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Say hello to your new wardrobe hero. Beamhouse
There are certain cold-weather staples that every wardrobe needs: chunky knit sweaters, leather boots, and ultra-cozy coats, to name a few. But one underrated essential you should add into the mix? A pair of faux leather leggings. Trust me: the key piece that once transformed Olivia Newton-John into a total baddie in Grease can work just as much magic in your own closet. Leather leggings can be dressed up or down, and if you’re looking for an easy way to add some edge to your cutest winter outfits or fall outfits, they'll absolutely do the trick—whether for a night out or a casual weekend lewk.
“It is my firm belief that leather leggings can be worn with literally anything, but I personally like it to keep it effortless and simple so the look doesn’t venture into Sons of Anarchy territory,” explains celebrity fashion stylist Madison Guest. “I love them with a simple T-shirt, layered necklaces, and high heels; or, for a more casual vibe, pair them with an oversized sweater, denim jacket, and comfy flats.” Convinced you need a pair of faux leather leggings in your life ASAP? We did all the shopping for you to find the best of the best—from butt-lifting options to fleece-lined pairs to budget-friendly Amazon picks. Here's a lil sneak peek of the winners...
Now that you're ready to live your best (faux) leather life, keep scrolling for our complete rundown of the best styles to shop now—plus all the tips and tricks on what to look for while shopping for your perfect pair.
There's a reason (actually, many, many reasons) why these best-selling Spanx faux leather leggings have thousands of five-star reviews: They really deliver. The slightly compressive faux leather fabric and contoured power waistband offer a smoothing and sculpting fit that doesn't feel too tight or uncomfortable—and as a bonus, there's no center seam, so you won't have to worry about any legging-induced camel toe.
THE REVIEWS: "The fit is absolutely perfect!" reads one review. "They stretch appropriately and never make me feel like I am stuffed into them. Such a fun pair of leggings for all occasions!"
If you're not in a place to drop almost $100 on leggings rn (we get it), then you need to check out this more budget-friendly pair from 90 Degree by Reflex. Available in just about every color imaginable, these faux leather leggings have earned over 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon for their extra-high waistband, comfy feel, and $30 price tag.
THE REVIEWS: "I absolutely love, love these," one reviewer notes. "They are true high-waisted and they do not roll down. They are fitted and fit my legs perfect but with stretch—not too tight. I love the color of these, the sheen, the comfort, everything. And [they're] a quarter of the price of the expensive ones."
Why do these faux leather leggings from Retro Gong have over 11,000 five-star reviews, you ask? Probs because they're made to flatter legit E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E. Made with nylon and spandex, these bbs are designed to lift and sculpt your booty with contouring and gentle compression—not to mention they're amazingly breathable (and frequently on sale!).
THE REVIEWS: "Love these pants!" notes one reviewer. "I also have the Spanx and they’re almost identical. Only difference is that these are slightly longer, and they’re also more comfortable than the Spanx because they are a little more stretchy—which also makes my butt look better. Would definitely recommend."
Anyone who prefers a matte finish should turn their attention to these TikTok-famous leggings from SANTINY. Stretchy, lightly compressive, and complete with an inner pocket in the waistband, these bbs are both affordable and functional—oh, and they're made with opaque fabric and feature a seamless front design, so you don't have to fret about any fashion faux pas.
THE REVIEWS: According to one review, "I saw these all over TikTok so had to buy them to see if they were with the hype! They fit perfect, true to size, have stretch, [and are] very flattering and comfortable. Every time I wear them I get asked where I got them. Definitely worth the money."
If you want a little party-in-the-front-business-in-the-back type of sitch, look no further than these two-panel faux leather leggings from Old Navy that—*drumroll pls*—cost less than $30, andddd are literally always on sale. Plus, they're available in petite, regular, and long sizes for plenty of options. *Drops mic, adds to cart*
THE REVIEWS: "I am extremely satisfied with my order. Been wanting a pair and these are perfect," one tester notes. "They feel great and I love them."
Looking for faux leather leggings that'll keep your legs extra-cozy during the colder months? Opt for a pair with velvety fleece lining, like these popular leggings from Ginasy. These bbs (which have earned over 6,000 five-star reviews) are stretchy, shiny, and slim-fitting, with a wide waistband for tummy control and a fuzzy interior that feels like a dream.
THE REVIEWS: "They literally fit like a glove," writes one reviewer. "They are incredibly flattering and soft. They are high-waisted and keep things firmly in place, giving an awesome silhouette. The material feels very high quality—not thick, but sturdy. The inside of the pants is very lightly covered with a very fine fuzzy material. This makes them easy to pull on and off. I wore them in the fall and they were incredibly comfortable."
Another fan fave, these spicy leggings from Yummie are here to offer 360 degrees of shaping from the waist to the ankle, resulting in a totally snatched lewk. Reviewers love the two-ply signature waistband, which provide shaping, as well as the functional zippers at the ankles and the fun range of color options.
THE REVIEWS: "Literally the most flattering leggings I've ever owned!" reviews one tester. "They are so soft, don't crinkle, and don't stretch throughout the day. They hug ALL the right areas. Absolutely love them!!"
