5 PureWow Editors Give Their Honest Opinions on the Beloved Spanx Faux-Leather Leggings

Are they really worth the hype?

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Published Aug 19, 2024

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Abby Hepworth for PureWow

Value: 19/20
Sizing: 17/20
Quality: 18/20
Aesthetic: 18/20
Comfort: 18/20
TOTAL: 90/100

Whenever the PureWow edit team rounds up a list of the best-selling items from across our site, there are a few pieces that always make an appearance, including Spanx faux-leather leggings. All year round these leggings prove time and time again just how hot a commodity they really are, and not just with PureWow editors and fans. Spanx’s iconic faux-leather leggings have more than 2,600 5-star reviews at Nordstrom and more than 7,000 reviews on the brand’s website. But what is it about these leggings that makes them such a beloved wardrobe staple? I asked four editors who own and wear their leggings on the regular to share their honest thoughts before slipping into a pair of my own to learn what all the fuss is about. Here’s what everyone had to say.

Abby Hepworth

I’ll start with the sizing. Most reviewers on both the Nordstrom and Spanx websites say they find the Spanx faux-leather leggings ran small, which I agree with. However, three of the four other PureWow editors I polled said they felt their usual size fit great. “I’d say they fit true to size,” notes Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak, “but because they have built-in sculpting, they feel much tighter than regular leggings.” This could be why so many people, myself included, prefer to go up one size from their usual. I don’t love clothing that fits super tight to the body, especially around my stomach, so between the medium and the large I greatly preferred the large. Katie Maguire, Director of Talent Relations, agreed with my assessment that these leggings run small. “They are incredibly constricting,” she notes, “and almost too high waisted.” Associate Editor of Sales and Deals Destinee Scott adds, “I definitely had to get used to the way they hugged my body in certain areas, like my stomach and bum.”

That said, Spanx faux-leather leggings come in three inseam lengths—petite (28 inches), regular (30 inches) and tall (32 inches)—all of which come in the full size range of XS to 3X. I’d originally assumed, at 5’9” with long legs, that I’d need the tall length, but the regular did indeed cover my ankles and hit a spot low enough that I’d feel comfortable wearing them with sneakers or flats rather than boots. Two petite editors, Scott and Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera, who stand 4’11” and 5’2”, respectively, agreed that the petite lengths were definitely a better fit for their frames. Per Scott, “They still bunch up at the bottom, but not enough to the point where it's a problem. Plus, I usually wear them with boots, so that part is often covered up.”

In the end, testers agreed that the sizing was a bit tricky to figure out, but if you did manage land on the right size for your frame, these leggings, while snug, are actually quite comfortable. The high waistband holds you in without pinching and the legs hug your curves but still allow for full range of motion.

Spanx

Pulling these leggings on, I felt about as graceful as a giraffe on roller skates, but other reviewers note that the Spanx leggings do stretch a little bit over time, though not enough to sag in the bum or knees. In fact, our PureWow testers were overall pretty impressed with the quality, albeit with a few caveats. LaBarbera, who has owned her pair for a few years now, says, “They've held up super well for having them so long. I do make sure to air dry them and by doing that, they’re still in great condition.” Dubyak also notes that her two-year-old Spanx leggings look great, thanks in large part to her following the wash instructions to a T. Spanx recommends machine washing in cold water on a gentle cycle with the leggings inside out, then laying them flat to dry. Maguire felt her leggings were pretty worn out after a year of frequent use, but did get a second pair to replace them that has lasted a bit longer.

Aesthetically, I think the Spanx faux-leather leggings are some of the best on the market. The faux leather actually looks like leather, and has just the right amount of shine without looking like disco pants. (FYI, there is a patent faux-leather pair, $110 at Spanx, if that’s more your style). They also don’t have a seam up the front, helping minimize the risk of a camel-toe situation. The wide waistband also helps prevent slipping and folding as you move and, as I mentioned earlier, holds you in without pinching in the way that shapewear often does.

The Bottom Line: Are the Spanx Faux-Leather Leggings Worth It?

Overall, four of the five PureWow editors who tested the Spanx faux-leather leggings decided this cult-favorite item was worth the $98 price tag. All agreed that these leggings are wonderfully versatile and can be dressed up or down to fit a wide range of occasions. “I love pairing them with an oversize sweater and sneakers if I want to keep them casual,” says LaBarbera, “or over-the-knee boots to dress them up.” Only Maguire deemed them not worth the trouble. Between her first pair wearing out faster than she’d like and the trickiness of the sizing, she just felt they didn’t quite live up to the hype. If you can try them on in store, or are willing to order multiple sizes to try on at home, it’s likely the best way to ensure you’re getting the right pair. Once you’ve found your Cinderella fit, you can relax and have fun wearing them out and about all fall and winter long.

$98 at Spanx

$98 at Nordstrom

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Spanx Faux-Leather Leggings Run Small?

Many reviewers and two PureWow editor testers found the Spanx faux-leather leggings ran small, but the other three testers felt they fit true to size. I suggest double checking the Spanx size chart, and if you are between sizes, consider opting for the larger of the two.

Do Spanx Faux-Leather Leggings Stretch Out Over Time?

According to the PureWow test group, Spanx faux-leather leggings do not stretch out much over time. They agreed that the leggings conformed to their body shapes a bit, but found no sagging in the butt or knees, even after years or wear.

Are Spanx Faux-Leather Leggings Shiny?

The classic Spanx faux-leather leggings are not overly shiny and look more like a classic leather than a patent leather. However, if you want something with more shine, Spanx also makes patent faux-leather leggings ($110 at Spanx) that come in regular, petite and tall lengths in sizes XS to 3X.

Abby Hepworth

Editor

Covers fashion, trends and all things running
Received certification as an RRCA run coach
Has worked in fashion for over a decade

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