As others have noted, this feels like a rugged cover but it is also soft with a slight nap. The material feels like very good quality upholstery cloth. 
I really like that the zipper is along two sides making installation super easy. Our original cover that came with the futon had the closure only at the short end and required two strong people to install but I could do this one by myself. The zipper also has nice hems on each side that hide the zipper well once it is closed.
My wife and I are very happy with this cover.