The availability of realistic high-quality faux leather fabric has enabled the fashion industry to expand the repertoire of luxe goods without the guilt. Likewise, consumers can purchase with less restraint due to more choices, generally easier on the purse strings and of course the feel good factor - no animals were hurt in the making of these pants!
Society has progressed toward a vegan (not just for food) trend for many years with influence from designers like Stella McCartney. Still producing her coveted vegan leather handbags and still charging a whopping $$$$ in most cases. Never judge a bag by it's cover!
This fall, faux leather is taking the high street by storm. Not just jackets and handbags but everything from pants, skirts, dresses and shirts are turning out in a variety of leather-look fabrics, from shiny to matte, a variety of colors and most are very realistic, best of all their supple soft buttery textures are a pleasure to wear, touch and feel... in most cases!
If you don't already own a pair of leather pants now is the time to invest in fake, faux, vegan or pleather whatever you want to call it. Nobody cares anymore whether it's real, most people prefer that it's not, and your wallet will definitely prefer that it's not! Faux leather fabric in it's creation offers so much more variety such that designers can stipulate texture, level of shine, more variable colors and thickness. There's a lot more you can do to a piece of fabric than a piece of hide! Here is my review of some of the popular high street brands faux leather pants, tested for looks appeal, comfort and fit.
H&M $34.99 (no longer available) similar linked HERE and HERE
Self belted with a high paper bag waist, side slit pockets and a tapered leg to the ankle. They feel comfortable, stretchy, the inside is soft against the skin, sort of a satin suedette. Overall look quite real, but this style is not for everyone, looks best on those with a long slim torso, clearly not me!
Express - Negin Mirsalehi Vegan Leather Ankle Pant
Normally $98.00 - currently on sale - linked HERE Very realistic look and feel. Not too shiny, a nice fit and the leg is more like a tapered pant leg, not skinny and not baggy. A soft inner fabric for maximum comfort. This pant looks very sharp and the classic style is likely to hold out for many seasons to come.
H&M $34.99 linked HERE
A straight cut ankle pant, high waist, side pockets and center leg seams. These felt a bit too restrictive around my midlife waist, but a larger size was way too big everywhere. The faux leather was quite realistic, soft and pliable but not the best I've seen. I didn't feel these were flattering on my figure, could have used a couple extra inches in the leg length, "half mast" was a term that sprung to mind! Bum flattening with the addition of muffin top... not a good situation!
Zara Faux Leather Flared Leggings $35.90 linked HERE
High-waisted pant with flare leg, although they call it a legging. It has a zip fly and snap button closure but the front and back pockets are pretend. They're very stretchy, a more matte finish than usual and feel super sexy perhaps because I could have used a size up! These are fun, nice quality and comfortable.
H&M $24.99 Faux Leather Legging - linked HERE
Looked very nice, great tan color. Pull on, slight stretch, visible front seam. I did not find these very comfortable. Made a swishing sound as I moved coming from the inside, perhaps too papery. The outside felt luxe but not so much the inside. Maybe I needed to go down a size but didn't feel there was enough stretch to give around the knees, plus there is always the fear of muffin top!
H&M $24.99 - linked HERE
They call these Treggings! A black pull on faux leather legging. Not very comfortable, felt too thin and papery. Too much wrinkling in the leg but not enough stretch to go down a size!
Sanctuary Faux Leather Legging from Anthropologie $99.00 - linked HERE
These look and feel great. Soft and supple, pull-on, they're like wearing a yoga legging but look more substantial. High waist, very stretchy, comfortable and the legs don't crinkle up like a concertina! The outer fabric lines the inside of the waistband, and due to their clingy nature this can lead to a clammy feeling around the waist if you're prone to hot flashes!
Zara Faux Leather Cargo Pants $69.90 - linked HERE
Obviously one of my favorites because I bought them! The fabric is a very realistic look and feel. Buttery soft inside and out, stretchy and comfortable. A loose fit but does not overwhelm. They have an elasticated waist and a tapered leg which I roll up at the ankle to display the suede-effect fabric underside. Their utility style made sufficiently glam by the slight sheen finish. Highly recommend.
So, are you faux the pleather pants or not?
Yay or Fauxgeddaboudit! There are affiliate links in this post which means I may receive a small percentage of sales made. This does not affect the price you pay.
7 Comments
10/16/2019 03:21:44 pm
I love the look of the leather pants and definitely when I buy, I'll be getting pleather rather than leather. That last pair is definitely a keeper - love the way they look on you! Thanks so much for the review of all of the different ones you tried. It saved me a good bit of work :)
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Karen
10/17/2019 06:13:45 pm
Ruth,
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10/16/2019 07:47:53 pm
I have noticed the quality of faux leather getting better lately in faux leather furniture too. (I shop for rentals.) What a fabulous post. I really enjoyed the way you thoroughly covered different styles and price points. 💖💖
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Karen
10/17/2019 06:11:30 pm
Suzana,
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Laury Cote
10/18/2019 11:36:08 am
Great post Karen!Very informative. 😉 Time to go shopping.
Reply
Karen
10/18/2019 06:54:21 pm
Thanks so much Laury, I am glad you enjoyed it and really appreciate your feedback and for stopping by my blog. Enjoy your shopping trip!
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AuthorKaren Serino is a life and style blogger, sharing fashion, fitness and fun for youthful women in their forties, fifties and beyond. Enter your Email above and receive blog updates directly to your inbox!
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