Fitted vs Stretch Table Covers: What Is the Difference?
A fitted table cover is shaped to a standard table and sits closely, with an open or a closed back. A stretch cover is made of stretch polyester that pulls snug over the whole table and always covers all four sides. Choose fitted if you sit behind the table or reach under it often, and stretch if people see the table from every side.
Fitted vs stretch table covers side by side
| Fitted | Stretch | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Tailored and structured, with the corners settled into place | Smooth and snug, following the shape of the table |
| Fabric | 250 g polyester poplin, every edge serged with clear thread | 250 g stretch polyester |
| Sides covered | 3-sided with an open back, or 4-sided with a closed back | Always 4-sided, with a closed back or a zipper back |
| Setup | Lay it over the table and settle the corners | Pull it down over the table until it sits snug |
| Wind | Fits closely. Clip or weigh the hem on a breezy day | The snug fit leaves little loose fabric to catch a breeze. We do not publish a wind rating |
| Access under the table | Open back: reach under from behind. Closed back: covered on all four sides | Closed back covers the table completely. The zipper back opens at the rear to get underneath |
| Price, 4 ft | $135.99 | $135.99 |
| Price, 6 ft | $189.99 | $189.99 |
| Price, 8 ft | $217.99 | $217.99 |
| Zipper back | Not offered | Adds $0.00 |
When to choose a fitted cover
- You work from behind the table. An open back leaves the rear clear for a chair and for boxes stored underneath, the way a booth or registration table is usually staffed.
- You want a classic, structured line. The fitted cover is shaped to the table for a tailored look.
- You would rather have a choice of back. Fitted comes with an open or a closed back at the same price.
When to choose a stretch cover
- People walk around the table. A stretch cover finishes all four sides, so a registration desk in the middle of a room or a product display looks complete from every angle.
- You want the smoothest face for photos. The fabric pulls snug, so there is less loose fabric to crease across the front.
- You need to get underneath sometimes. The zipper back closes the rear and opens when you reach for stock.
What about a table throw?
A table throw is the third style we print: the classic draped cover, with soft folds at the corners, in 3-sided open back or 4-sided closed back. If you want the relaxed drape rather than a tailored or stretched line, start there. The side by side above covers the two styles buyers compare most.
Which size to order
Size names are the table length, so measure your table before you order: top length, depth and height. Our sizes are cut for the standard 30 in table height, and the 4 ft size is the one for a table 48 in long and 24 in deep. Our table cover size guide walks through 4, 6 and 8 ft tables, and the round table cover size guide covers cocktail tables.
Printing and care
Both styles are printed edge to edge by dye sublimation, so the ink becomes part of the fabric. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, or hand wash, then hang or lay flat to dry. Do not bleach or tumble dry. If your venue requires fire retardant fabric, email us before you order and we will tell you what we can supply, because these covers are not sold as fire retardant.
How ordering works
- Choose fitted or stretch, the size and the back style on the product page.
- Add your artwork on the product page (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG and high resolution PNG at 300 DPI or higher), or send it after you order. No artwork yet? For displays, tents, flags and table covers, choose Hire a Designer when you order and a designer builds the artwork from your logo, text and notes. You approve a free digital proof before anything is made.
- We send a free digital proof. Nothing prints until you approve it.
- Production starts on approval. Ships within 2 business days after you approve your proof. Most orders arrive within 10 business days (US lower 48). Shipping is included.
Tight on time? Tell us your event date before you order and we will confirm it works. Need it sooner? Faster shipping is available for an extra charge. Tell us your event date and we will quote it. Questions? Email info@promomogul.com.
Products in this guide
- Fitted Table Covers
- Stretch Table Covers
- Premium Full-Color Table Covers & Throws
- All custom table covers
Every order includes a free digital proof, and nothing prints until you approve it. Ask for a quote if you need a size or quantity that is not listed.
Quick answers
- What is the difference between a fitted and a stretch table cover?
- A fitted cover is shaped to a standard table, in 250 g polyester poplin, with an open or closed back. A stretch cover is 250 g stretch polyester that pulls snug over the table and always covers all four sides, with a closed back or a zipper back. Both are printed edge to edge by dye sublimation.
- Which is easier to reach under, a fitted or a stretch table cover?
- A fitted cover with an open back, because the rear of the table is left clear. A stretch cover has a closed back, or a zipper back that opens at the rear when you need to get underneath.
- Do fitted and stretch table covers cost the same?
- Yes. A 4 ft cover is $135.99, a 6 ft is $189.99 and an 8 ft is $217.99 in either style, with shipping to the US lower 48 included. A zipper back on the stretch cover adds $0.00.
- What size table cover do I need for a 6 ft table?
- The 6 ft cover, which fits a table 72 in long, 30 in deep and 30 in high. The 8 ft fits 96 x 30 x 30 in and the 4 ft fits 48 x 24 x 30 in.
- Can I wash a printed fitted or stretch table cover?
- Yes. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, or hand wash, then hang or lay flat to dry. Do not bleach or tumble dry.
Questions on any of this? Email info@promomogul.com. We reply Mon to Fri, 8 to 6 Pacific.
