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18 Best Faux Leather Leggings to Buy This Season

From Spanx to Amazon, shop the most stylish and comfortable pants of the moment.

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best faux leather leggings
Commando, Spanx

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Because we've been spending more time at home than usual, many are wearing leggings more. If you're not working out, but just want a super comfy feel, faux leather leggings are the perfect addition to your wardrobe: They fit like your favorite leggings with sleek synthetic fabrics that look like leather without breaking the bank.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has put all types of black leggings to the test, evaluating stretch recovery, shrinkage, pilling, comfort, moisture wicking capabilities, and more. These picks are from brands with excellent Lab performance, rave feedback from testers and online reviews, plus exciting new styles now available.

Is faux leather better than real leather?

Real leather production includes the harsh treatment of animals and extensive greenhouse emissions from raising livestock, while faux leather is vegan. Though the word “vegan” may make you think “plant-based,” varieties using natural materials like apple peels or pineapple leaves are very rare.

In fact, leather alternatives are typically made using polyurethane (PU), a coating that is put on fabric to give it a leather-like shine, and this chemical process also has a steep environmental cost. So while faux leather is generally more affordable and easier to clean than real leather, don't necessarily believe that it is substantially more environmentally friendly. For picks with a PU coating, it is especially important to follow the care label closely to prevent any damage while washing.

1
Best Overall Faux Leather Leggings

Commando Women's Perfect Control Faux Leather Leggings

Women's Perfect Control Faux Leather Leggings
Credit: Commando

Pros

  • Built in control top panel
  • Smooth shiny leather look
  • Last for years, according to reviewers

Cons

  • Tough to get on because of snug fit

Fitting super snug, these faux leather leggings from Commando have a control top panel for a smooth look. While they may look smaller than expected, reviewers say they "fit perfectly" and " look like buttery leather." They're available in a variety of colors; we want one in every shade! 

2
Best Value Faux Leather Leggings

Leggings Depot Faux Leather High Waist Stretchy Leggings

On Sale
Faux Leather High Waist Stretchy Leggings
Now 11% Off
Credit: Leggings Depot

Pros

  • Start at just $13
  • 15,000 rave Amazon reviews
  • Smooth high waisted fit

Cons

  • Poor smell out of the package

At just $13, these top rated Leggings Depot leggings are available in a faux leather fabric. With over 15,000 rave reviews on Amazon, reviewers love that these affordable leggings fit better than pricier styles. Note that a few reviewers noticed a "fishy" smell out of the package, but said it dissipated after washing. 

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3
Best Slimming Faux Leather Leggings

SPANX Faux Leather Leggings

Faux Leather Leggings
Credit: Spanx

Pros

  • Feature the brand's top tested shapewear
  • Petite, regular, and plus sizing
  • Nylon/spandex fabric has flattering sheen

Cons

  • Some reviewers comment that the finish peels after extensive wear

In our extensive evaluations, we love Spanx for their slimming leggings, shapewear, and even jeans. Testers loved Spanx faux leather leggings for having the brand's signature built in shapewear and making their legs look "long and lean." This chic style is a best seller and is available in petite, regular, and plus sizing

RELATEDAre Spanx Leather Leggings Worth the Hype?

4
Most Popular Faux Leather Leggings on Amazon

Ginasy Faux Leather Leggings

Amazon’s Choice
Faux Leather Leggings

Pros

  • Wide smoothing waistband
  • 7 color options
  • Best seller on Amazon

Cons

  • Thin fleece lining was too warm for some users

Amazon reviewers are obsessed with these leggings, calling them a "showstopper" and having "just the right amount of shine." In seven bold shades including magenta, blue, and brown, these leggings are available in XS-XXL sizes. With over 3,000 5-star reviews, many love the wide waistband that provides tummy control too. 

