Seat cover vs upholstery (sarung vs jahit)
Facts checked: 23 October 2026
Short answer
A custom-fit seat cover goes over your existing seats; upholstery (jahit) strips them and sews new material on. An Ottoman seat cover is fitted the same day, in 1 to 5 hours depending on the car, without dismantling the seats, keeps your original seats untouched underneath and usually costs less. Upholstery suits seats that are torn or need reshaping.
Compared
| Custom-fit seat cover (sarung) | Upholstery (jahit) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's done | Tailored cover fitted over your seats | Old covering removed, new material sewn on |
| Time | Same day, 1 to 5 hours depending on the car | Often means leaving the car at the workshop |
| Original seats | Kept, untouched underneath | Replaced |
| Seats dismantled? | No | Usually |
| Cost | Usually lower from RM1,088 | Usually higher |
| Look | Snug custom fit, 360° coverage | Factory-like, permanent |
When a seat cover is the better choice
- Your seats are in good shape and you want to keep them that way: kids, pets, ride-hailing, or a car you will sell later.
- You want a new look without leaving the car overnight.
- You want to keep the factory seats original underneath.
When upholstery makes more sense
If the seat foam is collapsed, the frame is damaged or the old covering is badly torn, fix the seat itself first. A seat cover protects and restyles a seat; it does not repair one.
What you get with an Ottoman seat cover
Custom-fit to your model, year and variant, in Classic Leatherette or Nappa Leatherette, with 360° coverage and an airbag-friendly design. Fitted the same day at our branches in Klang, Butterworth and Johor Bahru, or door to door.
Questions
- Do I need to remove my car seats for a seat cover?
- No. Ottoman seat covers are fitted over your existing seats without dismantling them or removing the original leather or fabric.
- How long does seat cover installation take?
- The same day: about 1–2 hours for 2-seaters, 2–3 hours for 5-seaters, 3–4 hours for 7-seaters and continental cars, 4–5 hours for MPVs. At one of our branches or at your door.
- Is a seat cover cheaper than upholstery?
- Usually, yes. A seat cover is more economical than re-upholstering, and your original seats stay as they are underneath.
Send a photo of your seats and we'll tell you honestly which suits.
Ask on WhatsApp