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Over at Ruff Tuff, they take pride in their work just like we do at TigerTough. They're family-owned and have been in the custom seat cover game since 1976, crafting their products right here in the USA. They stand by creating high-quality seat covers with precise patterns and durable fabrics, ensuring each cover fits snugly and lasts long.

They’ve got a variety of different seat cover lines, but we ordered a set of their Dura EZ-Care covers for 2023 Ford F-150 to compare them with TigerTough seat covers.

Let’s see how they do.

The Delivery

Ruff Tuff Packaging

These arrived in a branded big ole brown box. Inside, we found the seat covers protected with plastic, something that looked like a plastic tongue depressor, and super detailed instructions. There are lots of words on those instructions and not many photos, but we’re okay with reading. 

A really cool thing they do is put a QR code on the seat cover tag so that you can easily get to the installation instructions and videos.

TigerTough Packaging

When your TigerTough seat covers arrive, they come in a branded poly mailer. We don’t get fancy with boxes when shipping is cheaper and easier with polymailers. You’ll also get a set of full-color instructions tailored to your vehicle's make and model. Say you've got a 2019 Nissan Frontier, you'll receive a set of guidelines crafted precisely for fitting TigerTough covers to your Frontier's seats for a smooth installation process.

Design and material of the seat cover

Ruff Tuff Design and Material

We contacted Ruff Tuff’s customer service, and they say their Dura EZ-Care material is made of “a 600 Denier polyester blend canvas material.” It’s a sturdy fabric and feels really durable. The site says they’re water-resistant and great for kids and pets. There’s a foam backing on the portions you’d come in contact with, like the seat back and bottom.

They have decorative stitching along the back, which looks nice, but it’s something we don’t suggest because it makes the seat cover weaker. If you’re going for looks over durability, then have at it!

TigerTough Design and Material

We craft each cover in three separate parts for a complete fit, similar to Ruff Tuff's method, yet we stay true to using 1000-Denier CORDURA throughout for unmatched durability.

The fabric of our seat covers is rigorously tested to handle the harshest conditions. We avoid any fancy stitching that might compromise durability, opting only for embroidery in low-wear zones, which won’t affect the cover's integrity.

Installation

Ruff Tuff Installation

We spent about 10 minutes installing the Ruff Tuff seat cover. And the tongue depressor stick it came with was really handy! In fact, we’ll keep it around to install future covers and save some fingers in the process. That’s a genius addition to the shipping box.

Here’s how their seat covers are attached:

• The seat back fits snuggly and velcros to the seat itself
• The seat bottom has straps that run under the front and back that fasten under the seat
• There’s also a string that runs from side to side that you tie underneath the seat

TigerTough Installation

Getting TigerTough seat covers on your seats can be a pain. It takes us about 9 minutes for a complete installation, and we’ve been doing this for a while. Though we've got the process down, even those new to our covers should find it a straightforward task with just a tad more time.

We offer in-depth guides and installation videos customized for each vehicle model.  

Here's how TigerTough seat covers fit into place:

• The cover for the seat bottom extends under the entire seat, firmly securing itself with robust hook & loop fasteners (that’s the generic term for Velcro).
• Our unique StringLock system encircles the base of the seat bottom, pulling everything snugly together under the seat just like a drawstring, making sure the cover stays put without any slip or slide.

Check out our full installation expectations to learn more.

Headrest

Ruff Tuff doesn’t include headrest covers as a standard feature. We didn’t realize this when ordering–whoops, so we can’t review this portion of the seat cover. But we will say that we believe headrest covers should be standard. If your vehicle’s interior needs seat covers, it’s in need of headrest covers, too.

Headrest covers are an additional $68 in the Ruff Tuff Dura EZ-Care option.

Seatback

Ruff Tuff Seatback

The seatback cover fits really well, with detailed stitching and foam backing. We typically don’t recommend foam in a seat cover because it degrades over time and can leave the cover baggy. It won't affect function, but it will affect fit.

