Material FAQ — Composite Leather, Fabric, Bouclé, Velvet

Question 1

What is full-grain Italian leather?

Accepted Answer

Full-grain leather is the top layer of the hide with its natural grain pattern intact — the highest grade of leather available. Because the surface is not sanded or corrected, it keeps its strength and breathability, and it develops a patina over years of use rather than wearing out. Italy's tanneries made the material famous, but 'Italian leather' describes a tradition, not a grade. SOISU uses artificial composite leather — not real leather and not PU. The material for your piece is named in the specification you sign before production.

Question 2

Real leather vs leatherette — what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

Full-grain leather, correctly cared for, lasts many years, develops a patina and breathes with the climate. Leatherette (PU or PVC) typically lasts 3–6 years in Mumbai humidity before the top coat cracks, does not breathe, and looks the same the day it cracks as the day you bought it. SOISU uses artificial composite leather — not real leather and not PU — alongside fabric, bouclé and velvet.

Question 3

Is performance fabric a good alternative to leather in India?

Accepted Answer

Yes — for families with young children or pets, or homes where the sofa sees heavy daily use, a high-twist performance fabric (microfibre, performance-poly blends, technical chenille) is often the better choice. SOISU performance fabrics come in family-grade colours, are stain-resistant treated and zip off for cleaning. They offer a much more forgiving daily life.

Question 4

What is bouclé fabric and is it India-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Bouclé is a looped-yarn fabric with a textured, tactile surface — the material driving modern minimalist Indian interiors. SOISU stocks bouclé in undyed cotton/wool blends and synthetic alternatives. Bouclé is gentle on pets and kids in terms of marks, but the loop texture catches dust and needs vacuuming once a week — more maintenance than performance fabric. The S880 and S819 beds and selected armchairs are SOISU's bouclé pieces.

Question 5

What foam density do you use?

Accepted Answer

SOISU uses high-resilience foam wrapped in a soft fibre layer for the top-feel. The foam specification for your piece is set out in the drawing and specification you sign before production. Lower-density foam (16–24 density) is common in mass-market sofas and loses a large share of its volume within a couple of years — which is why the density of the core matters more than how soft a sofa feels in the showroom.