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5
Best Faux Leather Leggings for Winter

Plush Women's Fleece Lined Liquid Moto Leggings

Women's Fleece Lined Liquid Moto Leggings
Credit: Plush

Pros

  • Soft, warm fleece lining
  • Trendy stitching details
  • Keeps you warm

Cons

  • Dry clean only

Fleece lined leggings help keep you cozy and warm in the winter months, while looking stylish. This pick from Plush is lined with soft polyester fleece with a 100% acrylic shell for a faux leather look. The stitching details on the front add a trendy edgy look. Note that these leggings are dry clean only. 

6
Best Faux Leather Pants

Levi's Women's Faux Leather Rib Cage Straight Pants

Women's Faux Leather Rib Cage Straight Pants
Credit: Levi's

Pros

  • Stretchy polyester fabric
  • Flattering high waisted design
  • Ideal to wear to the office

Cons

  • Over $100

When heading to the office, opt for this pair of straight leg faux leather pants from Levi's. With a high waisted fit and loose stretchy polyester fabric, these pants feel like leggings, but look professional. Reviewers love the flattering cut and that they're warm too — ideal for outdoor dining! 

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7
Best Faux Patent Leather Leggings

Commando Faux Patent Leather Perfect Control Leggings

Faux Patent Leather Perfect Control Leggings
Credit: Commando

Pros

  • High shine finish fabric
  • Edgy and cool style
  • Snug control top panel

Cons

  • Can be a bit squeaky, according to reviewers

These patent leather finish leggings from Commando have a high shine look that reviewers love for being "totally unique." The liquid looking fabric is super stretchy and may look smaller than expected, but fit perfectly. The brand recommends using a bit of lotion to help reduce any squeaky noises the leggings produce. 

8
Best Colored Faux Leather Leggings

Aritzia Wilfred Melinda High-rise Vegan Leather Pants

Wilfred Melinda High-rise Vegan Leather Pants
Credit: Aritzia

Pros

  • Available in sizes 00-16 in cropped and long lengths
  • 15 trendy neutral color options
  • Super soft luxe faux leather

Cons

  • Less comfy than traditional leggings

These pants from Aritzia have rave reviews online for being a winter wardrobe must. The high-rise fit is universally flattering while the shiny faux leather fabric is super soft and "hugs and snatches you in the right places," according to one reviewer. We love that they're available in a ton of shades and in sizes 00-16 with cropped (perfect if you shop petite sizing) and long lengths too. 

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9
Best Faux Leather Joggers

Commando Faux Leather Joggers

Faux Leather Joggers

Pros

  • Looser fit
  • Reviewers love how comfy they are
  • Fabric has a subtle sheen

Cons

  • Pricey pick

For a looser fit, these faux leather joggers from Commando fit like loungewear while being majorly on-trend, ideal to wear when relaxing at home or out for the night. One GH editor raves that "these pants are a game-changer. They're unbelievably comfy and I get tons of compliments on them." 

10
Best Flared Faux Leather Leggings

Zara Faux Leather Flared Leggings

Faux Leather Flared Leggings
Now 50% Off
Credit: Zara

Pros

  • Snug fit
  • Flared hem looks great with booties
  • Smooth polyester fabric with a polyurethane coating

Cons

  • Must be washed in cold water

Flared leggings are an easy way to enjoy the comfort of leggings while looking like you're wearing traditional pants. They have an elastic fit with a side zipper so they stay secure. With 100% polyester fabric with a polyurethane coating for a faux leather look, follow the care label closely. 

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11
Best Lounge Faux Leather Leggings

Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Leggings

Vegan Leather Leggings
Credit: Abercrombie

Pros

  • Super soft lining
  • Continuous waistband
  • Stretchy fabric to snug all your curves

Cons

  • Spot clean only

These Abercrombie & Fitch vegan leather leggings are popular among reviewers for being surprisingly comfy when wearing all day. Reviewers especially love them for being "very stretchy, with an incredibly soft lining." They're ultra high-waisted with a continuous waistband for a comfy feel and a smooth look. Unfortunately, they're spot clean only. 

