The 8 Best Spanx Leggings of 2023, No Matter Where You’re Going
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These are the definition of cozy chic
People / Kevin Liang
Spanx leggings aren’t your standard yoga pants. “Spanx has expanded their offerings and now sells some of the best leggings and shapewear on the market. Their design team has thought through everything,” says Grace Thomas, founder and lead stylist of Builtgracefully. Spanx offers leggings in casual, chic styles — like faux suede, faux leather, and velvet — that make it easy to dress up an outfit while remaining completely comfortable.
Deal Alert!
Spanx Velvet Legging is currently 30% off at spanx.com
I’ve always been reluctant to sport black leggings as a substitute for “real” pants. Then I tested stylish, work-appropriate, yet miraculously comfortable Spanx leggings. I’ve broken my rule about not wearing leggings as pants, and I’m not looking back. In fact, I even wore my faux suede leggings to dinner at three Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park — by far the fanciest outing I’ve had in a while.
Read on for the 8 best Spanx leggings you can buy, as well as styling tips for each pair.
Best Spanx Leggings for a Holiday Party: Spanx Velvet Legging
Who It’s Good For
Anyone looking for a statement piece that can be styled in many different ways
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone looking for an athletic legging
Velvet is one of the most luxurious materials you can find. It’s buttery soft and impossibly smooth, and any opportunity to wear velvet is an easy way to add a little luxury to your day. Spanx velvet leggings combine elegance and comfort in a revolutionary way that no other brand has managed to do. A variety of sizes and inseams mean there’s a great fit for nearly every body, and the luxe fabric will instantly elevate any look. A contoured waistband means these mid-rise leggings keep your tummy tucked in without being constricting. There’s no center seam, so they’ll stay flat and sleek in the front.
These smooth, shaping leggings are made from polyester and elastane which means they have a good amount of stretch, but they won’t stretch out. Available in seven shades like Dark Palm and Rich Burgundy, they’re easy to incorporate into any outfit. These are perfect for work, a holiday party, or a night out. We love that you can pair them with a pair of heels or a clean, sleek white sneaker.
Price at time of publish: $68.60 (orig. $98)
Material: Polyester and Elastane | Shades: Rich burgundy, Black, Dark palm, Classic navy, Lapis night, Silver chrome, Malachite | Rise: Mid-Rise
Best Spanx Leggings for a Winter Date Night: Spanx Faux Leather Fleece-Lined Leggings
Who It’s Good For
Anyone who practices “cozy chic” fashion as a way of life
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone who runs hot and wants to stay cool
If you’re like us, leggings are a year-round wardrobe essential. That’s why we love these fleece-lined leather-like leggings that keep you extra cozy no matter what the temperature is outside. Just like the Spanx Faux Leather Legging, these have an edgy style that looks perfectly chic and elegant. However, they feel as cozy as your favorite pair of sweats on the inside. Available in a sexy, extra-dark black style and three different inseams, these warming leggings are a versatile pick that can instantly upgrade any outfit — they look just as good with an oversized turtleneck as they do with a tee shirt and blazer.
We love that these faux leather pants skip the rigid texture of real leather, they’re perfectly stretchy and comfortable even after wearing them all day long. The shaping waistband helps you feel pulled in and tight, with a slim frame and sleek silhouette. While the fleece lining offers an extra layer of protection from the cold, we never felt like they were too bulky or bunched up — they feel thin and flexible just like standard leggings do.
Price at time of publish: $110
Material: Nylon and elastane | Shades: Black | Rise: High
Best Spanx Leggings for Work: Spanx Faux Suede Legging
Who It’s Good For
Anyone looking to elevate their look with a cute, textured, shaping pant
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone looking for a legging they can wear outside in all types of weather
Unlike standard leggings, the Spanx faux suede leggings add a touch of texture that makes them look and feel a little more elevated. Available in easy-to-style colors like Rich Caramel, Rich Rose, and Classic Navy, these are a fantastic option for anyone looking to add some comfortable elegance to their wardrobe. The subtle softness of the faux suede combined with strategic piping down the front of the leg makes these pants look a bit more professional, which means they’re a great option to wear to work. With a structured feel and hidden tummy-shaping technology, we promise they’ll remind you more of pants than leggings, leaving you feeling secure and confident all day long.
These durable leggings are perfectly thick, and they have strategic seams down the front and back that are ultra-flattering. They’re warm, comfortable, and chic, so they can be styled with a pair of white sneakers or a pointed leather boot. Made from polyester and elastane, they’re super stretchy but retain their shape and won’t stretch out over time. Plus, they’re machine washable to make laundry day easier — just be sure to turn them inside out and wash them with like colors. Wear them to the office for a normal day at work, or pair them with an oversized blazer for a meeting, presentation, or professional dinner.