PSA about foam: Just like the cushioning in your work boots, foam starts out supportive and snug, but over time, it compresses and loses its oomph. When that happens, those boots don't fit the same, and you don't get the same support. It's the same deal with foam in seat covers.

Ruff Tuff has seatback pocket options available, which we love.

TigerTough Seatback

Our seat covers hug the back of your seats tightly for a glove-like fit. For customization, you can add a seatback pocket and embroidery. 

Seat crease and bottom

Since both seat covers are made from multiple pieces, they both have clean-looking creases that fit the seats well.

They also tuck into the seat bottom's plastic trim, allowing access to the seat controls. You might think this is a standard in seat covers, but we’ve met some that cover up your controls.

Airbag safety

Since 2014, vehicles have required side airbags, thanks to federal regulations. These lifesavers are often tucked right into your seat. And they've been pulling their weight for a long while, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tallying up over 2,000 lives saved by side airbags from '96 to '12. Back then, less than half the vehicles on the road had 'em, but now? They're pretty much everywhere.

Any seat cover company worth its salt knows how crucial safety is, whether it's just your own work truck or a whole fleet you're running.

Ruff Tuff Airbag Compatibility

Ruff Tuff’s approach to airbag safety is interesting. The version we received has the entire side seam come apart with velcro. So, in the event of a collision, the airbag will deploy and break through the velcro-secured side. They have another version with simply a cutout for the airbag to deploy. The version you get is based on your vehicle.

TigerTough Airbag Compatibility 

Every TigerTough cover's got a tearaway seam right down the side—so if your airbags need to bust out, they can do their job with no problem. Independent labs have tested our covers to ensure they’ll do what they need to do in a collision. Here's to hoping you'll never need it, but you're good to go if you do.

Warranty and Returns

Ruff Tuff Warranty and Returns

Ruff Tuff offers a limited one-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects under normal use. Pretty standard, but not impressive.

Unfortunately, their covers aren’t returnable (except for their Flex OPS line). So make sure you really want these covers before you confirm the order. Because once you get them, they’re yours for life. 

TigerTough Warranty and Returns

Our vehicle seat covers have a two-year, unconditional warranty. And we mean that. If they somehow get damaged in whatever it is that you do in your vehicle, we’ll replace or repair them. We stand by our covers. 

If you don’t like your TigerTough seat covers, we’ll accept returns within 30 days of you receiving them. You just need to be sure they’re in like-new condition.

Price

This is why you’re ultimately reading this, right? Seat covers can have a crazy range in prices. So, for comparison, we used a 2023 Ford F-150 for spec. 

How much does Ruff Tuff cost?

We ordered a set of their Dura EZ-Care seat covers for $367. But don’t forget–we didn’t get headrest covers with our order, so we’d have to spend another $68 on those. 

For full-coverage with Ruff Tuff, you’re looking at about $435. We also had to pay $25 for shipping. We won’t add that to the total price of these seat covers, but that’s something to consider.

How much does TigerTough cost?

To fully cover your two front seats with TigerTough, it will cost around $297. And we give you free shipping on any $100+ order within the 48 contiguous states.

Overview

It all comes down to what you want and what your budget allows. For what it’s worth, we think you’ll get everything you need from TigerTough at a pretty good savings compared to Ruff Tuff. We’d say that even if ToughTough wasn’t signing our paychecks.

Ruff Tuff is a great option that will work hard for you. We wish they came with headrest covers, and maybe had a better way to fasten the string underneath the seats. But they’ll absolutely get the job done.

If you want something rugged and meant to withstand hard use, like construction environments or excited farm dogs, we’d encourage you to try TigerTough. Because hey, if you order them and hate ‘em, they’re returnable. And bonus: You can’t destroy them (and even if you manage to, we’ll replace them in the first two years).

Maybe after reading this comparison, neither of these brands really work for you. That’s cool, but you should definitely check out the best seat covers for work trucks and find something that meets your needs.

