Seat Cover Materials for Golf Carts

From custom golf carts to standard models, chances are you’ll be needing seat covers to keep cool, comfortable and looking good while hitting the links or out on the trails. With the number of golf cart owners on the rise, the market for golf seat covers has seen steady growth, leading to a wide range of options for consumers.

This guide will take a look at some of the most popular types of golf seat covers and golf seat cover materials, helping you make sense of what’s available and enabling you to make the right choice for your own cart.

Grab a beer, coffee or your beverage of choice, and let’s dive right on in…

What are Golf Seat Covers?

Seat covers provide a way for golf cart owners to protect their cushions and original seat coverings from the manufacturer. They also offer an economical, easy and efficient way to spruce up old, worn, and dull seating or backrests.

Golf seat covers are typically made from weather-resistant, durable and comfortable materials that mimic the manufacturers’ original look, feel and style (although custom options are available as well).

Golf seat covers come in two types: 

• bottom (seat) covers, and;
• back (back cushion) covers.

Golf Seat Cover Materials

The right cover and material can add both style and function to your cart. Just like most accessories, these covers come in a wide range of styles, materials and colors. Each type of material is best suited for specific use cases and preferences.

Below we’ll “cover” (pun intended) the most common types of materials available and rate them based on several relevant criteria such as:

• Comfort
• Water/weather resistance
• Durability
• Overall value
• Overall quality
• Machine washable 
• Applications / Best uses

Fleece Seat Covers

Fleece is known for its warm, cozy feel. Often employing an integrated elastic hem around the edges, these covers can be easily stretched to fit over your cushions.

• Comfort = high 
• Water/weather resistance = moderate
• Durability = moderate
• Overall value = high
• Overall quality = moderate
• Machine washable = yes
• Applications / Best uses = when comfort is a priority. Also ideal for cold climates as fleece holds in warmth and acts as a great layer of insulation.

Neoprene Seat Covers

This material is similar to that which “wet suits” are made from. As you might have guessed, this makes them incredibly weather resistant. You may want to look for options where padding has been added as these can be a tad uncomfortable without any cushioning.

• Comfort = low to moderate 
• Water/weather resistance = high
• Durability = high
• Overall value = moderate
• Overall quality = moderate-to-high
• Machine washable = yes
• Applications / Best uses = when water and weather resistance is a key consideration or concern.

Vinyl Seat Covers

Many golf carts come standard with vinyl seats. Although they are available in a wide range of colors and styles, making them an attractive proposition, they can also be sticky to sit on in hot weather and cold to the touch on winter days.

• Comfort = low to moderate 
• Water/weather resistance = high
• Durability = high
• Overall value = high
• Overall quality = moderate
• Machine washable = no (need to be wiped down by hand)
• Applications / Best uses = multipurpose and versatile 

Sheepskin Seat Covers

Sheepskin is known for its comfortability, softness and durability, keeping cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

• Comfort = high 
• Water/weather resistance = low
• Durability = high
• Overall value = moderate
• Overall quality = high
• Machine washable = no (dryclean)
• Applications / Best uses = high end/luxury

Canvas Seat Covers

Canvas is a plain-woven fabric material mostly comprised of cotton. It is known as a heavy-duty type of material that is sturdy and durable. Cotton and synthetic blends of canvas are also highly water-resistant.

• Comfort = moderate 
• Water/weather resistance = high 
• Durability = high
• Overall value = moderate
• Overall quality = high
• Machine washable = no (dryclean)
• Applications / Best uses = good for work carts and those subject to daily wear and abuse 

Velour Seat Covers

When comfort is a priority, velour material often fits the bill. Velour material is typically woven or knitted, allowing it to stretch, and thus making it easy to fit over seat cushions. 

• Comfort = high 
• Water/weather resistance = low 
• Durability = moderate
• Overall value = high
• Overall quality = moderate
• Machine washable = yes
• Applications / Best uses = multi-purpose  

Find the Perfect Seat Covers Today

Although some seat covers are more universal, being able to stretch to fit a range of cushion sizes, others must be correctly fitted to match your unique make and model. The good news is that there is a wide range of styles to choose from, helping you blend form, function, style and usability. You'll find the perfect golf cart seat cover at GCG.