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Short answer
For made-to-measure loose covers, choose a hard-wearing woven fabric, ideally polyester or a polyester-rich blend, which shrinks and creases less than cotton or linen. Check the rub count and the care label, and with natural fibres allow for shrinkage. Mid-tones and textures keep loose covers looking neat between washes.
What kinds of sofa covers are there?
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Made-to-measure loose cover | Tailored to the sofa from woven fabric; removable | A neat, upholstered look you can take off to clean |
| Ready-made stretch cover | Knitted fabric with stretch, pulled over the sofa | A quick, low-cost refresh |
| Throw | A large piece laid over seat and back | Protecting one spot, such as a pet's seat |
Which fabric works for a loose cover?
- Polyester or polyester-rich blends: shrink and crease little, keep their colour and suit Malaysia's humidity.
- Medium weight with a tight weave: firm enough to sit neatly, soft enough to fit around arms.
- Rub count: 15,000 to 25,000 rubs for everyday use, 25,000 or more for a family sofa. See Martindale Rub Test Explained.
- Linen and cotton: a relaxed look, but they crease and can shrink, so the cover must allow for it.
- Velvet: possible, but pile marks show where the cover moves, so it suits fitted rather than loose covers.
Some JOTEX options: RIGA, a 100% polyester multipurpose flat weave rated 25,000 rubs; TEKUSU OMAKE, a 100% polyester flat weave rated 40,000 rubs; and FAY, a polyester-cotton flat weave rated 25,000 rubs. See Multipurpose Fabric.
Do slipcovers shrink?
Covers in cotton, linen or viscose can shrink when washed, which makes a fitted cover too tight to go back on. Polyester shrinks very little. Follow the care label, and for natural fibres ask your maker whether to pre-wash the fabric or have the covers dry cleaned. See Why Curtains Shrink.
Watch out
Never tumble dry loose covers on high heat, even if the fabric is polyester. Heat can shrink seams and set creases.
How do you wash loose covers and keep them neat?
- Check the care label; some covers must be dry cleaned.
- Wash all the covers from one sofa together, so they fade evenly.
- Wash cool on a gentle cycle, and close zips first.
- Refit covers while slightly damp; they ease back to shape as they dry.
- Steam the seams and pleats once they are back on.
For spills between washes, see Sofa Stain Removal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for a sofa slipcover?
A hard-wearing woven polyester or polyester-rich blend, rated 15,000 to 25,000 rubs or more, which shrinks and creases little.
Do slipcovers shrink in the wash?
Cotton, linen and viscose covers can. Polyester shrinks very little. Follow the care label and avoid hot tumble drying.
Can you put a fabric cover on a leather sofa?
Yes. A made-to-measure or stretch cover can, though covers may slide on leather, so a snug fit matters.
Are loose covers good for homes with pets?
Yes, because they can be removed and cleaned. Choose a tight weave with no loops for claws to catch.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.