*Price based on purchasing with headrest covers. 

You've just tackled a particularly challenging plumbing job you’d rather not talk about. You toss your tool bag, damp with a mix of water and who-knows-what, right onto the passenger seat of your truck. The next morning, you're greeted with the stench and stains of yesterday’s battle. But hey, no sweat – you've got those TigerTough seat covers ready to take on whatever your day throws at them, even the aftermath of plumbing triumphs.

Can you wash the seat covers? Absolutely!

Let's get straight to it, your TigerTough seat covers are made from washable CORDURA® built to be thrown in the wash. Had a rough week with spills and grime? No problem. Here’s how to freshen them up:

Basic Cleaning Steps:

1. Wipe It Down: For everyday messes, a quick wipe with a damp cloth does wonders.
2. Spot Cleaning: Got some stubborn soil? Attack it with a spray cleaner or a mix of detergent and water. Avoid bleach, it's not your cover’s friend.
3. Toss in the Washing Machine: Yep! You can toss those suckers in a household washing machine. But before you do, coil the straps and secure them with rubber bands to avoid a tangle fest. Then, toss the covers in. Use a mild detergent and set it to a low-temperature cycle.
4. Drying: Let them air dry or tumble dry with no heat. Make sure they’re totally dry before installing them again.

For the Tough Stains

If you've had a run-in with oil or stubborn stains, Citrol or any citrus-based cleaner is your go-to. Give the spot a good scrub, then toss the cover in the wash for a full clean. Try an all-purpose cleaner or other favorite stain remover for other stains.

Creative Cleaning

We’ve seen TigerTough users get pretty creative when it comes to cleaning their covers – brake cleaner, paint thinner, and even folks power-washing their seat covers. While we don’t officially recommend these methods, do what you gotta do to get your covers clean. And hey, we’ve always got your back with that unlimited warranty. The warranty won’t cover the stains themselves (since those don’t affect the function of the cover), but it covers any and all structural damage to the cover.

Taking Them Off and Putting Them Back On

We won’t sugarcoat it: taking off and replacing your TigerTough seat covers can be a bit of a workout. They’re designed for a snug, perfect fit, so they hug your seats tight. But hey, no pain, no gain, right? Think of it as a small price to pay for keeping your ride looking sharp and protected.

Ready to Ride

There you have it: keeping your TigerTough seat covers clean is a breeze with some elbow grease and the right approach. Got a weird stain or need some tips? Hit us up. We’re always here to help you keep your covers and truck in top-notch condition.

Snow, slush, below-freezing temps…there’s a lot your truck's interior will see this winter. 

Seat covers will absolutely protect your seat from the elements. We feel two characteristics make a cover specifically good for winter: waterproof and safe with heated seats. We suggest avoiding foam-back covers since those don’t always play nicely with heated seats.

So here are some of our favorite seat covers that meet this criteria.

Pricing is based on 2023 Ford F-150 seats.

Most Color Options: ShearComfort Waterproof CORDURA® Seat Covers

If you’re looking for something that will blend with your interior best, ShearComfort may have it. They have ten options for colors on their custom seat covers.

We’ve reviewed their 1000-Denier seat covers before, but we added these to the list since they’re more affordable. However, these are only made of 500-Denier CORDURA®, so they won’t be as tough as the other options listed here. We love CORDURA®, and these are waterproof and will work with your heated seats.

Price: $405

Fastest Production: Northwest CORDURA® Pro-Gard

Northwest offers 1000-Denier CORDURA® (just like us) which is obviously something we can get down with. Their Pro-Gard covers are waterproof and can take a beating. These seat covers will absolutely protect your seats from snow and sleet, and the material plays nicely with heated seats.

We’re super impressed with Northwest’s 2-4 day turnaround and fast shipping. It’s a little intimidating for us to write about since our non-stock items ship in a little under three weeks, but we’re committed to being honest with you. So there you have it. 

