no longer smooth but have more of an OEM texture that you'd find in other cars. My DS seat somehow during installation by the company got a hand print on the leather between the shoulder blades and it's bugged me ever since install. I didn't worry about it at first but later realized that it absolutely cannot be removed no matter what I've tried. I figured I'll attempt install this time around since I'm more than capable and install Dorman heated seat pads at the same time since I didn't realize I'd drive the Z with the top down so much when it's cooler out.