Abstract: There are great variations among tensile properties of automobile seat covers, which can affect the feeling of seat surface softness. This paper analysed the tensile properties of fabric, polyurethane leather and genuine leather car seat covers in the market, and on this basis, the softness of three groups of car seat covers, namely, (1) five kinds of seat covers in the market, (2) punched and un-punched seat covers and (3) quilted and un-quilted seat covers, was analysed from the point of view of tensile property. The results show that the ranges of these covers’ breaking strength and elongation at break are 350-715 N and 22%-198%, respectively. The covers in group (1) had satisfying softness and breaking strengths, and exhibited 16.9 N of tensile strength under the condition of 5% elongation, and 58.9 N of tensile strength under the condition of 20% elongation. In group (2), the softness of punched covers was improved, and these covers with the dense holes are suitable for use in the non-main load area of car seat. In group (3), the 2D quilted covers, especially the ones with dense quilting, had reduced softness and are not suitable for installing in the non-main load area of car seat. These results provide some references for the material selection and decorative design of the main and non-main load area of car seat.