Social media ads GET me, it's really creepy how well they know my taste. And they were feeling my vibe big-time with ads everywhere for Spanx's faux leather joggers. I love leather, go through my archives and you'll see many leather jackets, skirts, leather details on dresses and cardigans, and plenty of faux leather-front leggings and pants. Thing is, I have solid legs. Big calves, sturdy thighs, wide shins and ankles. Traditional faux-leather leggings like the ones Spanx carries have always looked dreadful on me while also being hella uncomfortable. No matter the size or style, faux leather leggings feel like I'm encasing my legs in Saran wrap. And while I had success with leather-front leggings and pants with knit backs in the past, I am not really feeling that look anymore. The Spanx faux leather joggers looked like they were made for me. Loose on the thighs and calves, a leather look while being stretchy and machine washable, and pockets! I decided to purchase a pair to review, if they sucked I'd be happy to share how little I liked them. And if I liked them...
Sweater: Talbots (XL) | Necklace: Baublebar | Joggers: Spanx (L) | RBG Mask: look HUMAN | Mask chain: Chico's | Sneakers: Adidas
Well I like them. A lot. I am wearing them as I type this and I am not ashamed to admit I also wore them yesterday. They are comfy, they are super stretchy, they don't make a lot of noise when I walk, they don't stick to me or themselves, and I don't feel at all as though I am wearing Saran wrap. In fact, the Spanx faux leather joggers have a soft brushed knit interior that is cozy and doesn't cling. That plus the faux leather makes these pants not only comfortable but warmer than traditional knit or fleece leggings. But unlike faux leather pants I have owned in the past, these aren't heavy and I don't get sweaty.
The faux leather is super stretchy, like you could do a workout in these and there would be no straining. That being said they don't stretch out. I have worn them for two days of walking and sitting and even doing a Peloton stretch workout and they fit exactly the same. The waistband is flat in front, elasticized in back, and wide enough that it doesn't fold over. The ankles are elasticized and often such ankles are too tight for me and are uncomfortable. These are snug enough that when I take them off I see an imprint on my skin, but just as much as a pair of socks and no more binding.
The faux leather catches the light like real leather without being too shiny or looking too rubbery. I'm not trying to trick anyone into thinking these are real leather, but I like that they look nice enough that someone may wonder, and no one will think I'm wearing part of an '80s Halloween costume. These are not cheap pants, but IMO they look and feel and wear the way pants of this price should wear.
The Spanx faux leather joggers are machine wash on gentle and lie flat (which means I will wash on gentle and then hang to dry off my bathroom shower curtain bar). They are only available in black and are offered up to size 3XL on the Spanx website. I am wearing a size Large; 99% of the time I buy pants and leggings in size Large at any retailer. I am 5'3″ tall and usually choose a petite length for pants but these work for me since joggers can be baggy. If you haven't shopped the Spanx website before, they offer free shipping and easy free returns. You have 90 days to make a return. Spanx understands you may wear an item and mid-day realize it is a wrong choice; however Spanx will not accept returns showing excessive wear and tear, or at the end of their intended lifespan or any items damaged by misuse, alterations, improper care or accidents. I placed my order On September 12, received shipping notification on the 15th, and they were delivered on the 18th.
Suggestions on how to style faux leather joggers:
- With a graphic tee, denim jacket or boyfriend-style cardigan sweater, and sneakers
- With a black turtleneck sweater, patterned or bold-colored flats, and jewel earrings incorporating the shoe color
- With a silk blouse half-tucked and kitten-heel ankle booties either in black leather or a fun color or print that pulls the ensemble together
- With a slouchy cozy sweater half-tucked and slip-on sneakers in leather, suede, or a skin print
- With a hoodie, an optional blazer or denim jacket over it, and your favorite sneakers
When I shared that I got these Spanx leather-like joggers on Instagram, several had questions about fit and fabric as they too were seeing the ads everywhere. If I didn't answer your question in this post, please ask it in the comments and I will answer honestly to the best of my ability.
