The 15 Best Faux Leather Leggings to Buy Before the Cold Weather Arrives

Multiple PureWow staffers own and rave about these leggings (some even have multiple pairs), but we are not the only mega-fans. This Spanx style is consistently awarded five-star ratings and has 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,” says 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.

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, deep burgundy, camel beige and a super-chic olive green hue, all of which look way more expensive than their $118 price tag. “These pants are amazing! They look like liquid and they're surprisingly very comfortable” says 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.

Eloquii is one of our favorite places to shop for chic plus-size clothing that’s both affordable and looks fabulous. And these faux-leather leggings check all those boxes and more. They have a no-fuss seamless look for an overall leg-lengthening effect, and come in black, chocolate brown and a trendy olive green color. The leggings do run true to size, but those over 5-foot-9 may find the 28-inch inseam a tad cropped. Multiple reviewers mention owning more than one pair and almost all rave about how luxe these leggings look IRL. And although they don’t have any special built-in smoothing technology or compression panels, they’re incredibly flattering. Per one recent reviewer, “They are very slimming and feel soooo good on. I’ve had a ton of compliments and they are so flattering! I was seriously afraid of having camel toe or saddle bags, but not to worry. These fit amazingly well and they don't fold or roll down under my belly.”

We’ve recommended Wilfred Free’s faux-leather leggings to long-legged gals in the past because of their generous inseam and despite not being billed as a tall or long style. But this year the brand has introduced three inseam options to better help you decide which length is right for you. The Tall sizes are recommended for anyone over 5-foot-7, but we’d actually recommend anyone within two or three inches of that height try both the Tall and Regular lengths just to be sure—the Talls are really very long. All inseams come in seven rich-looking hues, included classic black and four shades of brown, and have a high rise for smoothing your tummy and preventing any whale-tail situations. The Japanese vegan leather is specifically woven to prevent bagging and won’t lose its shape over time, even if you wear these multiple times a week. Notes one reviewer, who works as a bartender, “They go on a little tight, but you can feel them forming to your body. They're so comfortable, nice and long (I have ridiculously long legs that no legging seem[s] to be long enough for), and best of all, they stay put! I have never had a pair of these that don't slip down while I'm running around behind the bar. They even stay in place while I’m crouched down stocking coolers!”

Yes, Spanx already has one mention in this list, but when it comes to leggings for the 5-foot-2 and under crowd, there’s still nothing that can top this fan favorite. With a 26-inch inseam, they won’t pool at your ankles unlike many cropped styles (which, to be honest, were never going to look cropped on you anyway). Plus, a 9 ½-inch rise is high enough to comfortably cover your midriff without going all the way up to your bust. Like the regular and tall lengths, Spanx’s petite leggings tend to run small, and we recommend sizing up for comfort. “I love these leggings. They almost look like leather pants and love how they snatch my stomach and legs,” says one Nordstrom reviewer. “Have gotten many compliments on these. I’m 5-foot-1 and 143 pounds and got a medium petite. They are a little tight but I prefer them snug.”

Comfort is key for maternity wear, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice style to get there. A soft jersey waistband supports and accommodates your ever-growing belly without feeling restrictive. Meanwhile, the faux-leather fabric of the legs is super lightweight (who wants to deal with shimmying into or out of heavy, sweaty leggings?) with a subtle shine that looks great with both cozy oversize knits for lounging at home or a flowy blouse for more dressed-up occasions. As an added bonus, they’re also machine washable. 

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 come in a black, camel brown and a wine red hue, all of which are machine-washable. And don’t worry about awkward squeaking while you walk, these affordable leggings glide noiselessly as you move.

These leggings are not the least expensive on this list, but at just 28 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 waistband 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.)

If you’re willing to invest big bucks on a pair of long-lasting, flattering faux-leather leggings, you really can’t do better than Wolford. The popular British hosiery company puts a huge emphasis on fit across its entire product range and these slimming leggings are no exception. Reviewers loved the smoothing effect of a tight fit at the hips and bum, while the ankles are slightly looser, for more of a skinny trouser silhouette. The same could be said for any of the leggings on this list, but because the sizing is being converted from international sizing, we highly recommend measuring yourself and double checking the guide and reviews to ensure you get the perfect fit.

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 three chic colors—black, olive green 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.

Faux leather tends to be pretty great at keeping you warm, but for truly cold winter days you’ll probably want a little extra something to keep your stems from freezing over, especially if you’re opting for leggings over true pants. Enter Plush, a brand dedicated entirely to fleece-lined leggings and tights that will keep you nice and cozy without adding any bulk or causing you to overheat once you go indoors. As a bonus, that fleece layer further helps to smooth out your silhouette without the constrictive feeling of shapewear. As for how it stands up to the cold? Take it from one Chicago reviewer who says, “Highly recommend! They are so comfortable, warm and soft for those windy Chicago winters. And no additional layers required.”

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, as well?

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 perfectly Very flattering. Not binding at the top. They actually look so much like leather someone thought they were real leather. These are super comfortable.”

Looking to fancy-up your workout gear? Try adding these chic faux-leather leggings from ALO to the mix. They have all the sweat-wicking, quick-drying features you want in a gym legging, but the slight shine and seamless waistband make them feel dressy enough to wear out for a post-workout drink with your friends. They also come with a front-smoothing panel to help your core feel better supported and prevent any rolling at the waistband. And with built-in four-way stretch, they’ll comfortably see you through every type of sweat sesh, from running to Pilates to dance cardio and even super-advanced yoga classes.