Seat Covers: All the Info Fit to Print

They say you should dress for the job you want not the job you have, which is why so many dress up in stained chinos and obnoxious Tommy Bahama shirts like Matt Groening. The same maxim can be applied to your auto's upholstery, too. Think about it: would you rather your seats looked like a short order cook at the end of the dinner rush or like one of the high-powered executives ordering steaks out in the dining room? If you haven't yet slipped on a set of car seat covers, then the answer is evident—order up.

Seat covers are like a stylish suit of armor for your interior. First and foremost, they block gunk from staining your seats and spoiling your resale value. Toppled drinks, fumbled nachos, lost linguini—all of this sustenance can wreak havoc on your seats. Plus, the simple act of sliding into your seat and scooting around while you drive wears down your stock upholstery, opening up the possibility of rips, tears and discoloration. Seat covers add a layer of defense against all these dangers.

Now, there's an unfortunate stigma associated with seat covers: people assume thatthey're about as form-fitting as a muumuu. That might be the case for seat covers that come from big box stores or grimy auto parts shops, but not all seat covers are created equal. There are number of modern seat cover manufacturers who take the time to custom tailor their covers for a bespoke fit. Who are these sultans of stitching, you ask? The most respected seat cover makers out there are Saddleman, Coverking, Wet Okole, Covercraft and CalTrend. Even though their creations are premium quality, they don't charge a premium for their work.

There's another myth out there surrounding seat covers: that they only come in dull black, beige or gray. Not so, dear reader. There is a veritable cornucopia of patterns and colors available, from neon yellows and hunter greens to camouflage and hibiscus flower patterns. Of course, you can score standard black, beige and gray seat covers, too, if hot pink really isn't your style. And, you can choose between an impressive array of fabrics. Although cotton and saddle blanket are mighty popular, you can stand apart with some leather seat covers or neoprene seat covers.