Leather leggings have become a wardrobe staple — and we’re here to help you find your go-to pair.
With the weather getting colder and days getting shorter, it’s only fair that our wardrobes get a little upgrade to combat Mother Nature’s vibe shift. And what better item to rescue us than a trusty pair of leather leggings? With their sleek, streamlined look, leather leggings have been a fall/winter outfit staple for years, but finding a pair that looks and feels great can be a challenge.
So where should you begin your search for the perfect leather pair to add to your legging collection? We’ve got you covered with all the details on the best leather leggings of 2023.
What to look for in the best leather leggings
There are a couple of important things to consider when looking for a new pair of leather leggings. First, comfort is key — especially during our harsh Canadian winters. Leather leggings are beloved for being a versatile garment that can go with almost any look, from worn with an oversized blazer for an office-appropriate outfit to paired with a silk blouse for a night out.
But you don’t want to be caught in subzero temperatures in a paper-thin pair. Combat this by looking for leather skinnies that are lined with cotton or wool. These keep you warm as you brave the elements.
Also on the topic of comfort, look for leather leggings with lots of stretch and an elastic waistband. These details will ensure that the pants won’t feel too restrictive, which can unfortunately be a frequent issue with some leather garments. The elastic will also help ensure that the pants won’t be too loose and prone to slipping down — a common (and very annoying) issue with leggings that most of us know all too well.
Lastly, remember to have fun! Leather leggings are a great foundation for personal style expression with endless options. Whether you’re looking for a matte or high-shine finish, skinny or flared leggings, or if you’re in the market for a unique coloured pair, the perfect leather leggings are out there.
Genuine leather vs. faux leather leggings
Now, I know what you’re wondering: Should I be looking for genuine or faux leather leggings?
Well, since everyone’s personal style preferences (and budgets) are different, there’s not just one answer. But we can offer some advice by explaining the differences between genuine and faux leather.
To begin, the fundamental difference between the two is that genuine leather is made from animal hides, which can include cow, lamb, sheep and more. On the other hand, faux leather (also commonly referred to as vegan leather) is made without animal products. Instead, it’s created using a plastic base, which usually involves materials such as polyurethane.
Oftentimes, people may opt for genuine leather products because of their durable and made-to-last reputation, which makes them much more expensive than faux leather goods. As such, some people may prefer faux leather for its more reasonable price tag, or due to their animal rights or ethical beliefs. However, since faux leather is made of plastic, it is not entirely environmentally friendly, which some take into consideration when shopping for leather goods.
Each of these factors holds a different weight from person to person, but they should all be equally considered in one’s individual shopping process.
The best leather leggings to buy in 2023
Best overall
Perfect Control Faux Leather Legging
If you’re in the market for a quintessential pair of leather leggings that you can wear with anything from heels and a “going out top” to sneakers and a sweater, look no further. With an average of 4.3 stars from 1,050 glowing reviews, these high-waisted faux leather leggings from Commando have you covered.
Made of polyurethane and viscose, these pants are smooth as butter yet simultaneously supportive in all the right places. For extra comfort, the waistband is made of a secure yet flexible mix of nylon and elastane.
Whether you’re running errands or dancing the night away, rest assured that your faux leather pants will stay exactly where you want them without the worry of a dreadful too-tight waistline.
Pros
- Interior lined for extra warmth
- Manufactured with a stretch fit in mind to suit all heights
- Available in seven colours, including rich fall shades and a trendy silver
- Look and feel much like real leather
Cons
- Some reviews say they run small
- Like most leather pants, they can be a bit of a struggle to get into (but once on, reviewers say they “fit like a glove”)
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Best faux leather leggings
Alo Yoga Faux Leather Airbrush High-Waist Legging
Don’t let their brand’s name fool you, these faux leather leggings by Alo Yoga are made for more than your weekly pilates class. With their promise to sculpt, smooth and lift, along with their cool cracked leather-like finish, these pants win major points for versatility.
The best part? Their four-way stretch, made from Alo Yoga’s signature sculpting and lifting airbrush fabric, means that these leggings provide a “move with you feel” that works great both in and out of the yoga studio.
Pros
- Breathable materials ensure a moisture-wicking and odour-resistant experience
- With a solid four-star rating, most reviewers say they fit true to size
- Due to their airbrushed finish, they don’t look like workout wear
Cons
- Only available in black and one other limited-edition colour
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Best genuine leather leggings
Banana Republic Stretch Leather Legging
You can’t go wrong with these fitted stretch leather leggings from Banana Republic for a timeless pair of genuine leather pants that will last you for years to come.
