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Arguably, there is no other piece in a wardrobe as versatile as leather pants. While some may say, “What about the white tee? A timeless, fitted blazer?” to them, I say: What other garment can go from having rock-and-roll sex appeal to any regular, old Tuesday at the office? Dressed up or down, paired with a sneaker or a pointed-toe mule, the pleather legging remains the same: Alluring and ageless.

“Faux leather pants are a timeless staple because the look will never change drastically from season to season and can be styled in many different ways,” celebrity stylist Ebony Brown tells InStyle, noting the importance of faux leather when completing a capsule closet. “My advice would be to invest in a style you love so you’ll wear them often.”

We’re fond of Spanx’s ultra-smooth faux leather legging because they fit gloriously but remain a low-maintenance basic. But we asked experts for their favorite faux leather leggings and even tested a bunch ourselves in order to provide you the most compressive list out there.

Ahead, shop expert recommendations for the best faux leather leggings.

What We Love: These compressing pants live up to their countless five-star ratings.

What We Don’t Love: They run a bit small.

Spanx can do no wrong, especially with these pants made of nylon, elastane, and spandex blend. But don’t let the faux label fool you — these feel heavy like natural leather, meaning they don’t turn sheer or appear see-through. These shiny high-rise pants are compressing but also super smooth and breathable. They have typical shapewear properties — like making your backside look good — but not constricting, so you are still able to move in them. Because they are shapewear-esque, they run a bit small because they’re tighter than most. We recommend sizing up if you don’t want as much compression. Otherwise, they offer the right amount of control and functionality. Not to mention, they’re low-maintenance with washes. (Just throw ‘em in a machine on cold, and you’re ready for another wear.) They also offer short, regular, and tall sizes, checking all our boxes for the top spot on our list.

Price at time of publish: $98

Sizes: XS-3X | Number of Colors: 1| Texture: Smooth | Length: Petite, Regular, and Tall

What We Love: These don’t damage like other cheaper leathers tend to.

What We Don’t Love: We wish there was a non-cropped option.

This cropped-design, high-waist trousers from Mango take on an impossible sensation. They offer buyers budget-friendly faux leather that doesn’t crack. (Let's be honest: no one wants to leave the house with a brand new pair of leggings only to  find they peeled by the end of the night.) These sleek leggings are guaranteed to remain smooth with each wear. They also come with an elastic waistband to stay comfortable on the body. We just wish they came in more length options for the taller folks among us (or anyone who doesn’t love a cropped moment).

Price at time of publish: $50

Sizes: XXS-XXL | Number of Colors: 2 | Texture: Smooth | Length: Regular Only

What We Love: These appear waxy but are buttery soft to the touch.

What We Don’t Love: They run a bit long, so tailoring made be required.

I was once the leader of the anti-faux-leather-pant revolution. I’ve always disliked the way leather pants looked on my body. For others? Love. My own? Eh. But that was until I got sent Alice + Olivia’s sleek, ultra-flattering vegan leather to test out. Now, I’ve converted. These hang on the body as your favorite sweater does, wrapping around you plush and fluidly. And despite their texture appearing like typical satin faux leather, they’re smooth, like nylon leggings. The brand has a wide variety of InStyle-approved pleather choices, but if skinny-leg leggings aren’t your thing, opt for this wonderfully constructed bootcut pant. You may need to tailor them if you’re on the short side. But otherwise, they will withstand the test of time. Plus, it comes in lots of fun colors for anyone looking for more than just black.

Price at time of publish: $295

Sizes: 00-14 | Number of Colors: 5 | Texture: Soft | Length: Regular Only

What We Love: These brag-worthy leggings don’t fold or roll while wearing them. 

What We Don’t Love: They have an odor straight out of the package.

A style that goes from dressed up to down, the Eloquii Faux Leather Leggings come in fall-approved tones from an earthy olive to a deep brown. They don’t just look pretty, though. They have the right amount of stretch for comfort, hugging curves in the best way. Made for plus-size bodies, this brand also carries sizes 14-28, which we also dig. Oh, and speaking of digging: You won't have to worry about them poking into your hips. Rolling or folding isn't an issue, either.

Just be aware, some reviewers mention it has a bit of an odor right out of the package. But washing them before wearing them should remedy the problem.

