Which stretch sofa cover should you buy? Our four picks, compared

What they have in common

All four are polyester stretch knits that pull over the frame and machine wash on a gentle cycle, and none of them is waterproof. They differ in shape, texture, color and how they stay in place: The Printed Jacquard and Basketweave covers come with foam sticks for the seat gaps, The Leaf Jacquard fastens with an elastic edge and straps under the sofa, and The Smooth Stretch Club Chair Cover has an anti-slip backing.

Measure before you choose

Measure outside arm to outside arm, since each size is listed by that width. For an armchair, check the seat depth too: The Smooth Stretch Club Chair Cover takes seats up to 22.1 in deep. The size guide turns your width into a size.

Furniture shape and fit requirements

Before ordering, check that your seating matches the required structure. Stretch covers suit upholstered furniture with padded arms, a defined back, and gaps around the seat cushions where fabric can be tucked.

Not every chair takes a standard armchair cover. Recliners take a recliner cover, such as a four-piece set with separate back, front and arm pieces, and wingback chairs have their own sets among our stretch armchair covers. Frames with exposed wooden arms are not a good fit for stretch covers. If your sofa width falls right between two sizes, select the larger size so you have enough fabric to tuck neatly into the seat gaps.

Chaise orientation and measurements

Sectionals need precise measurements so each section fits properly. When choosing our sectional couch covers, determine your layout with these steps:

1. Stand directly in front of the sofa, looking at it front-on. If the chaise is on your left, order a left chaise. If it is on your right, order a right chaise.
2. Measure each section arm to arm. Some covers fit one section each, so an L-shaped sofa needs 2 covers.
3. Check our guide on how to measure your sofa for a stretch cover before placing an order.

Washing steps and refitting

To care for your covers, follow these straightforward laundry guidelines:

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle alongside similar colors, at 86°F (30°C) or cold, as the care line says.
• Do not use bleach. Dry the way the care line says: some covers can tumble dry low, others line or air dry.
• Wait until the cover is fully dry before putting it back on your furniture.
• Once in place, push the foam sticks, if your cover came with them, into the crevices between the seat, back, and arms.

Read our full advice on how to put on and wash a stretch sofa cover or browse our stretch sofa covers.

Delivery and returns policy

Delivery costs $6.95, or nothing on orders of $49 or more. The delivery time for your country shows on each product page and at checkout.

If you need to make a return, submit your request within 30 days of receiving the package. You then have 14 days to send the item back. Return shipping is your responsibility unless the cover arrived incorrect or faulty. For full terms, see our delivery and returns page.