Made of high-quality abd responsibly sourced imported leather, these pants are reinforced with extra fabric and equipped with a hidden elastic waistband and side zipper for a pleasant wearing experience. While it can be rare for genuine leather garments to offer comfort, the impeccable craftsmanship of these sleek skinny trousers ensures that they feel just as good as they look.
Pros
- Soft interior thanks to extra fabric
- Reasonable price point for genuine leather
- Rave reviews praising their “top quality material”
- One of our favourite black faux leather leggings in Canada options thanks to timeless versatility
Cons
- Leather specialist cleaning only
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Best rated
Butterluxe High Waisted Lounge Legging
If you’re looking to shake up your pant rotation with an ultra-soft pair of faux leather leggings, look no further. With an impressive 4.6 stars from over 7,200 glowing reviews on Amazon, you can’t go wrong with this buttery smooth, best-rated pair.
Thanks to their soft, stretchy material, these pants offer just the right amount of compression while being breathable and comfortable at the same time. Not impressed yet? Their matte faux leather look works for casual outings and evening events alike.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Ultra stretchy fabric
- Reviewers claim they’re a “Lululemon dupe at a fraction of the cost”
Cons
- Due to their matte finish, some reviewers wish they appeared shinier in person
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Best budget
Womens Faux Leather High Waisted Leggings
We get it — not everyone is looking to spend over $100 on a new pair of pants. Starting at just $28, and with over 32,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon, these high-waist leather leggings are one of the best budget pairs on the market.
With the help of wrinkle-resistant and stretchy technology, this faux leather pair promises a comfortable and flattering fit. In addition to black, they also come in a variety of fall-ready hues (including beige, brown and red), giving you a ton of cute new outfit options for the season.
Pros
- Comfortable and figure-hugging material
- Available in multiple colours
- Affordable price point
- Sizes XS through XL (select shades up to 2XL)
Cons
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Best with shapewear
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
These faux leather leggings from Spanx are an undeniable fan favourite for good reason. Made with nylon and spandex, as well as Spanx’s beloved hidden shaping technology (which is reinforced with their trustworthy power waistband), they offer just the right amount of compression.
The bonus? Their high-gloss finish gives them a little edge, making these leather leggings a solid choice for brunch with the girls or a night on the town. The high-waisted style cinches midsections with ease.
Pros
- Highly stretchy yet durable
- Available in sizes XS through 3X
- Reviewers praise their versatility
- Ideal for those who love a high-waisted fit
Cons
- Due to the shapewear, they can be tighter than most leggings and run a bit on the smaller side
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Best luxury
Joseph Stretch-Leather Leggings
If you’re in the mood to upgrade your closet with a pair of splurge-worthy, genuine leather leggings, these Joseph pants are for you. In classic black with a super soft finish, these are the best leather leggings to consider when looking for an investment pair.
Not only do they come with all the long-lasting perks that authentic, high-quality leather brings, but they’re also made with comfort in mind. Yup, these grained leather pants come with stretch material and a 97% cotton lining to ensure comfortability and warmth for exceptionally luxurious wear.
Pros
- Lined with cotton and lycra for warmth
- Elastic waistband
- Soft, quality authentic leather
Cons
- Require specialist cleaning
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Best maternity
Maurices Black Liquid Shine Maternity Legging
Few things are more essential for an expectant mother than a solid pair of stretchy, grow-with-you pants that are both comfy and stylish. Maurices has moms-to-be covered with their sleek liquid shine maternity leggings.
Made of polyester and spandex, these high-shine leggings can be dressed both up and down for a variety of outfit pairings. Most importantly, their full-coverage, over-the-bump panel is just supportive enough, won’t roll down and isn’t overly constricting, which offers maximum comfort. This is the only faux leather pair of leggings we love for growing baby bumps.
Pros
- Fits true to size
- High shine makes them easy to dress up
- Affordable price point
- Buttery soft texture
- One of the few vegan leather leggings designed for growing baby bumps
- Excellent maternity work pants
Cons
- May be too dressy for everyday, casual wear
Best Aritzia
Wilfred Free Daria Pant
There are few stores that consistently knock it out of the park with their faux leather items as frequently as Aritizia, and the brand’s Wilfred Free Daria Pants are no exception. This pair makes it a cinch to style faux leather leggings.
These high-waisted, skinny-fit leggings are made with Aritzia’s premium stretch vegan leather from Japan for a smooth finish. With a sleek sophistication, a hint of edginess and an authentic look and feel, these are undoubtedly one of the best leather leggings available right now.
Pros
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- High-rise and wide waistband for ultimate comfort
- Machine washable
Cons
- Some reviewers noted that they run small
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