Price at time of publish: $90

Sizes: 14-28 | Number of Colors: 3 | Texture: Smooth | Length: Regular

What We Love: These are a high-quality, budget-friendly choice.

What We Don’t Love: They have a baggier fit than most other options.

These Old Navy Faux Leather Leggings are thick and fully lined. (We love them for the winter months, paired with an oversized knit.) But despite being on the thicker side, they have a stretch and remain lightweight. This ultra-smooth pant is stocked in petite sizes from XS-XXL and fits true to size; This inseam length actually makes you appear taller by hitting higher on the ankle. However, they don’t look quite as tight as other options. But that might work well for anyone who prefers less constricting garments.

Price at time of publish: $35

Sizes: XS Petite-4X | Number of Colors: 1 | Texture: Smooth | Length: Petite, Regular, Tall

What We Love: They offer the broadest range of lengths on our list.

What We Don’t Love: They’re online only.

These Abercrombie Vegan Leather leggings are versatile and classic. If you’re looking for a no-fail pair, these have an inseam that hits right. They hang nicely on bodies with a little more length and have a lining on the inside to add an extra level of comfort. The seam on the thigh will accentuate your length and make it easier to move in. We just wish these weren’t online only, so we can try them on without purchasing them first.

Price at time of publish: $80

Sizes: XXS Short-XL Long | Number of Colors: 2| Texture: Smooth| Length: Extra Short, Short, Regular, Tall

What We Love: They aren’t see-through — even the white option is full coverage.

What We Don’t Love: They roll down with extended wear.

These four-way stretch, high-waisted faux leather leggings come in five 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. Plus, they have a much better size range.

Price at time of publish: $118

Sizes: XS Petite-3X | Number of Colors: 5 | Texture: Smooth | Length: Petite and Regular

What We Love: They’re buttery soft.

What We Don’t Love: They run a tad short if you’re on the taller side.

When you think of wide-leg leather, you probably picture oversized trousers, but these Good American drawstring pants give a new take on the classic cut. These have a more sporty aesthetic, equipped with an elastic waist and airy fabric, than your typical legging, but they still have a laid back vibe. They’re so comfortable, and the texture is comparable to something like flower petals — they’re ridiculously soft.

Price at time of publish: $149

Sizes: XS-5XL| Number of Colors: 2 | Texture: Smooth | Length: Regular

What We Love: These trousers will give instant polish to your wardrobe.

What We Don’t Love: They run a little small, so size up.

Aritzia has knowingly — and deservedly — gained viral praise for their Melina Pant, a straight-leg trouser, available in different textures from faux leather and Python Leather and Twill. But in turn, the unsung Vegan Leather Babaton Program Pant puts up a good fight for the title of best faux leather pant done by the brand. While both pairs have stretchy, comfortable fabric with a universally flattering fit, the Babaton Program Pant is a more defined, tighter shape and structured tailoring. The pants flare at the ankle and have a natural leather look. “Aritza has the best faux leather pants at the moment,” Celebrity Stylist Ebony Brown tells InStyle. “The quality will make you question if they’re faux and the fit is perfect.”

Price at time of publish: $148

Sizes: 00-12 | Number of Colors: 3 | Texture: Smooth | Length: Short, Regular, and Tall

What We Love: These feel like leggings but appear like leather pants.

What We Don’t Love: The sizing could be more inclusive.

If you’re looking for the softness and wearability that comes with sporting leggings — but with the look of leather pants — this one's for you. Alo Yoga offers a looks-like-leather-feels-like-lycra option that can easily take you from the studio to the street. These have a cool, cracked leather finish that doesn’t look shiny or cheap. They also have a thick band that doesn’t dig into your hips, offering support through any low-impact workout. Pair with the matching bralette, and then reach for a jacket and a white tank to carry you from barre to brunch.

Price at time of publish: $118

Sizes: XXS - L | Number of Colors: 2 | Texture: Smooth | Length: Regular Only

What We Love: This is a stylish option for expecting mothers.

What We Don’t Love: They’re a thicker material so they might be better for the colder months.

On the hunt for a legging that has ultimate stretch, and you’re expecting? These Madewell Leggings are your ideal pick. They’re grainy, matte maternity leggings with a bit of sheen, but nothing distracting. They are sleek enough for work but incredibly cozy, giving a little extra something without sacrificing functionality. They won't budge or roll in after a long day —- and they also don’t come up too high on the belly, so nothing about them feels restricting to the body.

