What to Look For in Faux Leather Leggings

Whether you’re expecting or just looking for a pair of stylish faux leather leggings, there are plenty of options on the market. For example, Good American’s Vinyl Pull-On Leggings, which are made of patent leather but feel surprisingly soft and comfy, are an ideal pick for expecting mothers.

A good pair of faux leather leggings can help sculpt your figure and keep you warm in cold weather. However, not all pairs are created equal—and it’s important to know what to look for before you commit to buying one.

First, you’ll want to consider the material of your faux leather leggings. Faux leather is typically made from polyurethane, a plastic-based material that looks similar to real leather, but can also be stiff or flexible depending on how it’s manipulated.

It’s also possible to find faux leather leggings with a fleece lining, which can add extra warmth and protection in cold temperatures. Some brands, such as VOGUEMAX, make them with this feature, and reviewers say they love them for the added insulation.

Some of the best-selling faux leather leggings on the market are from Old Navy, whose customers say they’re the “perfect legging” because they’re flattering, supportive and comfortable for any activity. They come in a wide range of colors so they can easily match any outfit, and the waistband is elastic so it doesn’t sag or roll down when you move.

Another option that gets a lot of high marks from shoppers is Gap’s Leather-Effect Pants, which are designed to mimic the appearance of leather pants and come in a smooth black faux leather with a zip fly and button closure. This style comes in short, regular and long inseams as well as tall and petite styles, and they’re selling fast.

While they’re not particularly thick or warm, they do have a lot of stretch and are machine-washable, which is a plus in our book. They’re also available in a variety of different shades, including a neutral gray and a bright purple for when you want to mix up your closet.

You’ll also need to consider the fit of your faux leather leggings. The most flattering ones will have several vertical seams, be loose at the ankles and contain some elastane for control, according to Kotsiopoulos.

A great pair of faux leather leggings will also have a wide waistband and a high-quality, soft feel. These features are crucial because they’ll help you maintain the illusion of a slimmer, longer leg, and will also make you look like you’re wearing real leather, not just synthetic fabric.

This is an especially important point when it comes to leggings that are designed to be used for exercise, which can often cause them to roll down or gap in the back. Spanx has been the go-to shapewear brand since the late 2000s, and it’s now offering these faux leather stirrup leggings in sizes XS to XL, which are a perfect fit for most women.

The only downside of these leggings is that they’re a little tight in the beginning, so they’ll need to be sized up if you’re not used to compression wear or aren’t a fan of Spanx’s sizing. Otherwise, these are a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe.