What You'll Learn
Sheepskin Car Seat Covers: What's the Difference Between Semi-Custom and Tailor-Made
Semi-Custom versus Tailor-made? People often ask us, "What’s the difference between these two styles of seat covers?" When it comes to Sheepskin car seat covers, each style offers unique features in terms of comfort, fit, and material quality. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best option for your car's interior and comfort needs.
Sheepskin Semi-Custom Seat Covers
The Semi-Custom Sheepskin Seat Covers are ready-made seat covers that are in stock and ship in 1-2 days. Semi-Custom seat covers are matched to your vehicle from a selection of pre-made seat cover sizes. This is like buying a shirt in your size.
It is already made and in stock; you just have to get your correct size. Our pattern guides tell us what size fits each seat in a vehicle's Year, Make, and Model.
The Semi-Custom seat covers are designed with an open back to leave map pockets accessible. They also have a tapered side panel, which leaves most seat controls accessible. If your seats have side-impact airbags, then the seat cover will also be made with a Velcro opener to allow the side panel to fully open if airbags are deployed.
Semi-Custom Sheepskin car seat covers have elasticized straps with mounting hooks that attach to the underside of the seat. This is to ensure that the ready-made custom seat will fit snugly to your seat and not move as you get in and out.
Tailor-Made Sheepskin Seat Covers
Tailor-Made Sheepskin Seat Covers are made to order and can take up to 3-4 weeks to ship.
Tailor-Made seat covers are made from patterns for your exact Year, Make, Model, and seat configuration. The patterns are meticulously made for each section of the seat. This would be like going to a tailor to have a suit made, where they measure you and make it specific to your shape and size. Once the pattern is done, a test-fit seat cover is made, tried on, and tweaked if needed.
When you order Tailor-Made seat covers, the pattern is pulled, and each section is hand-cut from only the finest sheepskin pelts. The sections are then sewn together to create a beautiful Tailor-Made Sheepskin seat cover, making it truly custom.
These seat covers will offer more coverage on the sides, back, and bottom skirt of the seat. The map pocket area on the back of the seat will be open and accessible. The seat covers will be firmly attached to the seat with hidden straps and mounting hooks. The Tailor-Made sheepskin car seat covers offer the best fit, best look, and are designed for those who want the finest!
Sheepskin Car Seat Covers FAQ
Are they both 100% sheepskin?
Yes, both styles are 100% Australian Merino Sheepskin. There is a cotton lining on the inside of the seat cover to keep the leather side of the sheepskin from rubbing against your seats.
Will one style last longer than the other?
No, they will both last for many years. With proper care and maintenance, the sheepskin seat covers can last up to 10 or more years.
Can sheepskin car seat covers be used with heated and cooled seats?
Yes, sheepskin is warm in winter, cool in summer. The sheepskin seat covers will be immediately comfortable when you get in your vehicle, even on the coldest winter days. When heating the seat, the seat covers will warm up with your seats. On hot summer days, the seat covers will be cool to sit on. This is due to the wool fleece being a natural fiber. The sheepskin is sheared to approximately 1 inch. Sitting on the sheepskin creates an air space between you and your seat, insulating you from the hot surface of leather and vinyl seats. If the cooling function is used, it will cool down the seat covers, making you more comfortable.
Can they both be cleaned and washed?
Yes. For general maintenance, we recommend brushing the dense fibers in the seating area where it can pack down. A soft-bristle pet brush is great for keeping your sheepskin car seat covers plush. It will lift and separate the wool fibers and allow them to return to their original appearance. You can then vacuum your seat covers to remove any dust and dirt that may have gotten trapped. The sheepskin seat cover can also be spot cleaned in place with a damp cloth. A little wool washing soap can be used on stubborn stains. If a full cleaning is needed, we recommend professional cleaning or hand washing with wool washing soap. Always hang them to dry. Do not put sheepskin in the dryer!
Will they have holes for the headrests?
If your seats have non-removable headrests, they will come with a slot and Velcro closure, allowing you to fit over the headrest and close it underneath. If you have removable headrests, though, you get a better fit and cleaner look if you cut the holes once the seat covers are installed on the seat.
How do you cut holes for headrests?
First, make sure the seat covers are fully installed and tucked into the space between the backrest and bottom cushion. It should be tucked in at least 1-2 inches. This will keep the seat cover from pulling tight when you sit with your body weight on the seat. Try sitting in the seat and make sure it doesn’t feel tight or “hammock” against your back. If it does, try shifting the seat cover a little from the front and the top shoulder towards the middle and tuck it in. Once you are confident that the seat covers are comfortable and in the right place, you are ready to cut holes and install the headrests. The best way to cut headrest holes is to sit in the back seat. Bring the headrest with you.
- Reach underneath the seat covers from the open backrest area and feel for the plastic cap and hole where the headrest posts go into the seat.
- With a sharp blade, like a retractable knife, line up on top of the seat cover so that you are in line with the hole.
- Lift the seat cover away from the seat (so you don’t cut the seat), spread your fingers, and make a small X cut with the blade large enough for the post to go through. Make sure to cut through the seat cover and the cotton lining.
- Place one of the posts through the seat covers and into the headrest hole in the seat. This keeps the seat cover from shifting and allows you to make the next headrest hole in exactly the right place.
- Repeat the same for the next headrest post. You can usually push the button to adjust the headrest post to the desired height through the seat cover.
Pro Tip: For a better and even cleaner look, you can cut the X a little larger and then slip one side under the plastic cap, then pull across to push the other side under. This will give you a cleaner, finished look and allow easy access to adjusting the headrest post.
With a good installation and proper care and maintenance, your sheepskin car seat covers will be enjoyed for many years!
