The 15 best faux leather leggings for every budget and body type

If I had to live in one pair of faux leather leggings for the rest of my life, this would be it. With ample stretch, they're a cinch to slip on and take off. Not only that, but the wide waistband boasts the perfect level of compression, meaning they're flattering without being uncomfortable. 

Due to the high waist, I can pair them with cropped sweaters and tops, and the 26-inch inseam hits at just the right spot on my ankles — which is a rare find for my height (I'm 5'4"). I can dress them up with an off-the-shoulder bodysuit and suede over-the-knee boots, or dress them down with white platform sneakers and a denim jacket. 

This high-waisted skinny pair is like the little black dress of leggings — it'll never go out of style. They're also versatile enough to pair with concert tees, cozy sweaters, and chic silky blouses alike.

These are meant to fit like a second skin, so they may take a little extra effort to get them on, but they're well worth the wiggle. Plus, since they're unlined and ultra-lightweight, they're ideal for warmer spring and summer days.

These leggings may come with a slightly higher price tag, but there's a justification: thanks to the pebbled, buttery soft texture, they undoubtedly look the most like real leather. 

The 10.5-inch rise hits right at my natural waist, and 6% spandex offers plenty of stretch to move around freely. I also like the raw hem at the ankles, which lends some subtle edge to this pair. Best of all, they're machine washable.

The women-founded brand Carbon38 is home to a style-focused collection of elevated activewear. Their glossy Takara Shine leggings are a best selling item, especially in the high-rise full length version.

The wide no-roll waistband is designed to stretch and support you in medium-impact workouts, though it's also a great feature for styling with cropped blouses if you decide to dress them up.

The ⅞ length is designed to fall right above your ankles, showing off just a hint of skin. That makes them ideal for accommodating shorter frames — and showing off your dress shoes.

With 28% elastane in the waistband, this pair features a higher amount of stretch, which not only makes them incredibly comfortable but can also come in handy when you're dancing the night away. These leggings also feature Commando's signature subtle compression for some smoothing and shaping perks.

These high-shine faux leather leggings have a super sleek, Catwoman-esque look about them. One of the best features is the lack of center seam, which prevents any unsightly outlines up front. 

This sleek patent pair has a hidden smoothing high-rise waistband, which streamlines the silhouette from tip to toe. If you notice some squeaking between the inner thighs upon first wear, try adding a couple drops of baby oil.

Read about more of their styles we've tested in our full Spanx leggings review.

This pair of high-rise faux leather leggings run large, so they're a great choice for those looking for ample room in the waistband. They have a cropped hemline that splits with a zipper closure, so you can layer them over ankle boots and add some dimension to your work outfit.

The shorter length of these leggings is ideal for anyone 5'4" or under. And unlike many other high-waisted pairs, they won't roll down or bunch around your stomach.

Try pairing these with Chelsea boots and a flannel button-down for casual hangouts, or a tunic sweater and ankle boots for dinners out.

Reviewers agree these do run a teeny bit small, so if you're in between sizes, opt for the larger one.

If you're 5'7" and above, you'll appreciate the extra length on the tall version of these machine-washable faux leather leggings (which also come in short and regular sizes). One reason they stand out is that they come in a range of tan, taupe, and brown shades, meaning you're sure to find one that complements your skin tone.

You might notice they have slightly less give when you first put them on, but rest assured that they mold to your body and stretch out a bit with just a few wears. The high rise lends a nice smoothing effect, as does the wide waistband, which offers just enough compression to hold you in.

You may have come across Fanka leggings on TikTok, as they've garnered lots of attention for their bum-lifting effect. We tested their most popular style, and they indeed have an impressive sculpting effect. This pair has a high crossover waistband that offers even compression all the way around, and has a 3D printed pattern on one side with a leather effect sheen on the other.

Looking for a pair of faux leather leggings to sport around the ski lodge, at the skating rink, or simply while running some errands in the wintertime? These mid-rise leggings will keep you warm even in frigid temps, thanks to the thick and cozy thermal lining. As an added bonus, the lining feels super soft against your skin.

They also come in two hard-to-find colors that are easy to dress up: crisp white and a bold, bright red. Pair them with a pullover sweater and loafers when you want to look polished or, with lace-up booties and a cropped hoodie for a laid-back look.

Our favorite dupe for Lululemon leggings can be found right on Amazon, and won't cost you more than $30. This matte leather-effect pair by Colorfulkoala has received an influx of glowing reviews, with especially high praises for their soft, stretchy texture and muted shine. 

Read more in our full Colorfulkoala leggings review.

In case you missed it, flared leggings are back in a big way — and this on-trend pair is equally suitable for casual and dressy occasions.  It's also worth noting that they're available in petite, regular, and tall lengths — and go up to size 3X.

Not only do they look remarkably like real leather, but the flexible fabric moves with you, while the hidden core shaping technology lifts, sculpts, and smooths.

While this pair features a pull-on design with no button or zipper, the artfully placed seams and slit front and back pockets create the look of real dress pants.

Read about more styles we've tested in our Spanx faux leather leggings review. 

Finding cute maternity clothes is no easy feat. But according to a very pregnant friend of mine, you can wear these high-waisted leggings from the moment your bump starts appearing all the way up to nine months. That's because not only are they constructed with a stretchy front panel that can accommodate your growing belly, but they also contain an adjustable internal button that you can loosen or tighten as needed.

It's not just the waistband that's stretchy, either: there's a hint of elastane throughout to ensure they're not the slightest bit restricting. Another plus? Vertical seams down the front help to visually elongate the legs.

Athleta has some of the most comfortable leggings we've tested, with fabric that provides both full coverage and insulation. The Delancey leggings feature two back pockets, and have a comfortable stretchy quality that make them perfect for long commutes. The Gleam finish gives them a subtle edge over your average pair of work pants.