Top 10 Best Car Seat Covers in the UK 2021

Fundamentally, the number of car seat covers to buy will be the first thing you'll think about. Decide whether you'll need one for each seat or only the most frequently-used seats, depending on your budget. You can then move on from there to consider materials and fit, which we're going to look at in more detail in this buying guide.

Each type of car seat cover material has its distinct properties and your selection should be based on factors such as permeability, appropriateness for your weather conditions and durability.

Sheepskin covers are thick and soft, providing a comfortable cushion and bringing about relief to pressure points on your backs and legs. Their comfy feel enhances blood circulation too! Pregnant women and those who experience backaches when sitting for an extended period of time will find these covers most convenient. 

The versatility of this material lies in its ability to be warm in the winter while being cool during the summer. This unique trait means that the exterior weather conditions will not be exacerbated by the material of your car seat cover. 

To prevent leather-dye transfer, use only natural or light-coloured sheepskin seat covers on light-coloured car seats. Coloured sheep-skin covers are not suitable for use with light-coloured leather interiors. It's important to note also that, sheepskin ought to be dry-cleaned only and should not go into a washing machine.

The first noticeable thing about canvas car seat covers is that they have a rough and tough feel. They're durable, sturdy and heavy-duty. Thus, they're the best material to be used by tradespeople, and good for use in trucks and other farm vehicles.

Practically, they're ideal for pet owners as well as drivers who carry several passengers daily as they are able to withstand the wear-and-tear that results from such heavy use more so than others.

Canvas is a blend of cotton and synthetic fibres which makes it waterproof, an extra advantage that contributes to the durability of the material. The rough feel of canvas means that it's a little scratchy, though, and you may find this a bit uncomfortable.

Faux leather, also known as vinyl, leather-look, or leatherette, is a synthetic substitute with almost identical properties to leather. It is the easiest to clean and maintain so if you're purchasing a car seat cover to be used in an Uber or taxi, you'll find this ideal. 

This cover is waterproof as well and any spillage of drink, water or food particles can easily be wiped off without any stain marks left – a match for those with kids, perhaps! However, leatherette gets very hot during the summer and feels quite cold during the winter.

Neoprene also has a certain level of water resistance, but isn't 100% waterproof. It is used to make the scuba suits that divers use, therefore, it is not susceptible to moisture and prevents it from penetrating into the car seats. Luckily for us in the UK, this makes it suitable for rainy areas and convertible open roofs.

Neoprene is non-flammable too, so if you're a smoker there's no need to worry about cigarette burns. Your vehicle is also less likely to go aflame! 

Similarly to sheepskin, neoprene is great for all weather conditions as it works to keep your body feeling cooler during summer and warmer on cold days. More so, it is less likely to be affected by UV rays. It withstands the heat of the sun and does not fade, which means it's ideal for prolonged use outdoors.

The polyester material used in making some seat covers is derived from synthetic (man-made) polymers, which makes it a good choice for those on a budget. This tough, rip-resistant material is not defaced by scratches and scuffs and withstands damage brought about by mucky dog paws and cat claws. 

Not only will a polyester cover not wrinkle, but its water-resistant properties will keep your seats dry and stain-free. You'll be able to machine wash it regularly, too. Overall, polyester covers are a great investment for a durable and long-lasting car seat cover.

Mesh car seat covers are ideal for hot climates due to the circulation of air that the fabric allows for. The design of the material is such that there is room for the passage of air to get underneath the covers, which will minimise sweating when the weather is hot. 

Therefore, mesh covers will appeal to sports enthusiasts and athletes alike, or generally, those who have busy, active lifestyles. They are not repellent to liquid, though, and may get stained.

Jacquard is a specially-woven fabric with intricate patterns woven into the warp, rather than printed on the surface. Various materials such as polyester, silk, cotton or wool are spun together on a loom, thus, these car seat covers are usually patterned or checkered and add a uniquely stylish touch. 

With a wrinkle-resistant feel, the bottom of the car seat cover does not crinkle up under the pressure of your weight when you sit. It is fitted with a foam backing for extra support and comfort. Also, the patterns do not fade or wear off and are quite breathable too.

Disposable car seat covers are most commonly made of plastic or non-woven fabric. They serve as a temporary protector for one-time use or a few day's use, such as during repair services at the garage.

These will also keep your seats clean and dry when carrying pets or cargo that may get your car seats dirty or wet. They can be kept in the boot and taken out whenever the need arises.

Hygienically, you may also want to have disposable covers handy to avoid the transfer of bacteria from one driver or passenger to the next, as the layer prevents viruses from settling on the surfaces of car seats. 

The covers you purchase should be tight-fitting and well-encapsulating, and should not obstruct the seatbelt holder or any other add-on attached to it so that you do not spend time fiddling with it. 

Fortunately, most covers are available in universal designs that are adaptable to a wide range of car models. Some may have a listing of the supported car models, but if not, you may wish to inquire from the seller.

For cars with side-impact airbags, be sure that the cover you purchase online makes provision for this. Normally, it will be displayed with an airbag image or labelled 'Airbag Compatible', 'Airbag Safe', or 'Deploy Safe'.

Also, if the headrest of your car seat is adjustable, look out for a cover that features a separate headrest piece which gives it some room for movement.

Universal car seat covers are designed to cater for cars with standard bucket seats, adjustable headrests, and those with or without side airbags. For vehicles with more specialised features such as armrests, in-built screens, or seat controls, you may need a custom or tailor-made car seat cover.

We've narrowed down the myriad of options of car seat covers on the market to present you the best options available to buy online. From swish leatherette to family-friendly canvas, there's something for every driver! 

It happens to us all – once you've fitted a gleaming set of seat covers, you feel a wave of inspiration to keep that 'new car' feeling going for as long as possible. Luckily, we have plenty of recommendations to help you out! 

While each type of car seat cover has its pros and cons, you always want to make sure that the cover you purchase is not obstructive in any way and does not feel bulky. Ultimately, you want one that affords you a comfortable driving experience. Choose one of the picks above and you're in good hands!

Author: David Gbe