Price at time of publish: $98
Material: Polyester and elastane | Shades: Rich caramel, Rich rose, Classic navy | Rise: Mid rise
Best Spanx Leggings for a Workout: Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings
Who It’s Good For
Fitness enthusiasts looking for a breathable, sweat-wicking legging that offers a gentle booty lift.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone looking for an extra-long, full-length legging.
When you’re deep in a yoga pose or halfway through a run, the last thing you want to worry about is how your leggings fit. That’s why we love these Booty Boost leggings from Spanx — they sit high up on your waist and stay securely in place no matter what exercise you’re doing. The sculpting fabric offers a contoured waistband that provides maximum coverage with gentle compression. Best of all, the breathable, sweat-wicking material is designed to lift up your behind, giving you an extra (you guessed it) booty boost.
Thanks to the sculpting material these comfortable leggings are perfect for going straight from a workout to brunch. Available in five stylish colors, they can be paired with a jean jacket and white sneakers for school pick-up, too.
Price at time of publish: $98
Material: Nylon and elastane | Shades: Dark Palm, Butterscotch, Very Black, Sherry, Jade | Rise: High
Best Spanx Leggings for Going From Day to Night: Spanx Leather-Like Front Slit Skinny
Who It’s Good For
Anyone looking for a stylish pant that doubles as a comfortable legging
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone looking for floor-length, wide-leg flare
When it comes to going straight from work to dinner or a date, you can’t beat these comfortably chic pants. Though they’re technically leggings, they look more like stylish pants than comfortable workout gear. The flexible fabric looks just like leather — without the stiffness or rigidity — so you can feel comfortable sitting at a desk all day or commuting to and from the office.
We love that these pants (Oops, I swear they’re leggings!) feature a sexy front slit to allow for a gentle flare. The modern shape is totally on-trend, so you can pair them with chunky sneakers or elegant pumps depending on where you’re heading. Versatile and elegant, they come in two colors, Luxe Black or Cherry Chocolate, to allow for perfect pairing with a variety of color schemes. The hidden core shaping technology offers gentle compression for a sleek look, and the seamless front avoids awkward creases or lines.
While these leggings are available in regular, petite, or tall inseams, our taller team members noted that they’re not quite floor length. However, they’re perfectly flattering despite the shorter length — just be sure to style them with the right shoes.
Price at time of publish: $110
Material: Polyester and elastane | Shades: Luxe Black, Cherry Chocolate | Rise: Mid-Rise
Best Spanx Leggings for a Girls Night Out: Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
Who It’s Good For
Someone who wants to add an edgy staple to their closet while skipping the stiffness of real leather
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone who likes to toss their leggings in the dryer
Leather pants can be a fun way to add a bit of edgy style to your wardrobe, but sometimes they can be restrictive and uncomfortable. That’s not the case with these leather leggings — Spanx offers soft, comfortable faux leather leggings in a wide range of sizes and inseams. The shaping waistband helps keep your stomach tucked in, and the contoured design keeps your booty looking shapely and lifted. These leggings come in a high-rise style, so they’re easy to pair with a variety of tops, no matter the length.
The faux leather option from Spanx is the definition of comfy chic — they can easily be styled with a white t-shirt and sneakers for a casual brunch or dressed up with a flowy blouse and pumps for a night out. The leather-like texture is subtle and natural, so they’re not overly shiny or artificial-looking. Better yet, they’re easy to care for, just throw them in the wash and let them air-dry flat.
“I cannot live without leather leggings. They are an absolute staple with a big oversized sweater in fall and winter,” says fashion influencer Carla Rockmore.
Price at time of publish: $98
Material: Recycled nylon | Shades: Black | Rise: High
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“A regular recommendation for my clients is the Spanx faux leather leggings. These leggings come in petite, regular, and tall inseams with multiple sizes, which makes them a perfect buy, no matter your size. These look great styled with a pair of boots and a blazer for a dressier look,” —Grace Thomas, founder and lead stylist of Builtgracefully"
Best Spanx Leggings for School Pick-Up: Spanx Jean-ish Ankle Leggings
Who It’s Good For
Busy moms or students looking for a comfy wardrobe staple they can throw on for errands
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone looking for rigid, structured denim
We all have those days when time gets away from us — one minute we’re lounging around the house, and the next minute we’re rushing out the door. Try these jean-ish leggings for busy days when you just need to throw something on and instantly make yourself look more presentable. They’re super stretchy and comfortable, but they look exactly like you’re wearing real, structured denim. Since they look like pants, you can style them with heels, boots, or flip flops. They’re available in four shades and three inseams, so there’s a fit for everybody.
We love that these “jeans” are made with soft fabric and hidden core-shaping technology, so they’ll keep you feeling tight, secure, and covered. They’re a lifesaver for busy days and are perfect for picking your little one up from daycare or soccer practice. Though the front pockets are faux, the back pockets are real and functional to maintain the look of authentic denim.
