Spanx vs. Aritzia Leather Leggings: Which one should you buy?

The Spanx Faux Leather Leggings and Aritzia Vegan Leather Leggings both deliver a polished, leather-like look, but they are built for entirely different purposes. Spanx leggings originate from shapewear, offering built-in compression and sculpting panels for a smooth, held-in feel. In contrast, Aritzia's leggings are fashion-first, focusing on a trendy, comfortable fit without the intense shaping elements.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these popular leggings deserves a spot in your closet.

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

The Spanx Faux Leather Leggings are an icon in the legwear world, famous for their combination of style and signature shaping technology. Designed with a controlling "Power Waistband," they smooth the tummy and hips, creating a sleek, contoured silhouette that flatters without feeling restrictive. The material has a subtle sheen that closely mimics real leather while providing flexible, comfortable stretch for all-day wear.

• What it is: A pair of faux leather leggings with a built-in shaping waistband designed to smooth and contour.
• Key features: High-rise "Power Waistband" for tummy shaping, center-seam-free design to eliminate camel toe, sleek and smoothing faux leather fabric.
• Price: $98 - $128
• Materials/Construction: Constructed from a high-quality nylon/elastane blend faux leather with firm stretch and recovery. Seamless design ensures a flattering appearance from every angle.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in sizes XS-3X, including petite, regular, and tall inseams. They are true to size but offer significant compression, so expect a snug, "held-in" fit.
• Pros: Excellent smoothing and shaping effect on the waist and hips. High-quality material looks convincingly like leather. Durable and holds its shape after many wears. Extremely versatile for dressing up or down.
• Cons: The compression can feel too snug for those who prefer a relaxed fit. Higher price point than many standard leggings. The waistband can sometimes roll down depending on torso length.

These leggings are for anyone who wants a polished leather look combined with the confidence of smoothing shapewear.

Shop this product: https://www.spanx.com/collections/leggings-faux-leather

Aritzia Vegan Leather Leggings

Aritzia's vegan leather leggings, especially popular styles like the Daria pant, are a fashion-forward favorite known for their butter-soft feel and comfortable fit. Unlike Spanx, these prioritize contemporary style and a minimalist aesthetic over compression. Their premium Japanese vegan leather is known for its incredible stretch and soft texture, offering a sleek look that feels less like shapewear and more like a second-skin fashion piece.

• What it is: A trendy, fashion-focused vegan leather legging known for its superior comfort and stylish look.
• Key features: High-rise, wide waistband for comfort (not compression). Made from flexible, soft vegan leather from Japan. Minimalist, sleek design without strong shaping panels.
• Price: $80 - $150
• Materials/Construction: Often made from polyurethane-coated Japanese stretch fabric that is soft, flexible, and has a comfortable interior lining. The focus is on tactile quality and stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in a wide range of sizes from 2XS to 2XL, with multiple length options. They run true to size with a more giving, comfortable stretch that doesn't feel overly compressive.
• Pros: Exceptionally comfortable for all-day wear. The material is very soft and has a matte, sophisticated look. Wide range of sizes and on-trend styles. Easy to style for casual or office looks.
• Cons: Offers minimal shaping or compression. The softer material may not be as durable as Spanx over the long term. Certain vegan leather finishes can show wear more quickly.

This is the perfect choice for those who value modern style and all-day comfort over a forcefully sculpted silhouette.

Shop this product: https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/category/pants/vegan-leather

Spanx vs. Aritzia Leather Leggings Comparison

Quality & Materials

Both leggings boast impressive materials, but for different reasons. Spanx uses a robust, high-quality faux leather fabric with a nylon and elastane blend engineered for durability and impressive shape retention. It has a slightly glossier finish intended to mimic traditional leather and is designed to withstand frequent wear while delivering consistent shaping performance.

Aritzia, particularly with styles like the Daria, uses a premium vegan leather from Japan that is celebrated for its softness and flexibility. It feels lighter and has a plush, almost brushed interior lining for maximum comfort. While high-quality for fashion purposes, its primary function is aesthetic and tactile, not performance sculpting.

