Neoprene Vs Leatherette Seat Covers: Which is Better?

Are you tired of dealing with stained and worn out seat covers in your vehicle? One of the best ways to protect your seats and give your car a fresh new look is by investing in seat covers.

But with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which type to go for.

One popular choice is neoprene seat covers, known for their durability and water resistance. Another option is leatherette seat covers, which offer a more breathable and affordable alternative to leather.

So, which one is the best choice for your vehicle?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the similarities and differences between neoprene and leatherette seat covers to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of Neoprene and Leatherette

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material made from polychloroprene. It has a soft, flexible feel and is commonly used in wetsuits and other aquatic gear due to its water resistance.

Leatherette is a synthetic leather made from polyurethane or PVC coated fabrics. It mimics the look and feel of real leather at a lower cost. Leatherette is breathable and can repel water to a certain degree.

Below is a quick comparison of some key attributes of neoprene and leatherette:

Attribute	Neoprene	Leatherette
Durability	Very durable	Moderate durability
Water resistance	Excellent	Good
Heat resistance	Excellent	Moderate
Breathability	Low breathability	Better breathability
Texture	Spongy	Smooth
Thickness	Thick	Thin
Flexibility	Flexible	Very flexible

Comparison of Neoprene and Leatherette Seat Covers

When it comes to protecting your vehicle’s seats, both neoprene and leatherette seat covers have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at how the two materials compare in terms of durability, water resistance, comfort, and cost.

Durability:

Durability is a major consideration when choosing seat covers. You want them to last long and stand up to regular wear and tear.

• Neoprene seat covers are extremely durable. The synthetic rubber material is tough and resistant to rips, cracks, and scratches. Neoprene can maintain its strength and shape for many years.

• Leatherette is moderately durable. It is not as inherently strong as neoprene, so leatherette seat covers are more prone to wearing down over time. With proper care, leatherette can still last several years before needing replacement. But its lifespan is not as long as neoprene overall.

Winner: Neoprene

Water resistance:

Protecting your vehicle’s upholstery from spills and moisture is important. Water resistance helps seat covers prevent stains and damage.

• Neoprene has excellent water resistance abilities. The tight molecular structure prevents water from penetrating the material. Liquids will bead up and roll off neoprene seat covers.
• Leatherette also has decent water resistance, though not quite as high as neoprene. It has a protective polyurethane coating that makes it water-repellent. However, with enough exposure, liquids can eventually seep into leatherette’s pores.

Winner: Neoprene

Heat Resistance

The capacity to resist heat is vital for seat covers, especially on hot sunny days.

• Neoprene excels at insulating against high temperatures. Its synthetic rubber composition makes it very heat-resistant. Neoprene seat covers will keep cool even when exposed to intense heat.
• Leatherette has more moderate heat resistance. The polyurethane coating helps repel heat. But leatherette still absorbs more heat than neoprene and can become hot to the touch on scorching days.

Winner: Neoprene

Breathability

Proper breathability prevents seat covers from getting overly sweaty and uncomfortable. It allows air to circulate to keep you cool.

• Neoprene offers moderate breathability. Its synthetic rubber construction leaves less room for airflow. But neoprene is still breathable enough to avoid excessive sweating.
• Leatherette has lower breathability due to its solid plastic composition. Airflow cannot penetrate leatherette as easily, so it may cause more sweating than neoprene. Leatherette seat covers can get hot, sticky, and uncomfortable on long drives.

Winner: Neoprene

Comfort

Along with good breathability, the comfort level of seat covers is key for an enjoyable driving experience.

• Neoprene provides moderate comfort. It has some cushioning properties to make it tolerable for long periods of sitting. But neoprene can have a rubbery stiffness that reduces plushness.
• Leatherette offers fairly good comfort. It has a soft, supple feel resembling genuine leather. Leatherette seat covers provide decent cushioning for daily driving use.

Winner: Leatherette

Care and Maintenance

Caring for and maintaining seat covers properly is crucial for longevity. The amount of required care and maintenance depends on the material.

• Neoprene is very easy to care for. It can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. Neoprene resists buildup of dirt, oils, and grime. It doesn’t need conditioners or protectants either.
• Leatherette needs more intensive maintenance. It should be cleaned with a leather cleaner or conditioner. Applying a protectant regularly is important to prevent drying and cracking. Leatherette also stains more easily than neoprene.

Winner: Neoprene

Price

Of course, the price of seat covers is always an important purchasing factor.

