What kind of fabric is used in cars?

Automakers use a mix of textiles: woven and knit polyester cloth for seats and headliners, synthetic leather (polyurethane/PU) and genuine leather for premium surfaces, microfiber suede (such as Alcantara) for sporty trims, vinyl (PVC) for durable panels, and carpets made from nylon, polypropylene, or recycled PET; safety-critical textiles include polyester seatbelts and nylon 6,6 airbags, while convertible tops use acrylic canvas or vinyl. These choices balance durability, comfort, safety, cost, and increasingly, sustainability.

Inside the cabin: the everyday fabrics you touch

From seating to ceilings, most interior fabrics are engineered synthetics designed to resist abrasion, spills, UV light, and heat while meeting strict flammability rules. Here are the materials you’re most likely to find.

• Cloth seat fabrics: Typically solution-dyed polyester (sometimes blended with nylon) in woven or knit constructions; newer designs include 3D “spacer” knits that improve breathability and cushioning.
• Synthetic leather (“vegan” leather): Polyurethane (PU) faces on textile backings deliver leather-like look and feel with easier cleaning and lower cost; many brands now use high-quality PU in most trims.
• Genuine leather: Used in premium trims and steering wheels; modern automotive leathers are pigment-coated for uniform color and durability, often with chrome-free tanning in newer sustainability programs.
• Microfiber suede: Branded materials such as Alcantara and Dinamica (both microfiber nonwovens) give a soft, grippy, matte finish popular on seats, headliners, and dashboards.
• Headliners: Knit tricot or nonwoven polyester laminated to thin polyurethane foam, chosen for smooth appearance, sound absorption, and light weight.
• Carpets and floor mats: Nylon (polyamide), polypropylene (olefin), or PET; many luxury and EV models increasingly use carpets and mats made with recycled content such as ECONYL (regenerated nylon) or recycled PET.
• Door panels and consoles: PVC or TPO skins over foam with a fabric scrim for structure; soft-touch areas may use PU synthetic leather or microfiber.
• Steering wheel wraps and shifter boots: Genuine leather, PU synthetic leather, or microfiber suede depending on trim level and brand positioning.

Together, these fabrics must stand up to years of wear, sun exposure, temperature swings, and frequent cleaning, all while aligning with a model’s design language and price point.

Safety-critical automotive textiles

Some of the most important fabrics in a vehicle are the ones you rarely see. These technical textiles are engineered to tight specifications for life-safety performance.

• Seatbelts: High-tenacity polyester webbing with low stretch and high UV resistance; woven to strict standards to maintain strength and controlled elongation during a crash.
• Airbags: Woven nylon 6,6 (sometimes nylon 6) fabric, usually silicone- or neoprene-coated in critical areas; engineered for rapid inflation, heat resistance, and controlled venting.
• Tire cords: Layers of polyester, nylon, rayon, or aramid cords reinforce tire carcasses and belts, contributing to strength, stability, and durability.
• Child-seat straps and tethers: Similar high-strength polyester webbings with precise elongation characteristics and abrasion resistance.

These materials are validated through rigorous testing for tensile strength, heat and chemical exposure, aging, and performance during dynamic crash events.

Exterior and structural textiles

Beyond the cabin, specialized fabrics support weather protection, aerodynamics, and noise control—often out of sight but critical to function and comfort.

• Convertible soft tops: Multi-layer acrylic/polyester canvas (e.g., Haartz Twillfast or Sonnenland) for premium tops, or vinyl (PVC) for value-oriented models; seams typically use UV- and chemical-resistant threads such as PTFE.
• Underbody and wheel-arch liners: Nonwoven PET or PP felts that absorb road noise and resist moisture and debris.
• Thermal and acoustic insulators: Needle-punched recycled PET mats and laminated multilayer barriers to manage heat and cabin sound.
• Car covers and sunshades (accessories): Spunbond polypropylene or woven polyester with breathable or coated layers for water resistance and UV protection.

These textile systems are selected to withstand weathering, road grime, and mechanical stress while reducing weight and improving efficiency and comfort.

How automakers choose fabrics

Material selection blends engineering, design, regulation, and cost. The criteria below guide which fabrics make it into production.

1. Durability: Abrasion resistance (e.g., Martindale/Taber), seam strength, pilling, and snagging performance.
2. Safety and compliance: Flammability standards (FMVSS 302/ISO 3795) and, for airbags/webbing, stringent mechanical and deployment specifications.
3. Comfort and appearance: Breathability, hand feel, thermal comfort, reflection/gloss control, and colorfastness to light and rubbing.
4. Cleanability and chemical resistance: Stain repellence, resistance to sweat, sunscreen, cosmetics, and household cleaners; low fogging/odor (e.g., VDA tests).
5. Environmental performance: Recycled content, lower VOCs, PFAS-free finishes, chrome-free leather tanning, and end-of-life recycling pathways.
6. Cost, weight, and supply: Competitive pricing, lightweighting benefits for efficiency, and quality consistency under automotive production standards (e.g., IATF 16949).