Price at time of publish: $98
Material: Cotton, polyester, and elastane | Shades: Twilight rinse, Black, Earthy taupe, White | Rise: Mid rise
Best Leggings for a Night In: Spanx EcoCare Seamless Leggings
Who It’s Good For
The casual dresser looking for a comfortable, stretchy legging they can move around in
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone looking for a fancier pant to wear to work or a high-end restaurant
Classic black leggings can be styled up or down, and we love that these have the stretch and comfort of performance leggings without looking like you came straight from the gym. Made from recycled nylon, these are a sustainable fashion buy you can feel good about. They’re chic, sleek, and comfortable enough for everyday wear.
The seamless construction means they’re perfectly flattering, and you won’t have any stitches digging into your skin. A double-layered belly band helps keep your midsection tucked in and smooth, no matter what top you wear. The matte yarn is twill-knit for subtle texture and soft, smooth comfort. Just like the other leggings on this list, they don’t have a center seam, so you don’t have to worry about awkward bunching or riding up. These are a wardrobe staple — much like a great pair of black tights — and they’re perfect for styling with a cute jean jacket and casual sneakers. Available in two shades, including Very Black and Black Camo, they’re subtly stylish for every day, and they’re comfortable enough for a cozy night in.
Price at time of publish: $68
Material: Recycled nylon | Shades: Very black, Black camo | Rise: Mid rise
Related: The 13 Best Lululemon Leggings of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Things to Consider Before Buying Spanx Leggings
Style
Leggings come in a variety of colors and styles, and Spanx’s offerings reach far beyond simple stretchy black yoga pants. Before selecting a pair of leggings, consider what style you’re after. “Always think about how you plan to wear your leggings — if you’re looking for a style for casual looks, you may want something made from a performance fabric,” says Thomas.
If you’re looking for something casual, opt for one of Spanx’s Seamless EcoCare leggings. They’re made from recycled nylon and provide flattering, comfortable compression. “If you’re planning to wear leggings as pants, you’ll want to take extra consideration on the thickness of the fabric,” says Thomas. “Outside of that, look for interesting details like zippered ankles or seam detailing, which will make leggings look more like pants,” she adds. If you’re looking for something a little more elevated, opt for one of Spanx’s more fashionable options, like faux leather, faux suede, or velvet.
Rise
When it comes to picking the right leggings for you, remember that just like jeans, leggings come in different rises like low rise, mid rise, and high rise. “You’ll usually find leggings with a mid or high rise, which will affect the fit on your body,” says Thomas.
Rockmore says that before selecting a rise, consider what type of top you’ll wear along with your leggings. If you plan to wear a short top or crop top, make sure to select a pair of high-rise leggings that will cover your tummy. A low-rise option will work nicely if you plan to wear your leggings with a dress or tunic.
Inseam
Inseam is an important factor to consider when shopping for leggings because it will impact where the legging sits on your ankle. Spanx leggings come in regular, petite, and tall. This added detail makes each pair look and feel more fitted. Knowing your desired inseam is essential — the pants' length will dictate what shoes will look best. The ability to select a specific inseam is one of the main reasons Spanx leggings are so flattering. They fit a variety of different people, no matter how their height.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Spanx leggings run true to size?
Many users have reported that Spanx leggings run on the small side. In fact, according to the brand’s website, the faux leather, faux suede, velvet, and seamless leggings all run small. As a result, the brand recommends that anyone who is between sizes should size up.
Can you put Spanx leggings in the dryer?
In order to extend the life of your leggings and protect their shape, size, and quality, it’s best to let the leggings air dry flat. Avoid the dryer — lay the leggings flat after each wash and let them dry naturally.
Are Spanx leggings shaping?
Although Spanx leggings aren’t considered shapewear, they are designed in a way that helps flatter your natural figure. Each pair is built with a core-shaping band that helps keep you feeling sucked in without feeling constricted. "The Spanx team has thought of everything — like no center seaming to avoid the dreaded camel toe, four-way stretch for extra comfort, and they’ve even included shaping technology into their leggings,” says Thomas. “I also love their broad sizing options, as they offer three different inseams, sizing from XS-3X, and maternity options for the expectant mother,” she adds.
Take Our Word for it
Laura Denby is a New York-based product reviews writer for PEOPLE, Food & Wine, Forbes, Food Network, Real Simple, and Taste of Home. She specializes in creating thoughtful, thoroughly tested product reviews to help her readers make more informed purchasing decisions. For this piece, Laura tested out a number of Spanx leggings and spoke with Grace Thomas, the founder and lead stylist of Builtgracefully, a personal wardrobe styling company based in Portland, Oregon. Thomas has worked in the fashion industry for over ten years, with experience in styling, buying, and merchandising.
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