EKR Materials Guide

The right feel.
For your everyday drive.

Compare genuine leather, leatherette and fabric options by feel, care and the way you use your vehicle. Start with your priorities, then check the materials available for your exact seat configuration.

Start with your priorities

What matters most to you?

These starting points help narrow your choice. Material availability, panel construction and care instructions vary by product.

Natural leather touch Genuine Cowhide Leather Explore this material → A softer leather-look finish Full-Grain Nappa Leatherette Explore this material → Simple daily upkeep Solvent-Free Leatherette Explore this material → A textile seating surface Polyester Fabric Explore this material → Outdoor activities Neoprene Explore this material → A sturdy woven feel Canvas Explore this material →

Six options, clearly explained

Get to know the materials

Genuine leather is real hide. Leatherette is synthetic leather. Fabric names describe the textile; patterns such as camouflage describe the design.

01 / Natural leather feel

Genuine Cowhide Leather

Real leather on specified seating contact areas, combined with leatherette on secondary panels. Check the selected product’s coverage details.

How it feels: A natural grain and leather touch on the covered contact surfaces.
A good starting point for: A leather interior upgrade, with a willingness to follow material-specific care.
Care considerations: Use care products approved for the selected cover. Test first in a hidden area; avoid soaking the material.

The entire cover is not genuine leather. Side, back and supporting panels use non-genuine-leather materials.

View genuine leather →

Nappa leatherette material sample — Material sample

02 / Soft touch · Synthetic leather

Full-Grain Nappa Leatherette

A type of synthetic leather with a smooth, soft surface. Here, "Nappa" refers to the grain pattern of the synthetic leather rather than the material composition itself; it is not genuine leather.

How it feels: A soft surface with a refined leather look.
A good starting point for: Drivers who prefer a soft finish and straightforward surface cleaning.
Care considerations: Wipe gently with a soft cloth and follow the product’s cleaning instructions. Avoid harsh solvents and abrasive brushes.

Leatherette is synthetic. It does not have the same natural grain or aging characteristics as genuine leather.

Explore seat covers →

03 / Everyday use · Synthetic leather

Solvent-Free Leatherette

Our solvent-free leatherette option combines a leather-look surface with a practical everyday finish. Confirm the material specification on your selected product.

How it feels: A smooth, more structured feel compared with the softer Nappa leatherette option.
A good starting point for: Commuting and family use when wipe-down cleaning is a priority.
Care considerations: Remove spills promptly and clean gently according to the product instructions.

“Solvent-free” describes the material option. It does not mean a finished cover is guaranteed odor-free or chemical-free.

Explore seat covers →

04 / Woven texture · Everyday comfort

Polyester Fabric

A fabric option for drivers who prefer a textile surface. Some products combine polyester with leatherette panels.

How it feels: A noticeable fabric texture rather than a smooth leather-look finish.
A good starting point for: Drivers who prefer a fabric seating surface for daily use.
Care considerations: Vacuum loose debris and spot-clean as directed. Let the fabric dry fully; do not assume the cover is machine washable.

Spills may need more attention than on a smooth wipe-clean surface. Check panel composition on mixed-material products.

View polyester combination →

05 / Flexible feel · Active lifestyles

Neoprene

A flexible, wetsuit-inspired material used for seat-cover options with water-resistant properties.

How it feels: A cushioned, elastic surface with a sporty feel.
A good starting point for: Outdoor activities and everyday situations where occasional moisture is a concern.
Care considerations: Remove moisture and dirt promptly, and dry thoroughly according to the product instructions.

Water-resistant material does not make the complete seat cover waterproof. Seams and openings still matter.

View neoprene →

06 / Structured weave · Utility-focused

Canvas

A rugged woven fabric with a more structured surface. Camouflage, where offered, is a pattern rather than a separate material.

How it feels: A firm textile texture with less stretch than neoprene.
A good starting point for: Work vehicles, gear and drivers who prefer a sturdy woven feel.
Care considerations: Vacuum grit and spot-clean as directed. Address dirt before it becomes embedded in the weave.

Canvas is not claw-proof or damage-proof. It also has a firmer feel than soft leatherette.

View canvas →

Know what you are choosing

Genuine leather: check the coverage.

Our genuine leather covers combine genuine cowhide on specified seating contact areas with leatherette on secondary areas, including side, back and supporting panels. They are not genuine leather on every panel.

Check the coverage description for your selected product and configuration before ordering. Our standard genuine leather finish is non-perforated; natural pores are not the same as manufactured ventilation holes.

Black Red Burgundy Black/Brown Brown

Color availability depends on the selected product and vehicle. Product details take priority over this general guide.

A quick reference

Compare at a glance

Compare the surface you prefer and the upkeep you are comfortable with. On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally.

Material feel and practical trade-offs
Material	Surface feel	Keep in mind
Genuine Cowhide Leather	A natural grain and leather touch on the covered contact surfaces.	The entire cover is not genuine leather. Side, back and supporting panels use non-genuine-leather materials.
Nappa Leatherette	A soft surface with a refined leather look.	Leatherette is synthetic. It does not have the same natural grain or aging characteristics as genuine leather.
Solvent-Free Leatherette	A smooth, more structured feel compared with the softer Nappa leatherette option.	“Solvent-free” describes the material option. It does not mean a finished cover is guaranteed odor-free or chemical-free.
Polyester Fabric	A noticeable fabric texture rather than a smooth leather-look finish.	Spills may need more attention than on a smooth wipe-clean surface. Check panel composition on mixed-material products.
Neoprene	A cushioned, elastic surface with a sporty feel.	Water-resistant material does not make the complete seat cover waterproof. Seams and openings still matter.
Canvas	A firm textile texture with less stretch than neoprene.	Canvas is not claw-proof or damage-proof. It also has a firmer feel than soft leatherette.

Before you decide

Material questions, answered.

Is leatherette genuine leather?

No. Leatherette is synthetic leather. Nappa Leatherette and Solvent-Free Leatherette are synthetic options; genuine cowhide leather is real hide.

Does “Full-Grain Nappa Leatherette” mean genuine leather?

No. Our Nappa Leatherette option is synthetic. It should not be interpreted as a genuine leather specification.

Are genuine leather covers leather on every panel?

No. Genuine cowhide is used on specified seating contact areas, with leatherette on secondary panels. Review the individual product’s coverage description.

Are neoprene seat covers waterproof?

Neoprene material offers water resistance, but the assembled cover includes seams and openings. Do not treat a seat cover as a waterproof barrier; clean up spills promptly.

Which material should I choose for pets or family use?

Start with your cleaning priorities. Smooth leatherette can make surface wipe-downs simpler; canvas provides a firmer woven feel. No material is immune to claws, abrasion or spills. Check the product’s care instructions and fit.

Is camouflage a material?

No. Camouflage is a pattern. Check whether the underlying product is canvas, neoprene or another material.

Can I machine-wash my covers?

Do not assume that removable covers are machine washable. Follow the instructions for the exact product and material. If those instructions are unclear, contact our team before cleaning.

Does choosing a material confirm vehicle or airbag compatibility?

No. Material choice alone does not confirm compatibility. Check the exact year, model, trim and seat layout, along with product-specific airbag and installation information.

How do I choose in the Customize System?

Start with FIND YOUR VEHICLE. Then choose from the Style, Color, Material and Embroidery options available for your selection. Not every material or finish is available for every vehicle.

Review our airbag compatibility information

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