I decided to try this sofa cover because my cats were destroying my sofa.  As suggested, I tried it on the sofa before washing it.  I couldn't find any tabs to tell the back from the front until I figured out for myself what was the back.  When I got that part on I found a small tag in a seam.  My sofa is on the smaller end of the fit scale for this cover, so there is a lot of "tucking" to do.  It still wrinkles across the bottom front a bit.  I managed to get it fitted as best I could around the arms and back cushions (the back cushions are attached, so couldn't use separate covers.  There were no straps included in the packaging and the cover has no tabs for one to hook into.  I will have to get some clip-on straps to help keep it in place, so I presently don't have it on the sofa.  Although it isn't a perfect fit, I think it will help protect my sofa from the dogs and cats, and it is pretty and soft. Once I get it on and use it for a while, I will update my review.