Price: $407

Best Warranty: TigerTough CORDURA® Seat Covers

We may take a little longer to ship out custom products (our in-stock items ship out immediately). But we’re a brand built for blue-collar men and women, so we have a warranty to back that up. We offer an unconditional two-year warranty on our seat covers. No matter how you mess it up, we’ll repair or replace it for you.

Our seat covers are waterproof, will fit your seats like a freaking glove, and are basically indestructible. They work with heated seats and will prevent winter crap from harming your seats. Heck, they’ll even keep your seats safe from a dog covered in slush. 

Price: $297

Best Budget-Friendly Option: Canvasback

Canvasback isn’t a custom fit but a universal one. So it’s not one that’s going to fit your seat like a glove, but it will protect it from winter abuse. They also have quite a few color options to choose from.

Your heated seats should work fine with these, but we couldn’t find any definitive info. 

Either way, these are the lowest price point and a great option if you want to winterize your interior on a budget.

Price: $150 

What to Look For in Seat Covers

When you’re shopping for seat covers to winter-proof your truck’s interior, look for covers that are waterproof, work with heated seats, and have a great warranty that will protect your investment. We also love a cover that’s made in America, but that choice is up to you. 

When we researched top seat covers for work trucks, we didn’t just pick the ones at the top of Google. We asked blue collar men and women what kinds of covers they’ve tried in their trucks, and this is the list they came up with:

Covercraft Endura PrecisionFit
Covercraft Carhartt SeatSavers
Wet Okole
Marathon
Canvasback
ShearComfort CORDURA®
VERTEX OFF-ROAD
TigerTough

Since we’re comparing covers for work trucks, we used a 2023 Ford F150 regular cab for pricing and research. Let’s get right into highlighting these seat-savers.

Covercraft Endura PrecisionFit

It’s nearly impossible to Google truck seat covers without Covercraft popping up. We give them credit. They’ve been in the business for over 50 years and have a great product with a stellar reputation. 

They make seat covers and covers for cars, boats, RVs, airplanes, and patio furniture. First, let's take a look at the Endura PrecisionFit. 

The fabric for the Endura PrecisionFit is vague. According to the description, it’s a canvas-nylon-polyester blend. But what does that mean? We contacted customer service to learn more, and they didn’t elaborate beyond the product description. It’s tough to know how durable their covers are without knowing more about the fabric. 

Price: $514

Pros

✅ Waterproof

✅ Airbag-safe

✅ Works with heated and cooled seats

✅ Fits factory seats perfectly 

Cons

❌ Fabric is uncertain

❌ Only a limited warranty available

Verdict

This is a great seat cover, and we don’t think you’ll be disappointed. But it’s at the top of the price range for a set of bucket seat covers for a 2023 Ford F150 Regular Cab. If you can get them on sale, they might be a worthwhile investment, but we can’t say for how long without knowing more about their material.

Covercraft Carhartt SeatSavers

Everyone loves Carhartt. We get it. Their reputation is undeniable. They've got that classic look of your grandpa's favorite jacket; overall, we feel nostalgic about them. The brand has been around since 1889 even though Covercraft Carhartt SeatSavers are newer to the market, so let's look at how these cover stand up to some others.

Price: $422

Pros

✅ Great reputation

✅ You know exactly what you're going to get

✅ Air-bag safe

Cons

❌ Limited colors

❌ Not waterproof

❌ They don't stay in place

❌ Not as durable as other seat covers

Verdict

While we have a lot of respect for Carhartt, when it comes to choosing seat covers, we’d actually lean towards Covercraft’s Endura PrecisionFit over the Carhartt SeatSavers. It's not just about the price; the PrecisionFit covers just seem to fit better and provide more value. If you’re into a variety of colors, you might find the two-color options of these covers a bit limiting. And the two-piece design? It tends to slide around on the seat because of how it's fastened. Since these are an expensive choice, we really hoped for a bit more from them.

