These faux leather workout leggings have a major cult following and for good reason. Not only are they sleek, elegant, and sexy, they’re made from a full coverage fabric with four-way stretch, allowing you to easily move through high-intensity workouts. The high-rise and wide waistband ensures you’re supported without feeling constricting, while the full length and glossy liquid finish feels high-end and perfect for nights out. Time to bring out the combat boots. I like how chunky these boots are to add a bit of volume to your ankles since the legging is skin-tight. When it comes to shoes, López says that faux leather leggings ”work great with tall, cowboy, or over the knee boots, [but] you can also dress them down with sneakers.” Clearly, faux leather leggings give you a lot to work with, so don’t be afraid to experiment while styling them. There’s no one material that makes faux leather leggings look realistic. Different brands will have variation in the shininess and texture of their product, so go for the one that you think looks best. If you have to second-guess yourself and ask if it seems realistic, it probably isn't. Patent leather leggings add high shine to your look. These are great going-out pants that will really turn heads!

These leggings do make a squeaking sound, which is pretty standard when you’re dealing with patent leather, faux and otherwise. If that bothers you, Commando recommends applying some clear lotion or body oil and rubbing it on the inner thighs of your pants to make them quieter. If you live in a cold climate, you know that smart layers are crucial for staying warm and fashionable in freezing temperatures. The beauty of these faux-leather leggings is that they're fleece-lined, which makes them ultra soft and cozy, but you'd never know thanks to their chic silhouette. I recommend this pair for our clients who are looking for luxurious texture and ethical materials,” says Lloyd. “Crafted from vegan suede, they offer a sophisticated look without compromising values. The leggings' versatility and softness make them a stylish option for various occasions, ensuring both fashion-forward appeal and a cruelty-free choice.” These four-way stretch, high-waisted faux leather leggings come in eight full-coverage colors that never fade. Lifestyle Influencer and Beauty Writer Katya Bychkova appreciates that “they offer less compression, which makes them more comfortable for everyday wear,” she tells InStyle. “They feature a shiny, grainy texture to look more like genuine leather and could pass for skinny leather pants.” And InStyle senior commerce editor Chloe Anello swears by them, too, because they never roll down or weirdly gap at the ankles — a feat for a taller woman, like herself. They’re similar to Spanx, but according to Anello, they hold up a little better and have a more natural-looking faux leather, though they are a bit thinner than some expected. Plus, they have a much better size range. We love that it comes in four staple colorways to suit your style, for a variety of transitional workout looks from the gym, to the office, to the bar. We don’t love that they don’t come in tall or petite sizes, though they do offer XXS-XXL.

The Best Faux-Leather Leggings at a Glance

George Kotsiopoulos is a fashion expert, author, and television host best known for co-hosting E!’s weekly hit series “Fashion Police” with the late Joan Rivers. He began his career in the Style department atThe New York Times Magazineand has been listed twice onThe Hollywood Reporter’s “25 Most Powerful Stylists”list, as well asOutMagazine’s annual list of 100 most influential people in the LGBTQ+ communities. You may notice an off-gassing scent when you first open them, so you should probably give them a wash before wearing them out. They also have a shinier finish than other faux leather leggings, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. But if you're searching for an affordable option that will keep you cozy throughout your whole pregnancy, these are a great option to consider.

Same thing goes if you’re plus-sized: Know your proportions and find a brand with an inclusive size range. We recommend the Good American Good Waist Faux Leather Leggings because they have an inclusive size range that goes up to 5XL. Chelsea Frank has been a freelance writer for 10 years, covering fashion, beauty, lifestyle, wellness, and beyond with bylines on Brides, Uproxx, and TripSavvy, among others. For this article, she interviewed fashion stylist and TV personality Cindy Conroy and Stitch Fix stylist Alicia Lloyd. Designed with a premium fabric, they offer a polished appearance and all-day comfort,” Lloyd says. “The leggings' versatile style effortlessly transitions from work to social settings, making them a luxurious investment for those seeking sophistication and flexibility in their wardrobe. You will get so much wear out of these that it will be worth the investment!”Another factor to consider is height, especially if you’re tall or petite. For shorter people, López recommends Spanx and Commando leggings. “I’m personally 5 feet 3 inches, and the Spanx Petite leggings fit great for length.” The Commando leggings have a raw-cut hem, which López tells us is “great if you need to shorten the length—just cut off with a pair of scissors and you won’t need to professionally tailor the fabric.” Made from buttery soft, matte faux leather, these size-inclusive leggings are straightforward and have plenty of stretch to keep you comfortable for all day wear. Plus, they let the booty do all the talking with a simple seam down the center and no other distractions. If you are self-conscious about wearing leggings with a cropped top, I highly recommend getting faux leather pants.

Polyurethane, which is basically a liquid form of plastic, is the most popular material for faux leather leggings. It’s adaptable in that it can be stiff or flimsy, and it’s used in a variety of goods, like office supplies, sports, equipment, not just apparel. While it’s not a natural material, it’s what helps give leggings that leathery texture and sheen. The holy grail of faux leather leggings goes to Spanx. While on the pricier end, you can expect quality, great fitting, and long-lasting pair that you won’t have to replace season after season. What We Love: This faux leather is lightweight and breathable, so you won’t be sweaty and overheating.

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While they are not as easy to style as jeans, they can definitely serve as a wardrobe staple for many years to come. Nothing says chic like leather leggings and a camel coat. Such an easy, yet classic leather legging outfit idea. While these pants are pricey, they're built to last. They're made with a special weaving technique to prevent them from becoming baggy or losing their shape over time. No matter if you're lounging at home, working, or running errands, these pants will stay put, so you can focus on looking fabulous instead of discretely pulling up your leggings. Wear them with a longline blazer or crisp white poplin and they are office-appropriate,” suggests Conroy. “Versatile enough to be worn on weekends and weekdays, they are your new wardrobe workhorse.”

I’m not exaggerating when I say that I have LIVED in my leather leggings throughout the entire fall-winter season. Our top choice is the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings because they’re incredibly comfortable, with a high-waisted cut and smooth, compressive fabric. We also like how they come in a range of sizes, including petite and tall options, to fit different body types. So how do you style your leather leggings? This is where the fun comes in because faux leather leggings go with SO many things.

Leather Leggings Outfits

While these leggings are designed with movement in mind, their polished appearance and high-waisted silhouette means you can wear them while running errands or grabbing brunch with friends, and it won't be obvious that you just came from the gym. They made be a bit of a splurge, but their versatility makes these performance leggings worth it.