I Absolutely Don't Like the White Interior and Regret Getting It for My Tesla Model Y, As My Seats Have a Worn Stretchmark Look That Would Only Be Visible on White Seats

From the day they were first introduced, Tesla’s “vegan leather” white seats have been controversial and a popular topic on social media. Some owners love them, others hate them, and still others recommend ways to customize away from the factory black or white options. This long thread from the r/TeslaModelY subreddit captures the dialog. 

tenchuchoy posted:

“I absolutely hate the white interior and regret getting it for my Tesla Model Y. My seats have a worn stretchmark look that would only be visible on the white seats.”

It’s funny that tenchuchoy was responding to UncappedClock17, the original poster, who wrote:

“My regret with the Tesla Model Y white interior is not what you think.

My only regret with getting white interior on the is wasting the time and energy debating it during the order process. It should have been a no brainer. Personally, I love the white interior and think it is a must in any Tesla.

They look great, clean easily, and have that “wow” factor. At the end of the day, nobody will compliment or pay much attention to a black interior, but the white will turn heads.

If you are on the fence about interior color - get what you like, but I recommend the white.”

Mensmelted commented about stains from bluejeans:

“I have high school students and the seats often have jean stains. The manual says they should be easy to remove, but I haven’t found a way.”

Seat covers are the topic on another long r/TeslamodelY post, started by wongl888:

“After hearing that alcohol hand gel can cause the vegan leather to wrinkle, I wanted to get some protective seat covers. Alcohol hand gel is commonly useed in my region. After some debate about the color, I decided to go white.”

Orangepickel responded with a warning:

“In case you are not aware, the manual says not to use seat covers as they can interfere with the air bags. From the manual, ‘Warning: Do not use seat covers in Model Y. Doing so could restrict deployment of the seat-mounted side air bags if a collision occurs. Also, if the vehicle is equipped with an occupant detection system that is used to determine the status of the passenger front airbag, seat covers may interfere with this system.’”

Seat durability and Daily Wear

Despite the headline catching negative comments, Tesla’s white seats seem to be surprisingly durable. Many owners report that after extensive use, the material still looks bright. 

Bluejean Dye Transfer and Cleaning Reality

One exception is for drivers who wear blue or black jeans almost every day. The seats can pick up visible blue tint in the bolsters and creases, which builds up over time. The good news is that quick cleanups usually work. Most stains come off easily with wet wipes, and more stubborn spots respond to mild soapy water and a white microfiber cloth. Some owners note that small traces sometimes remain deep in the creases, although they are only noticeable up close. Cleaning tends to work well, although it requires regular attention.

Using Protective Covers in Messy Situations

Many owners keep simple white protective pads on hand for rainy days, dirty clothes, or muddy teenagers. Some covers can easily slip over the seatbacks and prevent wet denim or messes from touching the seats. They can serve as a practical backup for moments when extra protection is needed. Protective covers are inexpensive, effective, and worth having if you choose a white interior.

Comparing White Seats in Darker Situations

Dark seats hide dirt and stains more easily, although they make the cabin feel darker overall. White seats brighten the entire interior and create a more uplifting space, even on cloudy days. The tradeoff is visual appeal versus maintenance effort. White seats look great, although they can make owners more aware of every potential stain.

How White Seats Can Change Your Behavior

Living with white seats can influence how an owner thinks and reacts. You might find yourself checking your seats every time passengers get out, staying alert when someone wearing new denim approaches the car, and spending considerably more time maintaining the white interior than they ever did with previous black seats. White Tesla seats can look amazing, although they demand a level of daily vigilance that not everyone will enjoy.

Bottom Line

White Tesla seats deliver a bright, modern, and premium look that holds up well over time, although they require significantly more care than darker interiors. They resist stains impressively and clean up fairly easily, although dye transfer from jeans is an ongoing issue. The key question is whether the extra maintenance fits your lifestyle. White seats can be a fantastic choice if you appreciate the look and do not mind regular cleaning. They may not be ideal if you prefer a more relaxed ownership experience.

The Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y has become one of the most popular electric vehicles on the road since its launch in 2020 because it delivers a mix of range, space, and everyday usability that many drivers appreciate. It offers quick acceleration, a roomy cabin, and the efficiency people expect from Tesla. The large cargo area and simple interior design make it easy to live with, while features like over the air updates and access to Tesla’s charging network help set it apart from other EVs. The result is a practical family sized crossover that feels modern, comfortable, and surprisingly fun to drive.

What Do You Think?

How have your Tesla Model Y white seats held up over time, especially if you wear denim frequently?

What was the moment that made you realize you either loved or regretted choosing the white interior?

Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.

Photo credit: Tesla media kit