I Tried Spanx's Insanely Popular Leggings to See If They Are Worth the Hype

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

From Good Housekeeping

I've been on the hunt for a solid pair of leather pants for years (literally years!), because my order is a tall one: They have to be high-rise and flattering, affordable yet insanely chic, and (a big one here) cruelty-free. I'm essentially searching for a fast-fashion unicorn, hence why it's taken so long.

Then I discovered Spanx Faux Leather Leggings, a bonafide unicorn. Am I being dramatic? Always. Ask the 2,300 online reviewers who are obsessed with these pants. Earning a cult following on Amazon is kind of like being Instagram-famous: with the right amount of luck and good timing, anyone can do it! Nordstrom reviewers, however, tend to be a bit more tight-lipped (and stingy with the five-star reviews, to be frank). Yet these leggings have earned their seal of approval. And they're currently marked down at nearly 40% off — along with other Spanx best-sellers in their Limited Time Sale.

SHOP SPANX'S LIMITED TIME SALE

"Best. Pants. Ever. They are an investment piece and I waited a long time to get these, but totally worth it," says one reviewer. "They keep everything tight and looking toned but most importantly they are comfortable," says another. "If you're on the fence, pull the trigger!"

The thing about these "leather" pants is that they don't really feel leathery at all: they feel like compressive-yet-comfy leggings, but their slick finish looks every bit like leather from afar (it has a grainy stretch up close). They're made with Spanx's iconically slimming material, which gives, as the brand says, a "flat gut and great butt." Can confirm.

Photo credit: Jess Teich
Photo credit: Jess Teich

I'm not anti-jiggle, but these puppies hold everything nice and secure so that nothing moves when you walk. The waistband sits high and truly does not slip, slide, roll, or budge, which is both comfortable and flattering. They're not suffocatingly tight, either: At the end of the day, you won't peel them off to reveal deep seam marks on your legs and belly.

Speaking of the seams, these leggings don't have a center one, so RIP, camel toe. Most reviewers say these leggings run true to size, but I'd heartily suggest sizing up — unlike Spanx jeans, I found these leggings to run a bit small. I sized up and still had to squeeze in.

And while they might be a little pricey, according to all the viewers, they are worth the investment.

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