Here is our rundown of some of the best materials for seat covers:

• Genuine leather (or its vinyl counterpart). One of the most luxurious but classic car seat materials, leather is hugely popular. Its high-end, gleaming look makes an impressive addition to your car interior. If genuine leather is too much of a stretch, leatherette is a vinyl alternative that mimics the look of leather. Although cheaper, it is still easy to clean with a wipe and resistant to cracking and fading.
• Fabric such as nylon or neoprene. A cheap option, different kinds of fabric are usually comfortable and have a classic feel. Cloth fabric is a popular option for the base of car seats since it is soft but easy to clean with a vacuum and detergent.
• Wood accents. Of course, you probably won’t find a car seat made entirely from wood. However, wood makes a great accent piece for panels, steering wheels and dashboards. You can elevate the look of car seats by adding some luxurious wood or artificial wood wraps.
• Suede. Extremely soft to the touch, suede is a thin material you might find in cars like the Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee. This material adds a touch of luxury to your car seats. However, bear in mind that you must take regular care of suede to maintain its softness and cleanliness. It collects dirt and dust more quickly than leather, so it should be cleaned more often.
• Velour. A more antiquated material for car seats, it consists of a soft combination of polyester and cotton. The main reason it has been phased out is because it tends to trap heat on warm days, making the interior of the vehicle uncomfortably hot. However, if you live and drive in primarily cold areas, velour could be an option to upholster your car seats!

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Jack Vale is a writer in partnership with recreational fabric retailer Seattle Fabrics.