Read Covercraft Carhartt vs. TigerTough Seat Covers

Wet Okole

Okay, we know what you’re thinking…this is about work truck seat covers, and most of us aren’t driving around Baywatch trucks. Yep, this is a wet suit in seat cover form. We didn’t think it would be a fair comparison either, but after hearing from multiple people in the construction industry who love their Wet Okole seat covers, we decided to give these a fair shake.

Since they’re made from wetsuit neoprene and bonded with nylon, they’re waterproof and totally safe on vehicle seats. 

Ashley DeCurtis, VP of Sales for BuildWitt, bought a used Nissan Xterra and considered the leather seats' condition, “I didn’t want to make it worse,” she says. What attracted her to Wet Okole was that the covers were pliable and waterproof, “they’re great for anything in wet environments.” 

What ultimately sold her was the complete customization from colors to piping to embroidered headrests. Wet Okole has dozens of add-ons, like seatback pockets, front lower pockets, lumbar support, carbon fiber seat heaters, and sunglass pouches.

DeCurtis is no stranger to the blue collar world, being a former police officer and now speaking to contractors daily in her role at BuildWitt, so she knows what kind of abuse work trucks see. Although she’s had the seat covers in her Xterra for four years; she questions whether they’d withstand the use they’d see in a work truck.

However, Brent Fox, a contractor in the Nashville area, can speak to the durability. "I had Wet Okole in the truck I just retired. Rode on them for 12 years and, at some point, sent them back for a refurb. They were a great product and easy company to work with."

Price: $374

Pros

✅ Easily washable

✅ Self-extinguishing 

✅ Air-bag safe

Cons

❌ Only a 90-day warranty

❌ No returns accepted

Verdict

These seat covers really do a solid job of protecting the seats in your work truck, almost like a wetsuit, and you can even clean them with wetsuit shampoo. They’re self-extinguishing, which is a big plus if you ever find yourself dealing with flames inside your truck. Plus, they're designed to be airbag safe as they don’t cover the side of the seat where the airbag is located. Airbag safety is a must for us.

At first, we were a bit skeptical, but these covers have received great reviews. We really appreciate the custom fit and how easy they are to clean. However, at $374 a pair, they’re not exactly budget-friendly, and the very limited warranty makes us a bit hesitant to give them our full endorsement.

Read Wet Okole vs. TigerTough Seat Covers

Marathon

We'll just come out and say it: Marathon makes a darn good seat cover. They're another U.S. company helping protect American seats. 

We don't personally know anyone who uses them and the most recent review we saw was from 2022. But this is what John has to say:

Absolutely love the seat covers. They are super tight and can be difficult to get on, but once they are on they are on. I've been rough on my seat covers and they are holding up great. I'll add these to my other trucks for sure.

Their covers are made from 1000-denier CORDURA®. The cool thing is, you can add all sorts of extras like map pockets, gear pockets, gun loops, bow holders, etc. The downside of that is that they don't include headrest covers as standard, you'll need to pay for those.

Price: $315 (with headrest covers)

Pros

✅ Lots of colors

✅ Made from CORDURA®

✅ Waterproof

✅ Airbag safe

✅ Many customizable options

Cons

❌ Headrest covers aren't included

❌ 5-6 week turnaround time

❌ No returns

Verdict

As we say, if we didn't work for TigerTough, we'd probably buy these. Just know that you can't return them, so if you hate them when you get them, they're still yours. We like that they're on the affordable end of the seat cover price spectrum, and they're made from CORDURA®. If there's a vehicle we don't have a cover for, we'd suggest going for Marathon.

Canvasback

We won’t lie; we hadn’t heard of this brand until Ambre Schaffer, Marketing Director at Aggtrans, pointed them out. These seat covers are a one-size-fits-most style, so consider that when ordering. You won’t be getting a custom fit for your seats.

