Wrinkling is a mechanical instability occurring in multi-layer structures comprising a thin and stiff layer resting on a supporting underlying compliant layer. The present study is motivated by experimental observations of wrinkling leading to irreversible deformation and to the initiation of defects. An incremental Spectral Method is employed to solve the governing differential equations. This approach enables the analysis of wrinkling processes non-linear foundations and under cyclic loading. Numerical simulation results are compared to a set of analytical solutions describing wrinkling events on nonlinear foundations. Wrinkling is analyzed for cases of elastic, elastic damageable, and elastic plastic foundations. The behavior of homogeneous foundation properties is contrasted to situations where local defects are present. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.