After twenty laps, your back may feel warm and your legs may start to stick to the seat. Your seat cover can play a big role in this. The material affects how warm the seat feels, how much grip it gives and how easy it is to clean.
Most sim racing seats use one or more of three common materials: synthetic leather, suede or microsuede, and fabric or mesh. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Why does a seat cover matter so much?
Sim racing may look like a quiet activity, but your body still works hard. Your heart rate can rise, your muscles work and you may start to sweat. We explain this in more detail in our guide about whether sim racing makes you fit. During a long race, all that heat needs somewhere to go.
A breathable cover allows more air to move around your body. This can help heat and moisture escape. A less breathable material can hold more heat against your body. Grip also matters. A slippery cover may let your body move under hard braking, while a material with more grip can help keep you in place.
Synthetic leather: clean look, warm feel
Synthetic leather has a clean and modern look. It is also easy to wipe clean. This makes it a practical choice for sim racing rigs in living rooms and home offices.
The main disadvantage is heat. Synthetic leather does not breathe as well as fabric or mesh. This means it can feel warmer during long racing sessions. Your skin may also stick to it when you race in shorts.
For this reason, some seats combine synthetic leather with another material. The Core Recline Seat, for example, uses a combination of leather and suede. This gives you the easy cleaning of leather together with the extra grip of suede.
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SIMGASM | Core Recline Seat - Black
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Suede and microsuede: more grip
Suede has a soft surface with more grip than smooth synthetic leather. It can grip your clothes and help reduce movement in the seat. It can also feel less warm when you first sit down.
Suede needs a little more care when you clean it. Use a soft brush or a slightly damp cloth. Avoid making the material too wet and let it dry fully before using the seat again.
Suede is also used in motorsport because of its grip. When your body stays in the same position, it can be easier to use the wheel and pedals in a consistent way.
Fabric and mesh: the coolest choice?
Fabric and mesh are usually the most breathable options. Air can move through the material more easily. This helps heat escape and can help moisture dry faster. That can be useful during summer or long endurance races.
Fabric also gives good grip. Your clothes are less likely to slide over the surface compared with smooth synthetic leather.
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SIMGASM | Sim Racing Seat Atlas Gran Turismo - Black
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The main disadvantage is cleaning. Fabric can absorb sweat and dirt more easily than synthetic leather. Removable cushions can make this much easier. You can take them out, clean them and put them back when they are dry.
Why do washable cushions make life easier?
The Atlas GT and Atlas Formula both come with a complete set of washable memory foam cushions. You can remove the cushions for cleaning and place them back in the seat afterwards. Separate cushion sets are also available in red, white, blue and orange. This makes it easy to change the look of the seat.
Memory foam can hold some heat. We explain this in our guide about whether a sim racing seat should feel soft or firm. During long sessions, good airflow and regular breaks can help you stay comfortable.
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SIMGASM | Atlas Sim Racing Seat Formula - Black
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Which cover suits your setup?
The best material depends on how and where you race. If you mostly race for short periods and want an easy-to-clean seat, synthetic leather can be practical. A mix of leather and suede can add more grip.
For long endurance races in a warm room, breathable fabric or mesh may be more comfortable. A seat with removable and washable cushions can also make cleaning easier. If grip is your main concern, suede or microsuede can be a good option in the areas where your body touches the seat.
The seat cover is only one part of your comfort. It cannot solve a poor seating position or a lack of lower back support. Read our guide on how to avoid back pain in a sim racing seat for more information. You can then choose a racing sim chair that suits your room, racing style and cleaning needs.
How does the room affect seat temperature?
Your seat material is only part of the story. The temperature of your room can make an even bigger difference. A small room with a gaming PC and several monitors can become warm quickly.
Good airflow can help. A simple fan aimed at your upper body can make long sessions more comfortable. Opening a window or improving ventilation can also help keep the room cooler.
Your clothing matters too. Long trousers can stop your legs from sticking to synthetic leather. A light and breathable shirt can also help you stay cooler, no matter which seat material you use.
Frequently asked questions
We’d like to address a few frequently asked questions:
Which seat material is best for summer racing?
Fabric and mesh are usually the most breathable options. They allow more air to move through the material. Synthetic leather usually feels warmer during long sessions.
How do I clean a suede seat?
Use a soft brush or a slightly damp cloth. Do not soak the material with water. Let the seat dry fully before you use it again.
Does synthetic leather crack over time?
Synthetic leather can wear over time, especially in areas that get a lot of friction. The edges of the seat often receive the most wear when you get in and out. Regular cleaning and careful use can help keep the material in good condition for longer.
Can I wash the Atlas cushions?
Yes. The Atlas cushion sets are removable and washable. This makes it easier to keep the parts that touch your body clean.
Want to learn more? The SIMGASM experts are happy to help.
