what fabric is used for headliners
If your car's roof lining has started to sag, you've probably wondered what fabric is used for headliners. Most car headliner material is a foam-backed fabric: a soft knit or woven face bonded to a thin layer of polyurethane foam. The foam helps the material conform to the curved headliner board, adds a cushioned feel, and helps dampen road noise.
Common Headliner Fabric Types
- Foam-backed knit: The most common choice for car, truck, and SUV headliners because it stretches and shapes easily.
- Suede headliner fabric: Suede-look and microsuede faces offer a plush, upscale finish popular in custom interiors.
- Vinyl: Wipeable and moisture-resistant, often chosen for boats, RVs, and work vehicles.
What to Look For
Backing and Stretch
Choose a foam backing that bonds well with spray headliner adhesive, and a face fabric with enough give to follow contours without wrinkling or puckering.
Color and Heat Resistance
Match your original interior color or pick a complementary shade, and select automotive headliner fabric made to handle the heat that builds up under a vehicle roof.
Ready for a sagging headliner repair? Browse our headliner fabrics below to find the right color and texture for your project.