• Neoprene seat covers have a moderate cost, typically ranging from $50-150 per set.
• Leatherette costs less, usually between $30-100 per set.

However, because neoprene lasts significantly longer than leatherette, it can be a smarter long-term value investment.

Winner: Potentially neoprene for long-term value, but leatherette for lower upfront cost.

Installation

The installation process required for seat covers varies. Simpler installation makes it easier to get seat covers fitted properly on your own.

• Neoprene seat covers have a straightforward installation. Neoprene’s stretchiness allows it to be pulled tightly over seats for a wrinkle-free fit. No special tools or hardware are needed.
• Leatherette can be trickier to install neatly. Getting leatherette to fit smoothly with no buckling takes some finesse. Hog rings and a staple gun are often needed to attach leatherette properly.

Winner: Neoprene

Pros and Cons of Neoprene and Leatherette Seat Covers

Beyond the major factors above, there are some additional benefits and drawbacks to keep in mind for neoprene and leatherette seat covers:

Pros of Neoprene Seat Covers:

• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Excellent protection from spills and moisture
• Insulates well against heat and cold
• Easy maintenance – just wipe clean
• Snug fit without wrinkling

Cons of Neoprene Seat Covers:

• Not as breathable or plush as other materials
• Can have rubbery smell at first
• Generally more expensive than leatherette

Pros of Leatherette Seat Covers:

• Very affordable option
• Looks and feels like real leather
• Soft and fairly comfortable
• Wide range of color options

Cons of Leatherette Seat Covers:

• Prone to cracking and drying over time
• Absorbs heat and sweat more than neoprene
• Requires more intensive maintenance
• Not as durable or water-resistant as neoprene
• Trickier to install neatly and smoothly

It’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when deciding whether to go with neoprene or leatherette seat covers. Both materials have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and it ultimately comes down to what is most important to you in terms of durability, water resistance, comfort, and cost.

Recommendations for Use

Here are some recommendations for when neoprene or leatherette may be better suited:

• Use neoprene if you need maximum water protection from rain or accidents. The coast, rainy climates, and family vehicles benefit most from neoprene.
• Choose leatherette if you want breathability to prevent sweating and moisture. Leatherette works best if you live in warmer areas or park in the sun.
• Pick neoprene for durability to maintain a like-new appearance for years. It’s ideal for cars used daily with high mileage.
• Select leatherette if you want a stylish leather look on a budget. It’s a smart pick for lightly used vehicles where longevity isn’t a concern.
• Use neoprene for pets and kids. It resists odors, cleans easily, and prevents damage from claws, spills, etc.
• Pick leatherette if comfort is key. Its softer hand often has more plushness than neoprene.

Other Factors to Consider

• Fit – Measure your seats carefully before buying covers. Neoprene offers more flexibility but leatherette can be tricky to stretch tightly.
• Color Options – Both materials are available in a wide range of solid and patterned colors to suit your tastes.
• Heat Tolerance – If you live in a very hot climate, leatherette retains more heat than neoprene and can get uncomfortable.
• Eco-Friendliness – Neither material is biodegradable. But neoprene contains no VOCs and leatherette has some toxic chemicals released in manufacturing.
• Odor Absorption – Leatherette resists odors better than neoprene over the long run. Neoprene can trap smells in its foam structure.

Check out our full guide on: Car Seat Covers 101: A Complete Guide

The Verdict: Neoprene vs Leatherette

In head-to-head comparisons, neoprene consistently outperforms leatherette:

• Neoprene is more durable and long-lasting.
• It offers better water, odor, and mildew resistance.
• Neoprene has superior heat tolerance for hot climates.
• The thick foam rubber provides ample cushioning and comfort.
• Neoprene requires less maintenance and is easier to clean.

Leatherette does have some benefits:

• More affordable upfront cost.
• Tighter fitting with OEM look.
• Somewhat more breathable.
• Wider range of colors and textures.

Ultimately, neoprene is the winner if you want a protective seat cover that will last for years with minimal upkeep. The extra cost is justified by excellent durability and performance.

However, leatherette can be a smart budget choice if you want looks over longevity. Just don’t expect faux leather to be as rugged in the long run.

No matter which you choose, properly care for your seat covers to get the most out of the material. With regular cleaning and conditioning, both neoprene and leatherette covers will keep your vehicle seats shielded in style. Your passengers will appreciate the added comfort and protection.