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For more than 70 years, Bestop has been setting the standard for premium soft tops, delivering the open-air experience enthusiasts expect. As the exclusive OEM soft top supplier to Jeep since 1986, we’ve pioneered the fabric technologies that have shaped the modern soft top category. That experience matters when you are choosing your soft top material, because that fabric plays a role in the road noise you experience, durability, weather protection, and the overall look of your vehicle.
This Bestop premium twill vs black diamond comparison breaks down every material offered so you can make the right choice that fits your style, your climate, and your budget.
Soft top fabrics have come a long way since the early days of canvas vinyl sheets stretched over a simple frame. . As Jeep owners started using their vehicles as daily drivers, the demand for quieter, more durable, and better-looking fabrics drove the industry forward.
Bestop has been at the center of that evolution, facilitating industry progression from basic vinyl to textured denim-style fabrics, then to multi-layer sailcloth, and finally to today’s premium twill. Each iteration brought improvements in noise reduction, weather resistance, and longevity.
When you see a fabric’s weight rating in ounces (oz), that number tells you the density and thickness of the material per square yard. Higher weight generally means more layers, better insulation, and greater durability. An 28-oz vinyl and a 30-oz twill are fundamentally different products, and that weight difference translates directly to how your ride sounds, feels, and looks on the road.
Every material in this guide was developed and tested in our North American factory, the only OEM-certified soft top facility in the industry.
Soft top fabrics have come a long way since the early days of canvas vinyl sheets stretched over a simple frame. . As Jeep owners started using their vehicles as daily drivers, the demand for quieter, more durable, and better-looking fabrics drove the industry forward.
Bestop has been at the center of that evolution, facilitating industry progression from basic vinyl to textured denim-style fabrics, then to multi-layer sailcloth, and finally to today’s premium twill. Each iteration brought improvements in noise reduction, weather resistance, and longevity.
When you see a fabric’s weight rating in ounces (oz), that number tells you the density and thickness of the material per square yard. Higher weight generally means more layers, better insulation, and greater durability. An 28-oz vinyl and a 30-oz twill are fundamentally different products, and that weight difference translates directly to how your ride sounds, feels, and looks on the road.
Every material in this guide was developed and tested in our North American factory, the only OEM-certified soft top facility in the industry.
Black Diamond is Bestop’s proprietary marine-grade vinyl fabric, built with 28-oz PVC-coated polyester designed to withstand years of UV exposure, rain, and trail use without cracking, fading, or peeling. The smooth, uniform finish gives your Jeep a clean, factory-fresh appearance. Black Diamond uses the same coating technology found in marine applications where constant sun and salt exposure would destroy lesser materials. For owners who want proven durability at an accessible price point, Black Diamond delivers functionable and reliable protection.
Black Diamond is the smart choice for several types of owners:
Explore our full lineup of Bestop soft tops to see Black Diamond options for your vehicle.
Sailcloth represents a meaningful step up from vinyl in both construction and performance. This 28-oz fabric uses a three-layer design: two vinyl exterior surfaces bonded to a polyester and cotton substrate in the center. That important middle layer adds mass, absorbs vibration, and creates an insulating barrier that single-layer vinyl doesn’t have.
Sailcloth first appeared as a factory soft top option on the Wrangler TJ, and it quickly became the preferred upgrade for owners who wanted a quieter cabin without the full cost of premium twill. The fabric is noticeably quieter than standard vinyl at highway speeds and provides an improved level of insulation from outside temps..
Sailcloth is a three-layer soft top fabric weighing 28 oz per square yard. It bonds two vinyl exterior surfaces to a polyester and cotton core, creating an insulating barrier that meaningfully reduces road noise compared to single-layer vinyl while maintaining strong UV and weather resistance at a mid-range price point.
For a deeper look at how sailcloth and other materials fit into the full Bestop lineup, visit our Jeep Wrangler Soft Top Buyers Guide.
Premium Twill is the most advanced soft top fabric available, and it is the material Bestop engineered for owners who refuse to compromise. At 30 oz per square yard, Twill uses a triple-layer construction: an external twill weave, a butyl rubber core, and an interior twill lining. This is the same construction approach used in luxury convertible tops from European automakers.
The difference between twill and black diamond comes down to construction and performance. Black Diamond is an 28-oz PVC-coated polyester built for durability and value. Premium Twill is a 30-oz triple-layer fabric with a butyl rubber core that delivers dramatically less road noise, better cold weather flexibility, superior wrinkle resistance, and a rich textile appearance that vinyl cannot replicate.
The butyl rubber core acts as both a sound barrier and a thermal insulator, absorbing road vibration and wind noise before it reaches the cabin. The exterior twill weave resists wrinkles and maintains a taut, smooth look even after the top has been folded and stored repeatedly.
Twill has become the standard choice for drivers who use their vehicles every day, and there are clear reasons why:
Browse our full selection of Twill products to find the right fit for your Jeep. To keep your Twill top looking its best, use Bestop Protectant for Twill Fabric after every wash.