Canvasback seems to be best known for their cargo liners. Liners are custom fit for your vehicle’s cargo space and attach with hook and loop.

Ambre confirms the durability and easy installation, “[the cargo liner] is custom fit to your specific vehicle and velcros right in place. They've been installed for three years without budging or showing any signs of wear. If I needed to remove them, they'd pull right up.

"In addition to carrying around all of my photography/videography gear and field gear for construction, I'm a search and rescue handler with a k9. We're usually covered in mud and debris.” 

With a review like that, we had to include this option.

Price: $150

Pros

Durable cargo liners customized to fit most vehicles. Despite not having custom-fit seat covers, the covers are at the bottom of our price range at $140 for a pair of bucket seat covers. On top of all this, Canvasback is woman-owned, and we think that’s pretty cool.

✅ Inexpensive

✅ Fits most vehicles

✅ Woman-owned company

Cons

❌ Not custom fit

❌ Limited six-month warranty

Verdict

We probably wouldn’t put these in a work truck to protect the seats, but we like the cargo liner options. If you’ve got a dog or use your cargo space a good deal, we’d suggest looking into Canvasback. Plus, we can’t help but love that they’re made in Minnesota.

ShearComfort CORDURA® 

Like TigerTough, these covers are made from CORDURA®. It’s a slightly different kind though. ShearComfort uses a heavy duty 500 Denier CORDURA® fabric, which isn’t as durable as the 1000 Denier CORDURA® we use. But this is still going to be a durable seat cover.

Price: $405

Pros

These airbag-safe seat covers are waterproof, durable, and guaranteed to fit perfectly. There’s a lot to love about them, and they’d perform well in a work truck.

✅ Waterproof

✅ Guaranteed perfect fit

✅ Airbag safe

Cons

❌ They don't use CORDURA® on their entire seat cover

❌ Price is a little high

❌ Limited Warranty

Verdict

They’re tough and built for hard work, but we don't love that ShearComfort doesn't use CORDURA® on the entire seat cover. They only use it on the portions you'd touch when sitting in the seat. The rest is made of a thin, stretchy material which will give out over time. They have great reviews from their customers. ShearComfort is a good option for your work truck, but not the best.

Read ShearComfort CORDURA® 1000 Denier Xtra-Duty vs. TigerTough Seat Covers

VERTEX OFF-ROAD

VERTEX OFF-ROAD is a newer company, started in 2021, and they specialize in truck seat covers. They consider themselves "American craftsman and enthusiasts committed to building top-quality products that help you upgrade and protect your truck for everywhere the road ahead takes you.

Well, what's not to love about that? Let's look at their 1000-Denier CORDURA® Canvas seat covers.

Price: $400

Pros

✅ Use CORDURA® nylon on their colvers

✅ Automatically include a center console cover

✅ Lifetime warranty, albeit limited

✅ Airbag safe

Cons

❌ Foam-backed seat covers (foam breaks down over time)

❌ Limited vehicle line

Verdict

We love that they're using CORDURA® nylon canvas for this particular cover. They also automatically include a center console cover and pockets for the seatbacks. They also have a lifetime warranty and seem pretty flexible, but it does exclude everyday wear and tear. 

This is the first time we've run across another brand that uses a string to cinch around the seat for a secure fit. It's just too bad they don't use StringLock.

This seems like a great cover. These are going to be a durable option for your truck. And given that they come with a center console cover and seatback pockets, the price is fair for what you get.

TigerTough

TigerTough seat covers are designed for hardworking men and women. They’re extremely tough (hence the name), so tough, in fact, we’ve extended our seat cover line to heavy equipment because we’re that confident they can withstand what you throw at them.

We put our seat covers through torture tests. Do we do these tests for fun? Yes. Do we love proving how resilient these covers are with each test? Also yes. 

Need more proof that we believe in our products? We have an unconditional warranty for at least two years on our products. They’ll get gross, they’ll get stained, but they won’t fail you, and neither will we.