Price at time of publish: $98

Sizes: XS-XL | Number of Colors: 1 | Texture: Grainy | Length: Regular Only

What We Love: They’re the perfect mix of a loose yet flattering fit.

What We Don’t Love: They’re a bit pricier than other pant options.

It would feel almost illegitimate to comprise a list of pleather greatness, mention Melina Pant’s notoriety, and not rank it. So, alas, Aritzia’s beloved straight-leg, boyfriend-fit faux leather pants make our roundup— no surprise. “I swear by all their faux leather pieces — from pants to pleated skirts and blazers,” NYC-based Fashion Editor Kelsey Stiegman tells InStyle. “The fabric feels like butter, and the designs give that perfectly oversized fit.” We love that it comes in 31 different colors and three different lengths, lending itself for a nearly customized fit.

Price at time of publish: $148

Sizes: 00-16 | Number of Colors: 31 | Texture: Smooth | Length: Short, Regular, and Tall

What We Love: This brand is size-inclusive.

What We Don’t Love: Reviews suggest that they’re hard to size, so orders might come with some trial and error.

Sometimes, it’s hard to find patent leather pants that don't look costume-y. But Good American founders Khloe Kardashian and Emma Grede have created a solution to that problem: The Vinyl Pull-On Legging. These will hug your curves and move with your body, the type of functionality usually unseen in patent leggings. They’re also pretty comfy. There’s a different lining inside that is super soft, so itch isn’t a worry, either. Plus, deciding on underwear to wear with these is no concern because it’s (surprisingly) built in. For those reasons, they earn a top spot on our list.

Price at time of publish: $99

Sizes: XS-5XL | Number of Colors: 1 | Texture: Soft | Length: Regular

Quality faux leather will have a deep, grainy texture but feel soft like genuine leather. But regardless of the texture — whether you prefer a patent (like Good American’s), a matte finish (like Commando’s), or a buttery soft pair (like Spanx’s) — it should feel sleek and ultra-smooth on the body because it will most likely be lined.

If you’re looking for faux leather leggings that move with the body or are made for workouts, look for a four-way stretch label. Brands like Commando, Spanx, and Alo have high-stretch fabrics and a spandex-y feel that move with your body. They also offer high-waist bands great for movement.

Most faux leather leggings that made our list have a high-waist or mid-rise, but if low-rise is more your thing, Alice + Olivia’s bootcut pair sit more lowly on the waist. Whatever your preferred rise, though, it won’t interfere with the performance of the fabrics.

The reason to invest in a pair of faux leather leggings or pants? You can style them any way you feel like. “The styling possibilities are endless,” Celebrity Stylist and Costume Designer Ebony Brown tells InStyle. Her favorite is a faux leather trouser styled with a cropped top and an oversized blazer, à la workwear casual. But if you’re looking for something edgier, Brown says go for a 90s vintage t-shirt and faux leather joggers. “This is a cute street style moment for my clients, usually paired with high-heeled boots or sneakers, depending on the mood.”

As always, wear what makes you comfortable, but if you’re looking for an editor-approved look or a stylist’s recommendation, the experts think that faux leather leggings look their best with boots. “Tall boots and platform boots can elevate the look,” Ebony Brown tells InStyle. But for something more casual, a sleek pair of white sneakers will do the trick.

You’re lucky: Vegan and faux leather are much easier to clean than genuine leather. Removal of stains can be done with warm water and a microfiber cloth. As for a full scrub down, you may want to check if your pleather pieces are machine washed. Most pieces don’t come with the drab of dry-cleaning; Some can be thrown right into the washing machine on cold. For pairs that can’t, hand scrub in cool water with a gentle cleanser until no suds remain. Turn inside out and repeat. Ensure no excessive detergent is left, as this can cause it to stiffen and crack. Then finally, air dry.

Philadelphia-based freelance writer Morgan Sullivan has written for multiple publications, including Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, and Elle, focusing mainly on beauty, fashion, and health topics. For this story, she interviewed celebrity stylist Ebony Brown, fashion editor Kelsey Stiegman, and lifestyle influencer Katya Bychkova.

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