The 8 Best Faux Leather Leggings to Buy Before Cold Weather Arrives
There are few cool-weather outfits we love more than leggings and an oversize sweater. Or leggings and a T-shirt. Or leggings and a blazer….you get it. We’re into faux-leather leggings in particular because they can dress up almost any cozy ensemble without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. So, we set out to find the best faux-leather leggings that money can buy for petite frames, pregnant women, patent-finish fans, budget shoppers and everything in between. Here are our top picks.
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1. Spanx Faux-Leather Leggings
Best Overall
Multiple PureWow staffers own and rave about these leggings (some even have multiple pairs), but we are not the only mega-fans. The Spanx style is consistently awarded five-star ratings and have accrued incredibly positive reviews on Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos (just to name a few). “I love the fact that they have a subtle shine, rather than a patent finish or that awful garbage bag look so many faux-leathers end up with,” said one fan. “But what I really love is the fact that these have that built-in Spanx shaping technology that makes my butt look so amazing, even without a single squat.” Indeed, these leggings feature a contoured Power Waistband which smooths and flattens your tummy and makes your bum look extra perky. One thing to note, however: Many reviewers suggested ordering one size up from what the size chart suggests for a more comfortable, less constricting fit.
Available in sizes XS to 3X, Petite and Tall
2. Commando Faux Patent-Leather Perfect Control Leggings
Best Patent-Leather Finish
If a super high shine is what you’re after, you can’t beat Commando’s patent finish leggings. They come in classic black, disco-inspired white and deep burgundy, all of which look way more expensive than their $68 price tag. “These pants are amazing! They look like liquid and they're surprisingly very comfortable” said one reviewer. As for sizing? The same shopper notes: “I'm usually between a small and medium. I bought a medium and they fit perfectly. Once they're on they don't cut into your waist or love handles because they're high-waisted.” You should expect a little bit of squeaking with the first wear (this is pretty typical for any patent leather pants, and lots of matte-finish leather, too), but luckily there is a simple fix—take a small dab of unscented body lotion or face oil and rub it between your hands, then gently swipe it onto the section of the leather that’s squeaking (be sure to test the lotion first on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it won’t cause damage). Use a microfiber towel to remove any excess and voilà! No more squeaking or creaking.
Available in sizes XS to 3X, also Petite
3. Tagoo Faux-Leather Leggings
Greatest Size Range
These high-waist faux-leather leggings come in sizes XS through 4X, and are lined with a thin layer of fleece that helps prevent them from turning sheer no matter how low you squat or how often you wear them. We also love the subtle shine (they’re not quite patent leather, but they are shinier than most of the other pairs on this list), especially in the beautiful burgundy color. They also come in a camel brown and black with a red and white stripe down the side for anyone looking for something outside simple monochrome. And don’t worry about awkward squeaking while you walk, these affordable leggings glide noiselessly as you move.
Available in sizes XS to 4XL
4. CLIV Faux Leather Leggings
Best Budget-Friendly Option
These leggings are not the least expensive on this list, but at just 21 bucks they’re definitely worth adding to cart ASAP for anyone on a budget. They come with a thin layer of black fleece for comfort, to keep you warm and to prevent any spots from becoming sheer, even when you squat down to pick something up. They also have a high waist band that helps smooth out your middle without feeling too constrictive. (P.S. We suggest letting them air out for a few hours after they’ve arrived before trying them on to allow for any odors or stickiness to dissipate.)
Available in sizes XS to XXL
5. Lyssé Plus High-Waist Faux-Leather Leggings
Best Plus-Size
Perhaps the best thing about these leggings is how much they look like real leather. The two front seams also make them look like expensive trousers, rather than sporty leggings and, even better, they fit beautifully. They also won’t stretch out or sag in the knees or bum over the course of the day, while the 12-inch rise helps to smooth your midsection and hips. Oh, and did we mention they’re machine washable? Said one fan, “I have a couple of real leather pants and leggings, and these almost look like the real thing. In fact, because I don't have to worry about maintenance (no need for special leather cleaning; no worries about these stretching out), they are almost better.”
Available in sizes 1X to 3X, also XS to XL
6. Calzedonia Leather Effect Leggings
Best Mid-Rise
We’ve long loved Calzedonia’s tights for fall and winter, but the brand’s leggings deserve just as much love. This chic faux-leather style is great for anyone with a short torso or those who prefer a mid-rise, with a waistband that hits just high enough to ensure a smooth middle without going all the way up past your belly button (or, god forbid, your bra band). It also comes in five chic colors—black, chocolate brown, olive green, beige and winter white—so you can play around with interesting winter ‘fits. There is also a thermal-lined version for those looking to wear these deep into winter.
Available in sizes XS to XL
7. Retro Gong Faux Leather Leggings
Prettiest Non-Black Options
Black faux-leather leggings are the most obvious choice, but that doesn’t mean that other hues can’t be just as versatile. Retro Gong’s wine red and navy hues are rich and deep, and they don’t look garish or inexpensive despite their affordable price tag. They also have a slight texture to them that adds to their luxe vibes. Oh, and did we mention they go up to a size 4X?
Available in sizes XS to 4XL
8. Blank NYC Vegan-Leather Legging
Best Faux-Leather Leggings That Look Like Pants
For those who still aren’t convinced that leggings should indeed be worn as pants, look for a pair with additional detailing at the waist, like this Blank NYC style. Additional seaming along the waistband mimics the look of traditional pants, and fake back pockets help add to that illusion. Unlike a regular pair of pants, however, these leggings fit like a glove from hip to ankle and won’t gap at the rear or stretch out over time. As you can see in the picture above, the rise on these is not as high as the others on this list. According to one reviewer, “I really loved these. I got a size 31 and I am typically a size 12. They fit perfect. Very flattering. Not binding at the top. They actually look so much like leather someone thought they were real leather. These are super comfortable.”
Available in sizes 24 to 31