Price: $297

Pros

✅ Unconditional warranty

✅ Custom fit

✅ Two-week turnaround

✅ Waterproof

✅ Airbag safe

Cons

❌ Limited colors

Verdict 

These are some of the lowest-priced seat covers in this lineup, with an average 4.9 star rating from users. Everyone from parents to first responders uses TigerTough seat covers, and they’ve always risen to the occasion. 

Of course we love our own seat covers (or we wouldn’t work here). But that doesn’t mean they’re best for you and your work truck. Look at all the options and choose the covers that fit you best. 

Summary

Not all seat covers are created equally. Some will be better for you than others. We think you should have ones that:

• Are waterproof
• Easy to clean
• Have a great warranty and return policy
• Made in America

You don’t want to be stuck with seat covers that aren’t getting the job done. You want something that will last for years and ultimately save you money in the long run.

Look at the features of all these work truck seat covers and decide which one is best for you based on your needs and budget.

Update on 07/06/2023: We Initially had WeatherTech Seat Protectors as part of this list but removed them when we found out they weren't considered airbag-compatible in all vehicles. Take a look at WeatherTech Seat Protector Review for more information.

Considering seat covers for your vehicle's leather seats? It's a decision many drivers think about. Leather is a premium material that demands thoughtful care. The pressing question is whether seat covers help or harm leather seats.

For the most part, no, seat covers won’t ruin your leather seats. 

They're generally seen as a protective layer, guarding against daily wear and tear, spills, and sun damage. However, not every seat cover is suitable for leather. Some may negatively impact the material over time.

Choosing the right type of seat cover is crucial to ensure that you’re enhancing, not hindering, the longevity and appearance of your leather seats. In this article, we'll get into the details, helping you make an informed choice about seat covers for your leather seats.

Understanding Leather Seats and Seat Covers

While those leather seats are pretty sturdy on their own, they can benefit from the extra protection that seat covers bring. It's all about keeping them in prime condition for as long as possible, and that’s a job seat covers do pretty darn well.

Leather Seats – Tough But Tender

Leather’s tough, but let's be real – leather seats aren’t tough as nails. Constant sun exposure, the daily in-and-out, and the odd coffee spill can leave them rough around the edges. Leather's like a sponge for spills and smells, so it needs some TLC to stay sharp.

Seat Covers – Your Leather's Best Bud

Seat covers come in like a reliable sidekick for your leather seats. Think of them as a shield, keeping the bad stuff – UV rays, spills, dirt, grease, dog slobber – off your seats. 

The right seat cover keeps your leather safe from everyday messes and wear while letting it breathe and live its best life. By blocking out the stuff that can age your leather and decrease your resale value, seat covers help keep your seats fresh, clean, and ready for the long haul.

Potential Issues with Foam-Backed Seat Covers

Got leather seats fresh off a conditioning session? Hold off on those foam-backed seat covers like Wet Okole's. Foam and conditioner can clash, potentially harming the seat cover…and your leather. They're at odds; that mix-up can spoil your leather's look and feel. Our advice? If your leather's just been treated, skip the foam-backed options or hold off on installing them for a few days.

Best Practices for Using Seat Covers on Leather

Before you cover those leather seats, make sure they're clean. Dirt or moisture trapped under the cover? That's a recipe for damage. Give your leather a good clean and ensure it's bone dry. 

Choose seat covers that are known to play well with leather. Compatibility isn’t just about size and fit; it’s about ensuring the cover doesn’t chemically react with your leather or cause it to wear prematurely. We suggest using a tough, breathable fabric. 

Seat Covers on Heated Leather Seats

While we’re talking about leather seats and covers, let’s shift gears and talk about heated seats. Does the heat get along with the cover, or is it a no-go?

Typically, it’s safe to use seat covers with heated seats.

Curious about how to use seat covers safely with heated leather seats? Check out our detailed blog post on using seat covers on heated leather seats for all the ins and outs you need to know.

