Over the past few years faux-leather leggings have made their way from novelty item to wardrobe staple, firmly solidifying themselves as a cold-weather must-have. They’re comfortable, chic and incredibly easy to dress up or down for anything you might have planned this week—a true triple threat. And yet, despite the fact that faux-leather leggings have become so ubiquitous, it can often be tricky to find a pair that doesn’t look quite so, well, faux. Two brands truly stand out from the pack as the top options for a gal on the hunt for cute leggings that fit well, look great and won’t break the bank: Spanx and Commando. But which is the better investment? I decided to test them both, chatting with editors and friends who’ve owned and worn each brand over the years, to determine the true winner in the Spanx versus Commando faux-leather leggings battle. Here’s everything you need to know before you add them to your shopping cart.
Spanx vs. Commando Faux-Leather Leggings: Which Pair Deserves a Coveted Spot in Your Wardrobe?
The competition is fierce
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Spanx Faux-Leather Leggings
What I Like
- multiple inseam lengths
- reportedly very durable
- wide waistband smooths your silhouette
- no center seam
What I Don’t Like
- reportedly run small
- only available in black
Spanx
Multiple PureWow editors own and love Spanx faux-leather leggings, though they’re not without their flaws. As for what we love, all the editors polled mentioned the price (under $100) and the size range as major selling points. The leggings come in sizes XS to 3X, as well as petite and tall lengths in all eight sizes. And while some reviewers say they run small, others found their fit was simply snugger. “I’d say they fit true to size,” notes former Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak, “but because they have built-in sculpting, they feel much tighter than regular leggings.” This is exactly why I prefer to go up a size in Spanx leggings. But regardless of what size you end up most comfortable in, you can rest assured they will not bag, sag or roll down, even after years of use.
According to Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera, these leggings are remarkably durable, meaning you can get a solid cost per wear before they start showing their age. “They've held up super well for having them so long,” she tells me of her three-year-old leggings. “I do make sure to air dry them and by doing that, they’re still in great condition.” Speaking of washing, the tag on these Spanx leggings lists them as machine washable, but specifies that you should use cold water. And you should lay them flat to dry as well, as excessive heat, like from hot water or a hot dryer, can break down both the polyurethane coating (aka, that faux-leather finish) and the elastane.
As for those flaws I mentioned, some reviewers did stress frustration with the sizing, with many saying they found the compression to be way too constricting. And at least one petite editor thought the petite length was still too long for her, although she admitted the high-waist inseam did lay nicely without going too far up her torso. They are also thicker than Commando’s faux-leather leggings, which may be a plus for some and a negative for others. And as of publishing, Spanx only offers one shade of black. Overall, though, I think these are absolutely worth trying, provided you can find your Cinderella fit.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to 3X
- Length: regular (30 inches), petite (28 inches) and tall (32 inches)
- Materials: 87 percent nylon, 13 percent elastane with polyurethane coating
Commando Faux-Leather Leggings
What I Like
- available in multiple colors
- available in petite lengths
- no obvious waistband for a seamless look
- lightweight
What I Don’t Like
- center seam can bother some
- not available in tall lengths
Commando
I was first introduced to the brand Commando through its incredibly comfortable bodysuits, so I had pretty high expectations when it came time to test the faux-leather leggings. And, reader? They truly live up to the hype. Like Spanx, I found it most comfortable to size up, but most reviewers suggest you can take your usual size. Commando’s design has less compression than Spanx’s, but don’t worry about gaping, sagging or stretching—they hold up incredibly well, even with frequent wear.
Unlike Spanx, Commando’s faux-leather leggings don’t have a wide waistband, which I loved for a cleaner look around my hips and stomach. This was especially great for pairing with a cropped jacket or sweater without a pesky seam cutting my torso at an awkward place. Plus, the elastic waistband was a bit easier to pull on, and it doesn’t droop or roll down throughout the day. The material of this pair is also more lightweight than Spanx. I tend to run hot, so this was a major plus for me. I do love that faux leather is so warm, in general, so I don’t need to choose between looking cute and freezing my poor legs all winter long, but once you’re indoors, thicker versions can sometimes be too much.
One major plus for the Commando faux-leather leggings is the fact that they come in 12 different colors, including brown, camel beige, red and a stunning navy blue. So, if you’ve been thinking about breaking away from the usual black faux-leather, Commando definitely has something that will fit the bill. That said, not every color comes in the full-size range, and the style doesn’t come in tall lengths.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to 3X
- Length: regular (29 inches) and petite (25.5 inches)
- Materials: 97 percent viscose, 3 percent elastane with polyurethane coating
Final Thoughts: Spanx vs. Commando Faux-Leather Leggings
You really can’t go wrong with either Spanx or Commando faux-leather leggings—both look gorgeous on, wear well over time and are machine washable. However, there are some key differences to consider. Commando’s petite length is shorter than Spanx’s, so be sure to check the inseam measurements to see which petite version is going to be a better fit for your height. And only Spanx offers tall lengths.
If you’re looking for something with a decent amount of compression, Spanx is likely the better bet. If you’re ready to branch out from classic black, Commando offers a whopping 12 different color options, as well as a six additional colors with a patent finish. Commando also has a seamless waist to help prevent any chafing along your stomach or hips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Commando Run Small?
I found, an many reviewers agree, that Commando faux-leather leggings run a tiny bit small, however I still recommend most people stick with their usual size as the leggings will stretch and conform to your shape a bit over time. If you prefer your leggings to be a tad looser, I recommend going up one from your usual size.
Should You Size Up or Down in Spanx Leggings?
According to numerous reviewers and PureWow editors, Spanx faux-leather leggings tend to run small, so if you are between sizes, I recommend taking the larger of the two.
Can You Wash Commando Leather Leggings?
Yes, you can wash Commando faux-leather leggings in the washing machine. The brand recommends using cold water to prevent damage to the polyurethane coating (aka, that faux-leather look) and skipping the dryer in favor of laying them flat to dry.
