Quick answer: faux leather leggings are stretchy leggings with a leather-look finish, usually made by coating a stretchy knit fabric (polyester, often with elastane) with polyurethane (PU). Some leather-look styles use a glazed or coated stretch fabric that doesn't list PU on the label at all. They're vegan, cheaper and easier to wash than real leather. Because PU doesn't breathe like cotton, they can feel warm, which is great in winter and less great on a hot day.
They're also called vegan leather leggings, PU leggings, leather-look leggings or wet-look leggings. The names overlap and sellers use them loosely, so here's what each actually means, plus answers to the questions everyone asks before buying a pair.
What Are Faux Leather Leggings Made Of?
There are three main types, and the label tells you which one you're buying:
| Type | Typical label | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Full PU | 100% PU (polyurethane) | The most leather-like look and structure, with less give; warmest to wear. |
| PU-coated knit | e.g. 70% polyester, 30% PU | A stretchy fabric base with a PU surface; a good balance of look and comfort. |
| Leather-look knit | e.g. 92% polyester, 8% elastane | A coated or glazed stretch fabric; the softest and most flexible, most like normal leggings. |
Our own leggings show the difference. The Black Vegan Leather High Rise Skinny Leggings are 100% PU, the Black Faux Leather High Waist Skinny Leggings are 70% polyester and 30% PU, and the Crossed Waist Leather Look Leggings are 92% polyester and 8% elastane.
What about "wet look"? Wet-look leggings have a glossier, almost liquid shine. They're usually a coated or glazed stretch fabric. Matte faux leather looks more like real leather; wet-look is more of a party finish.
Black Crossed Waist High Rise Leather Look Leggings (92% polyester, 8% elastane).
Do Faux Leather Leggings Make You Sweat?
They can. Polyurethane is not breathable the way cotton is, so heat and moisture stay closer to your skin. How much you notice depends on the type and the weather:
- 100% PU traps the most heat. Brilliant on a cold, windy day; can feel sticky in a warm office or on a long walk.
- PU-coated and leather-look knits are more comfortable because the stretchy base fabric moves with you, but they still run warmer than cotton leggings.
Tips to stay comfortable: wear them on cooler days, pair them with a breathable cotton or knit top, avoid them for exercise, and choose a looser top so air can circulate. If you run hot, pick a leather-look knit over full PU.
Are Faux Leather Leggings Warm?
Yes, warmer than most cotton leggings or jeans, mainly because the coating blocks wind. That makes them a favourite for UK autumn and winter, Christmas markets, bonfire night and outdoor events. For really cold days, look for fleece-lined styles or wear thin thermals underneath.
How Do You Wash Faux Leather Leggings?
Always check the care label first, but most faux leather leggings, including all of ours, follow the same rules:
- Turn them inside out to protect the surface.
- Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle (or hand wash) with mild detergent.
- No fabric softener, which can leave a film on the coating.
- Never tumble dry. Heat is the number-one cause of cracking and peeling.
- Hang to dry away from radiators.
- Don't iron. If they're creased, hang them in a steamy bathroom.
Between washes you can often just wipe the outside with a damp cloth and air them out. Washing less often helps them last longer.
Why Do Faux Leather Leggings Peel or Crack?
The PU coating breaks down with heat, friction and age. Tumble drying, hot washes, ironing and storing them folded tightly for long periods all speed it up. Areas that rub, like the inner thighs, usually show wear first. Gentle washing, air drying and hanging them up will keep a pair looking good for much longer.
Do Faux Leather Leggings Run Small?
Full PU styles have less stretch, so if you're between sizes, or have fuller calves or thighs, consider going up. Leather-look knits with elastane stretch more and usually fit true to size. Always check the measurements on the product page.
How to Style Faux Leather Leggings
- Casual: an oversized jumper or sweatshirt, trainers and a puffer jacket.
- Office (smart casual): a long blazer or tunic-length knit with loafers or ankle boots.
- Night out: a sequin, velvet or satin top with heeled boots.
- Weekend: a long shacket, a plain tee and chunky boots.
For more outfit ideas, see our season-by-season leather leggings styling guide and our honest faux leather leggings review.
Black Faux Leather Crossed Dip Waist Leggings.
Faux Leather Leggings to Shop
- Black Crossed Waist High Rise Leather Look Leggings – £24.99. 92% polyester and 8% elastane with a crossed high waist; the softest and stretchiest.
- Black Faux Leather Crossed Dip Waist Leggings – £24.99. A crossed dip-waist detail that looks great with cropped knits.
- Black Faux Leather High Waist Skinny Leggings – £23.99. 70% polyester and 30% PU, a good mix of leather look and stretch.
- Black Vegan Leather High Rise Skinny Leggings – £33.99. 100% PU for the most authentic leather finish and the most structure.
- Faux Leather Zip Leg Leggings – £28.27. 100% PU with zip details at the leg, an edgier evening option.
Shop the full leggings collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between faux leather and vegan leather leggings?
Usually nothing. Both mean a leather-look material that contains no animal leather, typically polyurethane (PU) or a coated polyester stretch fabric.
Are faux leather leggings breathable?
Not very. The PU coating limits airflow, so they feel warmer than cotton leggings. Styles with a stretch knit base are more comfortable than 100% PU.
Can you put faux leather leggings in the washing machine?
Most can go in on a cold, gentle cycle, inside out. Never tumble dry or iron them, and always check the care label.
Can you wear faux leather leggings in summer?
You can on cooler evenings, but most people find them too warm for hot days because PU does not breathe.
Are faux leather leggings see-through?
No. The coating makes them fully opaque, which is one reason people love them for bending and sitting.
How long do faux leather leggings last?
With gentle washing, air drying and no heat, a good pair can last several seasons. Tumble drying and hot washes are what make the coating peel early.