Wrapping it Up

When it comes to decking out your leather seats with covers, the green light is generally on. But it's not just about picking any cover off the shelf. It's about choosing covers that respect the leather’s quality and respond well to its nature. 

They are made from the same base fabric, but ShieldTech is infused with odor and microbe-killing superpowers.

What They're Made Of

Let’s start with what’s the same. They’re both built from 1000-Denier CORDURA because:

👍🏻 Grown, woven, and dyed in the USA (super important)
👍🏻 It’s nearly impossible to tear.
👍🏻 It’s crazy abrasion-resistant. You’ll find versions of Cordura in products from motorcycle clothing to backpacks.

Ironweave Properties

The Ironweave fabric receives a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment. This treatment allows the fabric to stay breathable, but liquids bead up and run off. 1 point for the covers, 0 points for the spilled coffee.

ShieldTech Properties

ShieldTech doesn’t get the DWR treatment. Its treatment is leveled up and it’s infused with silver and copper ions and waterproof properties.

✅ Waterproof
✅ Anti-Microbial
✅ Anti-Odor

Back to the example from the beginning – if you’re part of a team that shares vehicles, ShieldTech is a great choice. If your vehicle is your own, Ironweave will give you the protection you need without the anti-microbial properties.

Is ShieldTech right for me?

We won't tell you how to leave your life, but ShieldTech is specifically engineered for:

👮‍♂️ Police, Fire, and EMS
👷‍♀️ Blue-collar workers in hot climates
🚚 Delivery drivers
🤹‍♂️Fleets with crew vehicles or hot-seat vehicles

For example: if you are a one-man-band landscaper, Ironweave is a perfect option. It’s going to give you all the protection you need at a slightly lower price.

However, if you are part of a landscaping crew that all piles into the same vehicle at the end of the day when you’re hot, sweaty, and dirty, ShieldTech is going to be the prime choice. It’s going to go to work killing the odors and microbes that come along with the shared vehicle environment. 

ShieldTech is made from the same crazy tough fabric as our Ironweave line of covers, but it’s infused with silver and copper which give it microbe and odor-killing powers.

What Exactly Are ShieldTech Seat Covers?

They’re a germ-killing version of the crazy strong seat covers we already make for work trucks and law enforcement vehicles.

ShieldTech seat covers are made from the same base fabric as all of our seat covers (except Sportweave)  We use 1000-denier CORDURA for the following reasons:

👍 It’s all-American made
👍 It’s highly abrasion resistant
👍 It’s nearly impossible to tear
👍 It’s supple and not scratchy or irritating

While the CORDURA for our Ironweave seat covers gets a custom DWR waterproof treatment, ShieldTech is treated with a different solution. It’s infused with a waterproofing treatment and copper and silver ions in a zeolite carrier are bonded to the fabric, which gives the seat covers anti-odor and antimicrobial properties. 

It is very durable, too – the fabric was washed 20 times before testing (tbh we’ve never heard of anyone washing their covers that many times.)

Who is ShieldTech right for?

ShieldTech is going to be a win for these people looking for heavy-duty seat covers:     

👉 Laborers in hot climates
👉 Police, fire and EMS
👉 Last-mile delivery companies
👉 Dog owners who have their pups in the truck more often than not
👉 Any organization that uses crews/shared vehicles, or hot seating (when the vehicle is passed off from driver to driver)

The Scientific Stuff (how it actually works):

The coating utilizes silver and copper ions (which have been used since 4000 BC to kill bacteria) in a zeolite carrier to starve, sterilize, and suffocate microbes.

A zeolite carrier is a microporous, three-dimensional crystalline solid of aluminum silicate that’s been charged with ions of the active ingredient (silver and copper, in this case) Zeolites are naturally occurring and born of volcanic ash.

The antimicrobial effects are only released when needed in order to have the longest-lasting effects.

Here’s the lab testing results: