The 17 Best Faux Leather Leggings, According to Experts

Best Overall

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

$98 at Nordstrom $98 at Spanx View on Shopbop.com

Size Range: XS-3X | Materials: Body: 87% Nylon, 13% Elastane, With Polyurethane Coating; Lining: 80% Polyester, 20% Elastane | Inseam: Regular, Petite, and Tall

For a pair of leggings that sculpt your figure, look no further than Spanx, the underwear maker that revolutionized shapewear and leggings, and has helped women enhance their natural shapes, from the early 2000s. Its classic faux leather leggings have a wide waistband to contour the midsection, and their lining contains a high amount of elastane (20 percent, to be exact) that both lifts the butt and allows for more mobility. “These edgy and high-waisted faux-leather leggings are the perfect tool one could use to easily elongate any silhouette,” says stylist Mickey Freeman. We also love that this style is available in petite and tall sizes (as well as up to 3X) to accommodate many wearers.

Best Patent

Commando Control Top Faux Patent Leather Leggings

$118 at Nordstrom $118 at Zappos View on Wearcommando.com

Size Range: XS-3X | Materials: Leg: 62% Polyurethane, 36% Viscose, 2% Elastane; Waist: 78% Nylon, 22% Elastane | Inseam: Regular, Petite

Generally speaking, high-shine faux leather leggings are a bold choice, but stylist George Kotsiopoulos is all for it. “If you wanted to take a risk and be a little bit more adventurous with your clothing, this would be the way to do that,” he says. “Wear it with a great blazer and oversized sweater.” This pair by Commando is ideal because it offers a high waist and an interior panel that smooths the midsection (if you're looking for that) but also prevents the waist from rolling down. And if you’re worried that the patent leather will be a pain to take on and off, the material actually has four-way stretch to make movements easier. Stylist Caitlin Jaymes goes on to add even more styling advice, “I would pair these with a pointed-toe black pump and a black oversized blazer. You can also tie in a patent leather bag."

Best with Pockets

Sanctuary Runway Semi High Rise Legging

View on Sanctuaryclothing.com

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Front: 100% Polyurethane; Back: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex | Inseam: Regular

We don’t know what it is about pockets, but anytime a pair of leggings has some, we’re immediately intrigued. These faux leather leggings from Sanctuary have pockets on the rear, and we love how seamless it looks with the rest of the fabric while adding some oomph to your booty. The pockets give an element of luxury, almost making it seem like you’re way more dressed up than you actually are—which we love. "A great legging to give you the feel of pants, but the comfort of leggings,” says Jaymes. “I would style these with an over-the-knee black boot and trench coat."

Best Budget

Maurices High Rise Shine Legging

View on Maurices.com

Size Range: XS-4X | Materials: 85% Polyester, 15% Spandex | Inseam: Short, Regular, and Long

Maurices is one of our go-to places to shop when we’re looking to treat ourselves without spending an arm and a leg, and these leggings are truly perfect. The tight fit and pull-on style is easy to maneuver, and thanks to the stretchy material, you’ll love the feel of the soft fabric and comfort it gives. "These leggings are a great price, as some faux leather leggings can range into the hundreds,” says Shapoff. “The high-rise, thick waistband is also a really nice feature for comfort and keeping a smooth appearance." Further, this pair gets bonus points for coming in plus sizes up to 4X and three different inseam lengths.

Best Splurge

Wolford Edie Vegan Leather Leggings

$475 at Net-a-Porter $425 at Fwrd.com View on Wolford.com

Size Range: FR34-FR44 | Materials: 54% Polyurethane, 42% Polyester, 4% Elastane | Inseam: Regular

This pair of faux leather leggings by Wolford is, admittedly, a bit of a splurge. But if you’re looking to invest in leggings with a near-universally fitting silhouette from a reputable brand, Wolford's Edie Vegan Leather Leggings could be for you. They boast a buttery, supple faux leather material, and strategic construction. A wide waistband and seamed side panels provide shaping, while the unfinished hems invite wearers to tailor the length with ease, should it be necessary.

