Year: 2025

An unscientific, unhinged guide to wildlife upholstery.

In the wild world of seat covers, animals are having a moment. Ducks. Armadillos. Rhinos. Even a tiger or two. We’re not sure who started it, but we’re pretty sure it wasn’t the animals.

Still……what if animals actually designed the seat covers they’re named after?

Let’s take a little trek through the savannah/workshop:

Duck

Features: Waterproof, lightweight, prone to wandering.
Fit Style: Sort of flops on and hopes for the best.
Design Notes:

• Prioritises “slippery when wet”
• Quacks under pressure
• May fly off mid-shift

Verdict: great for a pond. Questionable for a Bobcat.

Armadillo

Features: Hard on the outside, soft on follow-through.
Fit Style: Rolls up the moment things get tough.
Design Notes:

• Heavy shell, but no grip
• Instinct is to curl up – not ideal for fitment
• Uses “defensive” as a strategy, not performance

Verdict: More scared of your seat than you are of it.

Tiger

Features: All bark, all roar, minimal follow-through.
Fit Style: Flashy. Loud. Constantly needs attention.
Design Notes:

• Stripes do not equal strength
• More concerned with how it looks than how it fits
• Performance varies wildly depending on mood

Verdict: Built for Instagram, not impact.

Rhino

Features: Thick-skinned. Unbothered. Built like a brick outhouse.
Fit Style: Muscle-bound. Wraps your seat like it owes it money.
Design Notes:

• Doesn’t flinch, even in tough terrain
• Designed for endurance, not excuses
• All power, zero panic

Verdict: Might not be cute, but your seat’s never been safer.

Final thoughts from the safari

Animals are cute.
Machines are not.
And seat covers should know the difference.

So next time you’re choosing how to protect your ride, ask yourself:
Do you want something that swims, flaps, curls, squawks, or stripes up a storm…
Or do you want something that just gets it done?

We choose white rhino.
More coming soon.

You’d be surprised how many times we’ve heard, “Just chuck a towel over it.”
Or our personal favourite: “You can’t even tell when you’re sitting down.”

Here’s the thing: broken, cracked, or torn seats aren’t just an eyesore — they’re a red flag for bigger issues. Comfort, safety, hygiene, resale value… the seat is where it all begins. And if the advice you’re getting sounds like any of the below, feel free to smile politely and walk away.

“Just patch it with duct tape.”

Classic. And totally temporary. Duct tape might work for a day or two, but it peels, cracks, and leaves behind a sticky mess that’s worse than the original tear. It also screams I’ve given up.

“It’s just cosmetic — not worth fixing.”

Tell that to your lower back after a 10-hour shift. Damaged seats often mean degraded cushioning, loose springs, or exposed hardware. What starts as a “small split” can turn into an uncomfortable (and unsafe) ride real quick.

“Nobody notices — it’s just a work vehicle.”

Trust us, they notice. Whether it’s a forklift in a warehouse or a side-by-side on the farm, a busted seat makes the whole vehicle feel neglected. Plus, if you’re running a business, it reflects on your standards. First impressions start where you sit.

“Getting it reupholstered is way too expensive.”

Not when you’ve got options like custom-fit seat covers. Durable fabrics (like our Tuff Master canvas) give new life to old seats — no tools, no mess, and way less than the cost of full reupholstery.

“It’s not worth it — just wait until it completely falls apart.”

We hear this a lot. But by the time that happens, the foam is toast, the base is probably rusted, and now you’re spending hundreds (if not thousands) on a replacement seat. Prevention > panic.

 

So what should you do?

• Cover it early

• Choose the right material for your environment

• Protect your investment — and your spine

• Skip the dodgy advice and ask someone who actually works with this stuff ( hi, that’s us)

 

…..want help finding the right cover for your vehicle?

Let us know what you’re driving — we’ll do the rest.

Bartender: You look wrecked.
Cover: Mate, you should see the seat I saved.

It’s not the start of a joke — it’s just life on the tools.

See, if seat covers could talk, they’d have a few things to say. Most of them unprintable. Because being a seat cover isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s long days, hard yakka, and the daily gamble of whether the bloke climbing into the machine’s got a clean backside or a leaky coffee.

We take a lot, us seat covers. Mud, grease, crushed pie crumbs, the occasional set of spanners dropped from a great height — and we don’t complain. We just crack on. That’s the gig.

Pull up a stool, I’ll tell you how it is.

First thing you need to know: the seat underneath me? Absolute princess. One little crack and it falls apart. Gets brittle in the sun. Soaks up every spill like it’s collecting ‘em. Then the stitching gives out and next thing you know, someone’s calling the boss asking why their backside’s being stabbed by springs.

That’s where I come in.
Canvas on the outside. Grit on the inside.

Not to brag, but I’ve outlived two forklifts. I’ve seen every job from landscaping to demolition. I’ve survived angle grinders, hot chip oil, and some absolute stinkers of lunches.

I’ve kept things comfortable when the AC was cactus, and I’ve held it together when the seat underneath was falling to bits — literally.

You could say I’m the last line of defence between a tradie and a very bad day.

 

At the bar, I’m not the only one. There’s the glovebox — bit of a know-it-all, but always got the backup sunnies. The floor mat? Tough as nails, bit grubby. Gets stepped on a lot, but never complains.

