fabric to mimic leather

[Auryn]

I figure if anyone knows someone here will.
I am working on a project where I will be using some really expensive leather to make a skin tight body suit- obviously not H/A or Ren related.
Is there some type of fabric out there that mimics the resistance and stretch of leather (2.5oz weight leather) without costing as much??
I want to create an accurate toile before I go anywhere near the leather with a knife.

Any suggestions are kindly and greatefuly appreciated.

[gem]

Well, you've got the faux suedes, which come in a variety of weights. Another option would be a heavy linen, which might stretch too much. Or a quality cotton twill? You're probably not going to find anything muslin-cheap, but you should be able to come up with something reasonably similar that's less dear than the leather. Honestly, I'd tote some of it to the fabric store and compare in person.

[Auryn]

Do you think non stretch denim might work??

I have a little swatch piece of the leather, maybe ill swing by joanns on the way home

[Rani Zemirah]

Some of the vinyl remnants in the back at Hancock's are pretty cheap...

[Lady L]

Maybe pleather, I got some for 12.00 yd.

[isabelladangelo]

I'd go with the duck or some other pretty heavy but non stretchy fabric.  Denim, although strong, is mean to stretch as it get worn.  (I know I'm not the only one that finds, after wearing their jeans, they need to find a belt by the middle of the day!)  Cotton Twill will stretch a bit too. 

[Maggie]

Some of the vinyl remnants in the back at Hancock's are pretty cheap...

Yes, I'd use vinyl--look for some with the same stretch, thickness and hand as your leather. Check the stretch of your leather somewhere other than right at the edge, though, because sometimes the edges don't behave quite the same as the rest. Also, remember that your leather is likely to be more stretchy in one direction (perpendicular to the cow's spine) that the other, so you'll want to try to work with that as much as you can. This is what I do when I'm making anything complicated out of leather and it works great!

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Back when I worked at the Costume Shop, I did a Custom Made Darth Vader Body Suit  out of Black Pleather, but I underlined it with Black broadcloth to keep the Pleather from stretching out with repeated wearings. I also did all the stitching with the machine to make it look Quilted.

Depending on what you find, Auryn, make a sample swatch first to determine the next step to take.

[Auryn]

Thank you everyone,
unfortunately the nearest Hancocks to me is about 3 hours north so I am stuck with whatever I find at Joanns or the local marine upholstery places.
I guess my one saving grace is that the outfit I am making laces up on both sides and up the back.
I should just say I am working on a Mord Sith outfit.
I havent decided yet wether to go with the zip down cat suit version(first pic) or the mord sith with armor version

[Rani Zemirah]

I vote for armor!!!   

[gypsylakat]

One of my favorite costumes of all time...
This is a Duh question, but have you checked like Legend of the Seeker cosplay forums to see if anyone else did a mockup first and what they used?