Wanna get leggings that shine like a pair of patent leather shoes? Go with this incredible sleek option from Good American, which is cut from the company's signature Better Than Leather fabric and given a high-shine patent leather finish. The lightweight, breathable, and buttery-soft feel makes the dry cleaning bill totally worth it, trust.
THE REVIEWS: "I have never felt so sexy!!" notes one reviewer. "I wish they were made in every color!! The built-in underwear was a complete surprise and is so functional. I love these pants!! I got so many compliments."
When it comes to high-quality bodysuits, underwear, hosiery, and more, Wolford is such a go-to—and the brand's vegan leather leggings are no exception. Though they're a wee bit pricier than other faux leather leggings on the market, the buttery soft fabric (which is machine washable) and flattering high-rise fit make these an internet favorite.
THE REVIEWS: "Excellent Wolford quality, perfect fit, simply beautiful," one tester writes. "The most perfect leggings!"
A favorite of celeb stylist Madison Guest's, these high-waisted vegan leather leggings are made with superior shape retention and easy care in mind. They're available in seven neutral shades and three different length options, and thanks to the authentic drape, soft sheen, and supple finish, no one will ever know you're not wearing real leather.
THE REVIEWS: "I have two pairs in two different colors, and if I could have more, I would!" writes one tester. "So comfortable, so stylish, sassy, and so many compliments! Warm in the winter and cool in the summer. [I] live for these pants!"
For when you want to skip the traditional leggings look, try an on-trend pair of faux leather pants, like Steve Madden's Citrine Pull-On Faux Leather Flare Pants. I personally own a pair of these and because they're just that cute, I couldn't wait for the temps to drop before I started wearing them. The pull-on design is both smoothing as well as comfortable, and the lil kick flare elevates them so damn much.
THE REVIEWS: "These are the cutest, most comfortable leather pants I own," notes one tester, adding, "they're so different from all the other ones on the market thanks to the little flare, and they're super affordable too!"
Looking for comfort over compression? Then go with these wildly popular leggings from Commando, which are made with a firming fabric that won't bag, sag, or pill, no matter how long or how often you wear 'em. You'll love the internal smoothing waistband, the stretchy feel, and the fact that Commando's faux leather actually looks like the real thing.
THE REVIEWS: According to one reviewer, "For the past few years, I’ve always worn a competitor brand faux leather legging but decided to give Commando a try. I have to say I love these so much more. The fabric really is more similar to the real product and will definitely hold up over time. They are incredibly cozy and I was able to move around without limitation."
Complete with built-in shaping, tailored stitching, and hidden ankle zippers, these vegan leather leggings from Honeylove are anything but basic. This option even features an absorbent gusset to keep you from overheating (which can be a problem with faux leather leggings, fyi), as well as a cute cropped ankle.
THE REVIEWS: As one tester writes, "Fit amazingly well and the compression layer is perfectly positioned for my post-section pouch. I have tried other popular brands, including Spanx, but they just didn’t support me where I needed. These were definitely worth the investment."
Calling all high-waist lovers: These are for you. Featuring a 29-inch inseam, these body-hugging leggings from Lyssé are constructed with a concealed waistband and body-lengthening seaming that'll make your legs look a mile long—and as a bonus, they're really damn comfy, too.
THE REVIEWS: As one tester writes, "I was nervous to spend so much on a pair of leggings, but they FAR surpassed expectations. Comfortable, classy, and holds everything in place. I highly recommend these—[they're] well worth the price."
For something a lil trendier, go with these statement-making split-hem leggings from Norma Kamali. Designed for a high-waist fit that is a slim fit and flares at the ankle, these faux leather leggings are pricey but so, so versatile—not to mention they look cool AF.
THE REVIEWS: "These pants are so chic," notes one tester. "You can dress them up or down with a blazer or a Lululemon Jacket, ankle boots, or sandals-flat or heeled. Need I say more!!!?"
Featuring a wide-stretch, tummy-smoothing waistband and tapered legs, these ultra-sleek leggings from Torrid fit like a second skin...and make that skin look really, really good. The polyester and spandex blend fabric helps to give ya a nice, smooth silhouette with the perfect balance of stretch and compression—and can we just talk about that $50 price tag?
THE REVIEWS: "Totally expected these to reveal every little cellulite bump and crevice and all my other...'landscapes and textures'...but they don't!" notes one reviewer. "Was pleasantly surprised to see that they smooth things out and give a nice sleek look."
Cosmo’s team of digital fashion experts have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. These faux leather leggings for women were chosen based on style, functionality, testability, price point, and so many reviews to put together this shoppable list of the very best for you!
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces, as well as some fashion and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to achieve ridiculously glowing skin, a super bouncy blowout, or exactly how to use that viral face mask? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As NYC's newest resident, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini this city has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram where you'll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dog and that magazine life.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing digital content across fashion, lifestyle, beauty, sex, and culture. Previously, she was the Market Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR and has written for publications including WWD, Bustle, and W Magazine. When she’s not busy taste-testing her way through every dirty martini in New York, you can follow her on Instagram for bad jokes, good outfits, and annoying vacation pics.
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