12
Best Maternity Faux Leather Leggings

Mama Faux Leather Leggings

Mama Faux Leather Leggings
Credit: Spanx

Pros

  • No center seam to prevent camel toe
  • Great throughout pregnancy
  • Non constricting belly panel

Cons

  • Some reviewers note the crotch can be a bit baggy

Maternity leggings need to be able to grow with your changing body, without feeling constricting. The stretchy top band fits easily over your belly to provide comfortable support. They feature the brand's signature faux leather nylon/elastane fabric that can be dressed up for a fashionable and comfy look. 

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13
Best Petite Faux Leather Leggings

Ann Taylor The Petite Side Zip Faux Leather Legging

The Petite Side Zip Faux Leather Legging
Now 49% Off
Credit: Ann Taylor

Pros

  • Petite inseam
  • Fashionable panels and stitching
  • Hidden side zipper for a flattering fit

Cons

  • One reviewer noted a chemical smell that dissipated over time

Ann Taylor is popular for its petite options in a range of sizes from 00-16. The panels and stitching make these leggings dressier than traditional ones, so you can even wear them to work. With a hidden side zipper and a high-waisted fit, reviewers rave that they're "perfect, stretchy, and comfortable."

14
Best Plus Size Faux Leather Leggings

Torrid Faux Leather Black Platinum Legging

Faux Leather Black Platinum Legging
Credit: Torrid

Pros

  • Sizes 10-30
  • Tummy smoothing waistband
  • Reviewers love that they run true to size

Cons

  • Lay flat to dry

Available in sizes 10-30, Torrid is a popular plus size brand offering on trend dresses, jackets, and more. These faux leather leggings are made with stretchy polyester/spandex fabric and feature a "tummy smoothing waistband." Make sure to wash them in cold water and lay them flat to dry. 

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15
Best Activewear Faux Leather Leggings

Athleta Delancey Gleam Tight

Delancey Gleam Tight
Now 75% Off
Credit: Athleta

Pros

  • Ideal to wear when traveling
  • Cooler than other picks
  • Regular, tall, and petite sizing

Cons

  • Only faux leather in the front

While faux leather leggings aren't designed for exercise, this pick from Athleta uses the brand's Sculptex fabric to wick away moisture when commuting or traveling. The front features shiny faux leather material, while the back is matte nylon/spandex fabric. Only available in black, this pick does have regular, tall, and petite sizing up to an XL. 

16
Best Metallic Faux Leather Leggings

Express High Waisted Metallic Vegan Leather Leggings

High Waisted Metallic Vegan Leather Leggings
Credit: Express

Pros

  • Gold and silver metallic shades
  • Super soft fleece like lining
  • Luxurious shine

Cons

  • Not as stretchy as other leggings, according to reviewers

In both gold and silver, these metallic vegan leather leggings from Express are popular for their luxurious sheen. Reviewers rave that the color looks amazing in person and the lining is super soft, but a few recommend letting them air out to dissipate the smell before wearing. 

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17
Best Print Faux Leather Leggings

Carbon38 High Rise Full-Length Legging In Crocodile Takara Shine

High Rise Full-Length Legging In Crocodile Takara Shine

Pros

  • Crocodile embossed print
  • Compressive nylon and lycra fabric
  • Matching sports bra available too

Cons

  • Reviewers note they're not supportive enough for high impact exercise

These splurge worthy leggings from Carbon38 have a croc embossed print in a variety of bright shades, including red, blue, and silver. The compressive nylon and lycra fabric has a glossy finish with a super wide waistband that'll stay secure during any activity. Complete the look with the matching sports bra

18
Best Embellished Faux Leather Leggings

Topshop Fliss Biker Faux Leather Leggings

Fliss Biker Faux Leather Leggings
Credit: Topshop

Pros

  • Edgy zipper details
  • Black, cream, and green shades
  • Reviewers love that they fit more like pants than leggings

Cons

  • Look at the brand's size chart closely before purchasing

These edgy leggings from Topshop feature shiny faux leather fabric with a visible front zipper and side zippers. Available in black, cream, and green, reviewers love their comfortable fit and that "the details make these leggings look more like pants." Make sure to check the size chart closely for a proper fit. 

Headshot of Emma Seymour
Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director

Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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