They’re also loose at the ankle, which is a good feature according to Kotsiopoulos, because it “creates the illusion of pants” over loungewear. “Pairing with a cropped chunky-knit angora, merino wool sweater, or boucle wool knit jacket with embellishments would optimize the quietly luxurious flair of this particular pair.” says Freeman

Best for Workouts

lululemon Align Pant Shine

$118 at Lululemon

Size Range: 0-20 | Materials: 80% Nylon, 20% Lycra Elastane | Inseam: Regular

Leather is one of those materials that people tend to gravitate to in the fall and winter months, but honestly, if done right, it can be worn year-round, like with these leggings from Lululemon. With a shiny finish that’s reminiscent of leather, these combine our favorite Align leggings from the brand with a head-turning look. The Nulu fabric is buttery soft, weightless, sweat-wicking, and stretchy, making it great for a yoga class or an afternoon running errands. Most faux leather leggings lack pockets, yet this design features a hidden pocket in the waistband for stashing your phone or keys. "A great legging to add a luxurious feel to your athleisure looks,” says Jaymes. “I would keep these leggings sporty by pairing them with a sneaker, white tube sock, black workout top, and a long shearling white or black coat."

Best 7/8"

Halara Back Pocket Foil Print Stretchy Casual Faux Leather Leggings

View on Thehalara.com

Size Range: XS-3X | Materials: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane | Inseam: 7/8 Length, Full Length, Capri

When we tell you we’re obsessed with these Halara faux leather leggings, we mean it! Our favorite part has to be the waistband—it comes in a crossover style which further plays up our curves and creates an hourglass figure. Plus, these can be worn to the gym thanks to the breathable, sweat-wicking, four-way stretch fabric. A 94 percent shape retention means the leggings won’t slide down, ride up, or become baggy at the knees. And did we mention there’s a hidden back pocket in the waistband? “Designed with shiny fabric and a metallic sheen, these flirtatious leggings under a masculine and slightly oversized leather blazer or motorcycle jacket would do the trick in bringing this look to life,” says Freeman.

Best High Waisted

Good American Faux Leather Leggings

$56 at Nordstrom $139 at Goodamerican.com $139 at Shopbop.com

Size Range: XS-5XL | Materials: Front: 100% Polyurethane; Back: 96% Viscose, 4% Elastane; Lining: 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane | Inseam: Regular

Delivering quality basics that make everyone’s curves look amazing, Good American has us at its mercy, and we think you’ll adore these faux leather leggings with a high waist. What’s amazing about these leggings is that they’re incredibly versatile. Made from the brand’s signature Better than Leather material, the fabric is lightweight, stretchy, and best of all, breathable, which is key when tearing it up on the dance floor. "If you're someone who wants to stay on trend, these leggings would pair perfectly with a black long-sleeve bodysuit to create a catsuit effect,” adds Jaymes. “A super sexy outfit for going out at night.”

Best Petite

Loft Petite Faux Leather Leggings

View on Loft.com

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex | Inseam: Petite, Regular, and Tall

These faux leather leggings hug all the right places and stop at the perfect length around the ankle for a comfortable fit that makes you appear just a tad bit taller. Although they're meant to be fitted, the leggings aren’t quite as skin-tight as others, making them a good option to wear to the office. Thanks to a petite—and tall—inseam, you can find the right option for your height. "This Loft legging is perfect for petites,” says Shapoff. “It is made specifically to not be too long (will not need hemming) and the seam down the back also helps with fit and gives the appearance of an elongated leg."

Best for Tall

Gap High Rise Power Shine Leggings

View on Gap.com

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: 79% Recycled Polyester, 21% Spandex | Inseam: Regular, Tall, and Petite

You won't have to worry about these faux leather leggings looking short because Gap offers them in a tall length. They're ultra-high rise to flatter the waist and even come with a moisture-wicking element, making them a great option for working out and running errands in—regardless of the weather. Flatlock contouring seams prevent chafing as well. “Choosing this slightly cropped pair would do wonders in evening the proportions of a tall woman’s look overall,” says Freeman. “The modest cropped hem of these leggings also offer a wide variety of footwear options they can be worn with." We think sneakers or even moto boots would look fab with these leggings. 

