What Are the Best Faux-Leather Leggings?

This highly recommended pair from Spanx gives you the structure of faux leather with all the comfort of athleisure. Some of the leggings on this list are a bit more structured and resemble more of a pant, but these fit “like an actual legging with a faux-leather look,” says stylist Rasheena Liberté. Liberté says that also makes them “the perfect starter legging.” They come in a wide range of sizes — the inseam comes in petite, regular, and tall, and the sizing goes from extra-small to 3X. And because they’re from Spanx, who specialize in shapewear, our experts tell us they’re quite “sliming”. Fashion writer Belle Bakst, known as Little Fashion Stylist on Instagram, thinks these are a staple because they feel comfortable yet look polished. She says, “Whether you’re layering with a band tee, an oversize sweater in a bright color, or just running out to grab a coffee, you’ll feel put together enough to run into someone you know.”

Dawn Ellerbe, a former Olympian turned plus-size fashion influencer, suggests this H&M pair if you’re looking for a smart option, especially because of the universally flattering high waist. “They have the polish of a pant with the comfort of leggings. Even while many of us are still working from home, these give loungewear a stylish upgrade,” adds Ellerbe.

Real leather is actually pretty cozy, but warmth can vary when you’re talking about faux leather. That’s why Baskt likes this thermal-lined option. “Prevent the cold from ruining your #ootd with a pair of the Calzedonia faux-leather leggings,” she says. “They’re thermal on the inside, keeping you warm, toasty, and still cute.” And, unlike many of the leggings on this list, these come in shades other than black. The colorway shown here is what the company calls “yellow dark gold,” but they also come in dark gray, wine purple, and, of course, black.

Liberté says “Zara is a great place to shop for high fashion dupes,” and these leggings are no exception. Not only are they affordable, she says, but the leather (albeit fake) looks nice and not plasticy as sometimes faux-leather leggings are. She does note that the sizing runs a little small so “if you have curves, be sure to size up.”

Ellerbe likes the fact that these leggings offer a way to dip your toe into the leather legging trend. “If you’re not ready to go full on leather, these faux-leather panel leggings offer the leather look in the front and the softness of knit leggings in the back,” she explains. In addition to the regular length, there’s also petite and tall options — “I like the fact that they are budget friendly and also size inclusive,” says Ellerbe.

Liberté recommends these leggings for risk-takers — they’re the ultimate skintight fit. “Naked Wardrobe is known for their excellence in formfitting leggings and this leather Drip On legging lives up to the hype,” she says. The fabric provides some light compression, for “a different take on the traditional leather legging while adding character to everyday looks,” Liberté says. “it’s definitely a wardrobe enhancer!” And there is also a range of matching bodysuits, tops, and even gloves available, if you want to add more faux leather to your look.

Commando comes recommended to us by Blacksher, who wears them when she’s “feeling spicy.” She owns the now sold-out crocodile version, but former Strategist writer Chloe Anello owns the plain faux-leather leggings from them as well, and she warns that they’re very tight and that you should definitely consider sizing up, but promises they feel comfortable once you get in them. Plus, “they actually look real,” she says.

“Manière De Voir is known for their exceptional quality at an affordable price point,” says Liberté. These leggings have been designed to create a sculpted look, with carefully placed contour lines, concealed zips, and a high waist. “This legging is a standout because it offers details and texture to elevate a look instantly,” says Liberté. “It is definitely for the individual that’s looking to add layers of styling to their everyday look.”

“As a resident curvy girl, House of CB gets it right when it comes to pants that actually fit my body shape,” says PR manager, podcaster, and fashion writer Gisele Milan Smith. Smith typically avoids faux-leather leggings because when you have a curvy frame, she explains, “even if they are high-waisted, they rarely actually stay up on my waist, resulting in a low rise moment I did not consent to.” These leggings changed her mind because “they have the same elasticity as a traditional legging but have belt loops and a zip front to mitigate any sagging.” Plus, they look real, she promises.

Linh Niller, a New York City–based model and stylist, calls these pants “buttery-soft,” thanks to the Japanese vegan leather. She owns the cropped version and notes that this pair “contours to your body and doesn’t get baggy or loose.”

Laurent found these biker-style leather leggings on Etsy, of all places, and says “they fit my frame nicely and I like that at first glance you would think they were an actual pant” rather than a legging. She adds that “the ribbed knee panels and embellished metal zippers give it a grudge feel that has made these my perfect nightlife leather leggings.” She also likes that they’re versatile. “I’ve worn these with a leather bra and leopard print faux-fur coat to a festival and raved the night away,” she says. “I plan on also pairing these with an oversized cashmere sweater and my Dr. Martens on my next date.”

Julia Gamolina, associate principal at Ennead Architects and founder of Madame Architect likes these leggings from AllSaints so much that she bought them twice. She describes them as “The sleekest legging I could find — they’re “super skinny” and feel like a second skin.” Gamolina also appreciates the high-rise fit along with their versatility — they are “so easy for any outfit,” she says.

Williams also suggests pants “if you’re not into the skintight-legging look” or aren’t quite ready to give up your sweatpants yet. According to Williams, “It’s a great option to wear in place of your trousers, too, and pairs well with both sleek and chunky knits.” The slightly baggy fit and flexible material makes this affordable pair from H&M a good option if you’re dipping your toe into the trend.

It’s not uncommon to love the look of leather but the feel of sweatpants. “But what if you could have both styles in a more elevated design?” asks Mandy Madden Kelley, founder of Pagerie. To her, these joggers from Commando are the perfect combination of the two. “The fit and style of these pants are roomier and less constrained. You can wear them for a long time,” she adds.

These faux-leather pants — which have gone viral on TikTok — were one of Strategist writer Jenna Milliner-Waddell’s impulse buys. She had been eyeing them after seeing how well they fit several curvy bloggers she follows. Unlike with leather leggings where you are guaranteed some stretch, pants — faux leather or real — are likely more rigid, and Aritizia’s sizing isn’t always forgiving, she says. So she sized up, and to her surprise, they fit perfectly. Even better, the vegan leather feels like butter and they’re extremely warm.

“When I’m looking for a piece that I’ll be wearing on repeat — like leather pants — I always start by checking Mango’s site,” fashion writer and creator Olivia Marcus tells us. “The styles are always elevated but very wearable.” According to Marcus, they’re an excellent partner for shoes you want to show off, as they “have a looser fit through the leg and are slightly cropped at the ankle. This makes them a great choice to pair with kitten heels or ballet flats.”

In Marcus’s opinion, Nanushka makes the best faux leather around. “It’s soft, durable, and doesn’t come with that gross fishy smell a lot of fake leather has,” she explains. Although these faux-leather pants are at a higher price point, Marcus feels that they could be a good investment piece to add to your wardrobe.“The cost-per-wear will be relatively low because they’ll hold up for years and years,” she explains.

Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe, points out the clever combination of style and comfort of this pair from the Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love range, which is available in 15 waist sizes and four lengths for a personalized fit. “I love these leggings because the zipper and back pockets give a dressed up look, yet they have the comfort and stretchability of a workout legging,” Sturino says.