We’ve all seen things.

One time the fuel cap came in crying because someone left him behind on-site.
Another time the indicator switch dobbed on someone for not using him properly — again.

But me? I just keep showing up.

 

Moral of the story is, if you’ve got a good seat cover, look after it. If you don’t have one at all — well, mate, that’s a false economy.

Sure, you saved a couple hundred skipping it. But replacing a seat? That’ll sting.

And trust me: the seat’s not judging you.
But I might be.

 

#thebestfittingseatcovers

It’s not flashy. It’s not complicated.
It just does the job, day in and day out.
No fuss. No cracks. No regrets.

Just good gear — and a bar tab to prove it.

Forget personality tests. The real insight into your character? It’s right there under your butt.

Every tradie, farmer, mower man or forklift operator has a story to tell — and so does their seat. From duct tape DIYs to Topaz-tight setups, your seat says a lot about how you show up to the job. Here’s what your seat might be saying about you.

 

 

1. The Shredded Vinyl Special

You’ve seen some things, mate. And your seat has too. It’s cracked, it’s flaking, there’s possibly a spring poking out — but it’s still going, and so are you. You

 don’t complain, you just get the job done. Might want to consider a tetanus booster though.

Your personality: Unstoppable. Rough around the edges. Coffee’s probably instant.

 

2. The Towel-Over-the-Seat Operator

You’re resourceful. Some might say ‘makeshift’. You see a problem and find a solution, even if it’s your beach towel from 2012. You’re not here for frills — but you wouldn’t mind a bit more comfort either.

Your personality: Practical. Can fix anything with zip ties. Likely owns a Swiss Army knife.

 

3. The Topaz-Covered Legend

You, my friend, have your life together. You believe in working smart and hard. Your gear’s clean, your machine’s purring, and your seat? Protected, fitted, and ready for anything.

Your personality: Has backup plans for the backup plan. Hates wasting time. Probably has snacks stashed in the glovebox.

 

4. The ‘It Was Like That When I Got Here’ Seat

You’re either brand new on the job or very, very good at ignoring things. You see that worn seat? Not your problem. You’ll deal with it eventually… maybe… if it gets really bad.

Your personality: Chill. Too chill, maybe. Big ‘I’ll get to it’ energy.

 

5. The Showroom Shine Setup

No dust, no wear, no crumbs. Either you’re cleaning your seat weekly or you’ve got OCD. Either way, we respect it. But also… are you okay?

Your personality: Meticulous. Organised. Probably labels your lunch.

 

 

Which one are you? Be honest. Then ask yourself… does your seat deserve better?

Check out the Topaz cover range.

When you invest in a Topaz cover, you’re investing in Australian-made quality – a seat cover built to handle the dirt, dust and daily grind. But to keep it in top condition for as long as possible, a little care goes a long way.

Here’s how to maintain your cover so it stays looking good and performing at its best.

 

Remove the Cover

Taking the cover off the seat before you wash it is critical to prevent any damage to the seat underneath and keeping your vehicle looking pristine.

Clear any Loose Debris

Vacuum off dirt, dust or other debris. If there’s any stubborn dirt, use a soft-bristled brush to remove it. The more you can get rid of here, the less you’ll have to clean later!

Wash with Cold Water

Use a cloth to gently scrub the covers with cold or lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, detergents, or cleaning liquids as they may compromise the waterproof qualities of the canvas.

Let it Dry in the Shade

After rinsing, pat them dry with a clean towel or lay flat in the shade to dry. DO NOT tumble dry or dry clean as this can damage the material.

 

Back in the Game

Ensure  your covers are completely dry before placing back on your vehicle. Fitting it back on snugly will prevent any unnecessary movement or friction that could cause premature wear.

With the right care, your Topaz seat will keep protecting your seat for years to come

Every great company has a story, and ours began back in 1988 with big dreams and humble beginnings. At Topaz, we’re proud of how far we’ve come, and today, we want to take you on a quick journey through our milestones.

 

1988: Humble Beginnings in a Site Office

Topaz started as a dressmaking business, founded by my sister. What began with needle and thread quickly grew into a family effort, as we laid the foundation for the trusted canvas seat covers we know today. Big dreams started in a small space, but passion fueled every stitch.

 

1994: A Move to the Farmhouse

As the business grew, we needed more room. Moving to the farmhouse marked a turning point. It wasn’t glamorous—flies and sweat were constant companions—but it allowed us to expand our operations and dig deep roots into what Topaz would become.

 

2004: Expansion to Gnowangerup

This year was all about growth. We set up shop in Gnowangerup, gaining a dedicated space to streamline our production and meet the rising demand. It was a big leap, but it showed our commitment to delivering quality at scale.

 

2021: Growth Phase in Canningvale

Breaking into the metro area, we opened in Canningvale. This move was key in bringing us closer to key suppliers and customers while positioning us for even greater growth.

 

2023: Establishing Roots in Bellevue

Today, Bellevue is where we call home, anchoring our operations and keeping us connected to our origins. With two offices running smoothly, we’re balancing history and innovation to keep delivering the quality and service you expect from Topaz.

 

Through every chapter, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to quality, comfort, and innovation. At Topaz, we’re proud of our history—and even more excited for what’s ahead. Stay tuned as we continue to grow and serve you better!