Best Plus-Size

Torrid Full Length Faux Leather Pocket Legging

View on Torrid.com

Size Range: M-6X | Materials: Faux Leather | Inseam: Regular

Going up to sizes 6X, these faux leather leggings fit all bodies. They are also ideal for those who want a more dressed-up legging, as the back and front pockets and zipper fly give them a pant-like feel. We love the deep burgundy and olive green shades in addition to the basic black.

Best Maternity

Ingrid and Isabel Leather-Like Legging

$98 at Nordstrom $98 at Madewell.com View on Ingridandisabel.com

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 87% Nylon, 13% Spandex | Inseam: Regular

Like any great pair of maternity leggings, this faux leather pair will support you from the bump down. A crossover waistband supports your lower back and gives you the option to wear it under or over the bump. However, you can wear these postpartum and beyond as well, making them well worth the investment. 

Best Shaping

Yummie Faux Leather Shaping Legging

$48 at Amazon View on Yummie.com

Size Range: XS-1X | Materials: Body: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex; Waistband Lining: 86% Polyester, 14% Spandex | Inseam: Regular

Two in one is music to our ears, and that’s exactly what you get with these leggings. Beyond just a stylish leather legging, you get all-over sculpting that smooths your waist, lifts your booty, and overall accentuates your hourglass shape. On top of that, these leggings remain comfortable with four-way stretch and no side-stream.  Shapoff also recommends wearing them to work. “These are great work leggings because of the price as well as comfort,” says Shapoff. “You can dress this up or down depending on your work environment."

Best Flare

Commando Faux Leather Crop Flare Leggings

$128 at Nordstrom $128 at Bloomingdales $128 at Zappos

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Leg: 55% Polyurethane, 44% Viscose, 1% Elastane; Waistband: 72% Nylon, 28% Elastane | Inseam: Cropped

While we love a traditional leather legging, there's something about combining a flared leg with the leather material that adds a bit of pep in our step. “These leggings are perfect for pulling off a look that is equally as downtown, as it is boho-chic," says Freeman. "A beret worn with statement drop earrings and a luxurious fabric turtleneck sweater will complete the look.” Not only does the flared opening help elongate your legs, but the cropped cut also lets you show off a fabulous pair of shoes. By opting for the earthy tones, you can further play up the vintage vibes.

Best Fleece-Lined

MOREFEEL Fleece Lined Faux Leather Leggings

$15 at Amazon

Size Range: S-2X | Materials: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex | Inseam: Regular

In cold weather, faux leather leggings aren’t particularly warm—this is because polyurethane, the main material used to make faux leather leggings, is essentially plastic and matches the temperature of its environment. Leggings with fleece linings can serve as good insulation in these cases, and no brand achieves this better than Morefeel. Apart from the cozy lining, these boast a high waist that smooths your waist and lifts your butt. Still, reviewers say that thanks to the four-way stretch fabric, the waistband doesn’t dig or roll down, and they can move around freely. When it comes to affordable, stylish leggings on Amazon, these are a great find.

Best with Stirrup

Commando Faux Leather Stirrup Leggings

$103 at Zappos

Size Range: S-XL | Materials: 55% Polyurethane, 44% Viscose, 1% Elastane | Inseam: Regular

If you wear lots of boots, sneakers, or even loafers, you might find that leggings that have stirrups are right up your alley! We think they look best when the stirrup itself is hidden inside a shoe, like a boot for example, but this pair from Commando can honestly be worn with whatever you prefer. Plus, the high-rise fit, supportive waistband, and four-way stretch means you’ll be feeling comfortable all day and night long. “These have an expensive leather-like look to them and the stirrup gives you a fashion-forward option to be able to wear with loafers for a daytime chic style or kept in place under a tall boot for evening looks," says Shapoff

Best Moto

Poetic Justice Mackenzie Moto Legging

View on Poeticjusticejeans.com

Size Range: S-XL | Materials: 70% Rayon, 30% Poly; Vegan Leather | Inseam: Regular

For a subtle edgy vibe, look no further than these vegan leather leggings by Poetic Justice. With quilted paneling on the sides that evoke bikers and motorcycles, these moto-inspired leggings feature a rayon-poly blend as well as vegan leather—making for a fun dimensional look. "To complement a moto legging, I would make sure to incorporate a moto leather jacket that has a bunch of hardware,” says Jaymes. “For example, zippers, studs, pockets, anything to add to the edge.”