Fit & Shaping

This is the most significant point of difference. The Spanx leggings are built with shapewear technology at their core. Their "Power Waistband" actively smooths and sucks you in, providing noticeable compression around the midsection, hips, and thighs. The fit is intentionally snug and supportive, designed to create a streamlined silhouette under clothing.

Aritzia leggings fit like standard, high-quality leggings. They have a comfortable, high-waisted design that sits flat, but they do not offer any intentional compression or shaping. The fit is true-to-size and emphasizes comfortable movement over contouring. Choose these if you dislike the restrictive sensation of shapewear.

Style & Versatility

Both leggings are incredibly versatile. Spanx's classic faux leather leggings have become a universal wardrobe piece that can be styled for a girls' night out, a casual errand run, or even a relaxed office environment. Their seamless, sculpted look makes them an easy foundation for countless outfits.

Aritzia's options often feel more tapped into current trends, with slightly different finishes, cuts, and a more understated, matte appearance. They blend seamlessly into a modern, minimalist wardrobe and are excellent for creating effortless, chic looks that prioritize style and comfort equally.

Price & Value

The price for both is comparable, typically ranging from about $98 to $135. Your perception of value hinges on what you want from your leggings. The value in Spanx is its double-duty function as both a stylish legging and effective shapewear. You are paying for the technology, durability, and a consistently flattering fit.

The value in Aritzia leggings comes from their high-fashion feel, premium sourcing of material, and exceptional comfort in line with their brand's trendy identity. You are paying for a stylish, on-trend piece that feels as good as it looks.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are great investments, but they serve two very different customers and priorities.

Choose Spanx Faux Leather Leggings if:

• You want a noticeably smoother, more sculpted silhouette.
• You appreciate the feeling of being "held in" and supported by compression fabric.
• Durability and shape retention after multiple washes and wears are your top priorities.
• You're looking for one pair of leggings that provides a boost of confidence with its built-in shaping.

Choose Aritzia Vegan Leather Leggings if:

• You prioritize comfort and softness over everything else.
• You dislike the constricting feel of shapewear and want a more relaxed fit.
• Your style is more minimalist and driven by current fashion trends.
• You want leggings that feel less like activewear and more like a standalone stylish pant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Spanx and Aritzia leather leggings?

The primary difference is function. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings are shapewear-focused, designed with a compressive waistband to smooth and contour your figure. Aritzia Vegan Leather Leggings are fashion-focused, prioritizing a trendy aesthetic and exceptional soft-fabric comfort without any shaping elements.

Which leggings are more comfortable?

Aritzia's vegan leggings are generally considered more comfortable for all-day, casual wear because of their soft, flexible fabric and lack of compression. However, if you find the support of shapewear comfortable, you might prefer the secure, "held-in" feeling of Spanx.

Do they run true to size?

Aritzia leggings run true to size with a forgiving stretch. The Spanx leggings are also true to size, but their fit is intentionally very snug due to the built-in shaping. If you are between sizes in Spanx, many recommend sizing up for more comfort.

Which is better for dressing up?

Both are excellent for dressing up. Spanx provides a fantastic, sleek base that looks great with heels and a blazer for a more formal look. Aritzia leggings offer an effortlessly chic look that pairs perfectly with modern tops and boots for a stylish night out.

Do the Spanx leggings really work to shape you?

Yes, they provide light to medium compression that visibly smooths the tummy, hips, and thighs. They won't drastically alter your shape like a rigid corset, but they offer great contouring for a seamless silhouette under clothes.

Are the leggings see-through?

Neither pair should be see-through when you purchase the correct size. Both brands use high-quality, opaque materials that provide full coverage.

Which brand is higher quality?

Both are considered high-quality, but they excel in different areas. Spanx has superior quality in terms of its shaping technology and fabric durability. Aritzia’s quality is in its incredibly soft, fashion-forward vegan leather fabric.

How should I wash faux leather leggings?

For both brands, it's best to turn them inside out and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Lay them flat or hang them to dry. Never put them in the dryer, as the high heat can damage the faux leather finish.

Which pair is more flattering?

Flattery is subjective. If you believe a smoothed and contoured silhouette is most flattering, Spanx is your answer. If you prefer a streamlined, minimalist look that hangs naturally, Aritzia's fit might be more flattering for you.