various types of cargo, or is used as a taxi, preference should be given to material that does not require much effort to care for.
• Aesthetics. If prestige or aesthetics play a leading role when reupholstering a car dealership, then genuine leather or Alcantara is the best option.
• Financial aspect. If the material side is of no small importance, it is recommended to opt for available materials.

Cost of covers

For comparison, it’s worth saying right away that products made from genuine leather will cost from 8,000 to 20,000 for one case. When choosing eco-leather, you can pay within 1,000 rubles for one seat. Alcantara will cost a little more, but is still much cheaper than natural material.

When purchasing products, it is recommended to make sure that they come with a warranty.

Comparative characteristics of popular materials

Each of the popular materials for car interior trim and car seat covers has advantages and disadvantages. To choose the option that is most suitable for a particular car owner, it is recommended to compare the characteristics of eco-leather, Alcantara, jacquard and velor. When choosing a cladding material, not only its composition is important, but also its maintenance requirements.

Eco-leather: composition, advantages and disadvantages, care

This material consists of two layers, the first of which (the base) is made of cotton or polyester fabric, and the second of polyurethane foam. The advantages of eco-leather include:

Eco-leather car covers

• strength;
• elasticity;
• hypoallergenic;
• breathability;
• dimensional stability – eco-leather does not stretch and retains its original shape throughout its entire service life;
• hygroscopicity - the ability to absorb and retain moisture;
• resistance to low and high temperatures, as well as ultraviolet radiation;
• ease of cutting and sewing;
• a wide variety of shades and textures;
• dirt and dust resistance;
• ease of care;
• aesthetics.

The disadvantages of eco-leather include the fact that it gets very hot when exposed to direct sunlight. Over time, the top layer begins to crumble and cannot be restored. The material is not resistant to mechanical stress and prolonged exposure to moisture. Light-colored cladding darkens over time.

Alcantara: what is it, what properties does it have, how to care for it?

Alcantara is a material that contains polyester and polyurethane. The fabric, which is also called faux suede, has the following advantages:

The only disadvantage of this fabric is the high price. Caring for Alcantara comes down to the following manipulations:

• Cleaning from dust with a vacuum cleaner or dry brush;
• Removing simple stains with a cloth soaked in soapy water. To remove complex stains, it is recommended to add ammonia to soapy water.
• Wash the covers by hand in warm water or in the washing machine on a delicate cycle.

Jacquard: pros and cons of a budget option

This fabric, which uses complex or simple weaving techniques, is made from natural (cotton, linen, wool, silk) or polyester raw materials. Its advantages include:

• high strength;
• shape, heat and color stability;
• breathability;
• ease of care;
• aesthetics;
• dirt and dust resistance;
• ability to dry quickly;
• ergonomics;
• a wide variety of colors;
• availability.

Car seat covers made of jacquard
Among the significant disadvantages of this fabric is its low ability to retain heat. Jacquard car covers should be washed in water at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees, using neutral detergents. It is not recommended to bleach or wring out products made from this material. The covers should be ironed from the wrong side with a warm iron.

Jacquard

Jacquard is a smooth synthetic fabric impregnated with an antistatic agent. Although relatively cheap, this material has many advantages:

• High strength and wear resistance. Jacquard covers retain their color and shape even after long-term use;
• Ergonomics;
• The material continues to “breathe” even after impregnation with a water-repellent composition;
• Low flammability;
• Practical and easy to maintain.

The disadvantages of jacquard include its unassuming appearance and inability to retain heat for a long time. If you want to save money and do not pretend to have an exclusive interior, then a jacquard cover is the ideal solution.

Tweed is a soft woolen fabric with low pile and a small amount of metallized thread. Its main advantages are durability, fire resistance, high wear resistance and good density. Tweed covers can be washed in a washing machine and cleaned with regular detergents. Among the disadvantages, the price is noted - it is high, but quite justified.