The winning fabric is the one that meets all required tests at the target cost while delivering the brand’s intended look and feel.

Trends shaping car fabrics in 2024–2025

Automakers are accelerating shifts in materials to meet sustainability targets and consumer expectations without sacrificing durability.

• More recycled content: Increased use of recycled PET yarns in seat fabrics and door panels; regenerated nylon (e.g., ECONYL) in carpets and mats.
• Less animal leather: Wider adoption of high-grade PU “vegan” leathers and microfiber suedes, with premium programs reserving leather or offering it as an option.
• PFAS-free water and stain repellents: Movement toward alternative chemistries and coated yarns to reduce persistent chemicals.
• 3D knits and spacer fabrics: Seat covers that improve airflow and comfort while reducing cutting waste.
• Textile heating and smart surfaces: Thin, textile-integrated heaters and conductive layers for efficient cabin comfort, especially in EVs.
• Improved longevity finishes: UV-stable pigments and coatings to reduce fading and sticky-surface degradation in hot climates.

The common thread is performance with a lower environmental footprint and better long-term appearance and comfort.

Care and maintenance tips for common car fabrics

Proper care extends the life and look of your vehicle’s textiles. These practical steps help maintain performance and appearance.

• Cloth seats: Vacuum regularly; treat stains promptly with mild upholstery cleaner; avoid over-wetting and use an extractor for deep cleaning.
• Synthetic leather (PU): Wipe with a damp microfiber and mild soap; avoid harsh solvents or silicone-heavy dressings that can accelerate cracking.
• Genuine leather: Use pH-balanced cleaner and light conditioner; keep out of direct sun where possible; avoid ammonia-based products.
• Microfiber suede: Brush gently to lift the nap; spot-clean with specialty microfiber cleaners; do not saturate.
• Carpets and mats: Vacuum frequently; use dedicated carpet shampoo; consider removable all-weather mats to protect from salt and mud.
• Seatbelts: Clean with mild soap and water only; allow to dry fully before use; avoid abrasives and lubricants that can weaken webbing.

Regular, gentle maintenance preserves both safety and aesthetics, preventing premature wear and discoloration.

Summary

Cars use engineered textiles tailored to function: polyester cloth, PU synthetics, leather, and microfiber for interiors; nylon airbags and polyester seatbelts for safety; and specialized felts and canvases for noise control and convertible tops. Automakers select materials for durability, compliance, comfort, cost, and sustainability, with current trends favoring recycled content, PFAS-free finishes, and advanced knit constructions. With the right care, these fabrics deliver years of safe, comfortable service.

What is the most durable car upholstery?

1. Vinyl Upholstery. Vinyl is a favorite for its durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance. Brands like Naugahyde, Ship to Shore, and Softside make marine- and automotive-grade vinyls that resist UV rays, moisture, and frequent wear.

What material is a car interior?

Car interiors use a combination of materials, including plastics, fabric, leather, and vinyl for seating and upholstery. Other materials like wood, Alcantara (a type of synthetic suede), and various metals are used for trim, dashboards, and accent pieces, with the specific materials chosen based on the vehicle’s budget, intended use, and desired luxury or performance.
 
Common Interior Materials

• Plastics: Opens in new tabA staple in most car interiors, injection-molded plastics form the basis of dashboards, door panels, and trim. 
• Fabrics: Opens in new tabDurable and affordable, fabrics like polyester are frequently used for seat upholstery, headliners, and floor mats. 
• Leather: Opens in new tabA high-end and luxurious material, real leather is often found in high-end vehicles for seat covers and steering wheel linings. 
• Vinyl/Faux Leather: Opens in new tabA cost-effective alternative to real leather, vinyl is durable, easy to clean, and used for seating, especially in budget-friendly options. 

Specialty Materials

• Alcantara: Opens in new tabA soft, suede-like synthetic material often used in performance vehicles for a premium feel on seats and steering wheels. 
• Wood: Opens in new tabUsed for decorative trim on door panels and dashboards, wood provides a classic and elegant aesthetic. 
• Metals: Opens in new tabMaterials like carbon fiber and other metal accents are sometimes used to give a sporty, high-performance, or futuristic look to interiors. 

Factors Influencing Material Choice

• Budget: Luxury materials like leather are more expensive, while fabrics and vinyl offer more affordable alternatives. 
• Durability and Maintenance: Materials are chosen based on how much wear and tear the car will experience; vinyl is easy to clean, while some fabrics require professional cleaning. 
• Vehicle Type: The intended use of the car dictates material choice; performance cars may favor Alcantara, while luxury cars often feature leather and real wood trim. 

What kind of fabric is in cars?

Synthetic Fabrics (Microfiber, Polyester, etc.)
While these materials are commonly used for upholstery, they’re also found in other car features, such as convertible tops. Pros: Soft, stain-resistant, budget-friendly, easy to clean.

What is the fabric on the inside of a car called?

Headliners: The headliner is the fabric-covered panel that lines the interior roof of a vehicle. It helps to insulate the cabin from external noise and temperature changes while also providing a clean and finished look to the interior.