Faux Leather
Faux Leather
A synthetic material designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather, used for edgy, bold lingerie and accessories.
What Is Faux Leather?
Faux leather — also called vegan leather, pleather, or synthetic leather — is manufactured by applying a polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating to a fabric backing, typically polyester or cotton. The coating is textured during production to replicate the grain patterns of animal hides. Modern PU faux leather has become remarkably convincing, with some premium versions nearly indistinguishable from genuine leather by sight and touch.
For lingerie, the two main types offer different experiences. PU leather is softer, more flexible, and allows some air permeability through its microporous structure — making it the standard choice for garments worn against the body. PVC leather is stiffer, shinier, and completely non-breathable, producing the high-gloss wet-look finish favored in bold statement pieces. Both types are waterproof and easy to clean with a damp cloth, but neither handles heat well — ironing or machine drying will permanently damage the coating.
In lingerie construction, faux leather appears in harness bras, corset details, waist cinchers, and accent straps. The material's natural stiffness provides structural support without boning, and it pairs dramatically with softer fabrics like mesh and lace for contrast. To prevent cracking, store faux leather pieces flat or on wide hangers, and condition them occasionally with a silicone-free product.
Sinderella's bolder collections incorporate faux leather details for an unapologetically confident edge — because sometimes the occasion calls for something with a little more attitude.
How to Wear & Style
Faux leather lingerie is best worn in cooler or air-conditioned environments, as the non-breathable surface traps body heat quickly. For Indian summers, stick to faux leather accent pieces — a harness detail or strapped bralette — rather than full-coverage garments. Layer faux leather over mesh or sheer panels for both visual contrast and ventilation. If you find the material sticking to skin, a light dusting of talcum powder on the inner surface before wearing helps significantly. Avoid wearing faux leather for prolonged periods if you have eczema or heat-sensitive skin.
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Explore All CollectionsFrequently Asked Questions
What is faux leather?
A synthetic material designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather, used for edgy, bold lingerie and accessories.
What is the difference between PU and PVC faux leather in lingerie?
PU (polyurethane) faux leather is softer, more breathable, and flexes more naturally — making it the better choice for lingerie that sits close to the body. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is stiffer and shinier with a high-gloss wet look, but it traps heat and does not breathe at all. For garments worn for extended periods, PU is more comfortable. PVC works best for short-duration statement pieces where the ultra-glossy finish is the priority.
How do I prevent faux leather lingerie from cracking or peeling?
Cracking happens when the polyurethane or PVC coating dries out. Never machine wash or tumble dry faux leather — wipe it down with a damp cloth after wearing, and condition it occasionally with a silicone-free leather conditioner. Store pieces flat or on wide padded hangers rather than folded, as creases under pressure become permanent cracks over time. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.