This table gives you a direct comparison of every soft top material Bestop offers. Use it to match your priorities (noise, budget, durability, appearance) to the right fabric for your build.
Ready to see how these materials fit across specific top styles? Compare Bestop soft top models side by side, or visit our fabric selection guide for warranty details by material.
If this is your everyday vehicle, Twill is the recommended choice. The noise reduction alone makes highway commutes more comfortable, and the cold weather flexibility means your top operates smoothly on cold mornings as well as the warming afternoons.
Black Diamond is built for the rocks, branches, dust, and sun so you can focus on your adventure. It’s easy to clean, and keeps your investment reasonable so you can put more of your budget into the trail upgrades that matter to you.
For owners who do a little bit of everything (commute Monday through Friday and like to hit the trail Saturday andSunday), Twill or Sailcloth can handle just about every scenario. The combination of noise reduction, weather resistance, and durability makes them the do-it-all material options.
Black Diamond gives you genuine Bestop engineering and quality fit at the most accessible price point in the lineup. You are not sacrificing: you are choosing the material that matches how you use your vehicle.
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Find the right top for your specific vehicle with our soft top options by vehicle tool.
Every soft top material performs better and lasts longer with proper care. The good news: maintenance is simple and takes minutes.
Use Bestop Fabric Cleaner to remove dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and road grime. Apply it with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and let the top air dry completely before folding or storing.
After cleaning, apply Bestop Vinyl Protectant to restore UV resistance and keep the surface flexible. This prevents the cracking and fading that untreated vinyl develops over time.
Use Bestop Protectant for Twill Fabric after cleaning. This formula is designed specifically for the twill weave and maintains the fabric’s water repellency and deep black color without leaving residue.
When your top is folded down, use a storage bag to protect the fabric from UV exposure and debris. If you remove your top entirely for summer, store it in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight. Avoid folding the top when it is wet, as trapped moisture can promote mildew on any material.
Get the full step-by-step process in our soft top care guide, learn how to keep your windows crystal clear with our window cleaning guide, and browse the full line of cleaners and protectants.
For a visual walkthrough of the differences between Bestop’s fabric options, watch our material comparison guide:
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Your soft top is more than a folding roof. It is the thing that connects you to open-air adventure, and always ready for whatever comes next. Bestop has been building that experience for seven decades, and the fabric material we offer reflects our commitment to delivering that experience. Explore our full soft top collection to find the perfect match for your vehicle, or start with our Soft Top Buyers Guide to narrow down your options by model, year, and driving style.
Select Your Vehicle to see every soft top available for your specific Jeep, Bronco, or truck.
Choosing the right soft top material affects how your Jeep looks, sounds, and performs in every season. Here are the most common questions Jeep owners ask when comparing fabric options.
Black Diamond is an 28-oz PVC-coated vinyl with a smooth finish and solid UV resistance. Premium Twill is a 30-oz triple-layer woven fabric with a butyl rubber core for waterproofing. Twill is quieter at highway speeds, better insulated, softer to the touch, and carries a longer warranty than Black Diamond.
Premium Twill is the highest-performing soft top material available. Its 30-oz triple-layer construction provides the best noise reduction, thermal insulation, and durability of any fabric option. For daily drivers and year-round use, Twill delivers the closest experience to a hardtop. Black Diamond is a strong choice for budget-conscious buyers or seasonal use.
Vinyl soft tops use a single PVC-coated layer at 28 oz, giving them a smooth, plastic-like finish. Twill uses three bonded layers totaling 30 oz, producing a fabric texture similar to luxury convertible tops. Twill is significantly quieter, better insulated, more wrinkle-resistant, and more durable than vinyl, though it costs more.
For daily drivers and all-season, Twill is worth the premium. The thicker construction cuts road noise significantly compared to vinyl, keeps the cabin warmer in cold weather, and resists fading longer. The extended warranty further offsets the upfront cost over the life of the top.
Sailcloth is a 28-oz three-layer fabric with two vinyl exterior layers and a poly/cotton substrate. It first appeared as a factory option on the Wrangler TJ and is noticeably quieter than standard vinyl. Sailcloth sits between vinyl and Twill in both performance and price, offering good noise reduction and weather resistance without the full premium of Twill.
Premium Twill is the quietest soft top material. At 30 oz with a butyl rubber core, it provides the highest level of sound dampening available. Sailcloth at 28 oz is the next quietest, followed by vinyl at 28 oz. For highway driving or daily commuting, Twill makes the biggest difference in cabin comfort.
Yes, all Bestop soft top materials are engineered for year-round use. However, Twill performs best in cold weather because its thicker construction resists shrinkage and stays flexible at low temperatures. Black Diamond vinyl can stiffen in extreme cold, making it harder to fold or operate. For winter driving, Twill is the recommended choice.
Use Bestop Fabric Cleaner for all soft top materials. For vinyl and Black Diamond tops, follow with Bestop Vinyl Protectant to maintain UV resistance. For Twill tops, use Bestop Twill Protectant, which is specifically formulated for acrylic fabric. Never use household cleaners, bleach, or petroleum-based products on any soft top material.
