Leather leggings vs coated denim? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Leather leggings vs coated denim?

Stephanie

I've been intrigued by leather leggings/coated denim for several seasons now, but hesitant (scared) to give them a try. Aida has convinced me I should just go for it, as I need to inject some more texture and variety into my wardrobe.

I've seen a lot of forum members post outfits with leather leggings and love seeing all the different stylings. Part of me thinks coated denim may be an easier way to test the waters. A lot of what's holding me back is the fact I can't see myself wearing something so bold to work, but I'm thinking maybe that's not such a bad thing. These could be fun for weekend date nights/polished casual wear.

Do you have any favorite go to brands for leather leggings? Is coated denim a safer or better bet? I included some finds from Loft that I like. Opinions welcome and encouraged!!

Coated Denim Leggings

View Info

Top Pick

2

Faux Leather Leggings

View Info

Top Pick

3

Shopping

14 replies

Latest reply was from cheryle (Dianthus)

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I have leather front leggings that are EILEEN fisher and AG leatherette jeans. I like both. Although I also really like the look of full on leather I know that I would be worried about damaging my pants and resort to saving them (i.e. Not wearing them) and not get my money's worth.

catgirl

Veteran

I have to say my leather leggings are more soft, comfortable and warm than my coated denim. Coated denim is also stickier for lint and fur, and washing can ruin it. I just scored an awesome pair from the consignment store - they are J. Brand in a plum color and an elastic waist. I may sell my black ones which are beautiful but sadly too small now and zip up the side.

Best of both worlds are the faux leather leggings - good ones like Lysse- that can be washed, aren't as expensive, and are supercomfy.

Sal

Veteran

I have only had coated denim. They were great but did lose their coating after a couple of years medium wear. I did get some whiskering from the wash too.

I think it is a case of trying different pairs and seeing how they look and feel on you. In Florida - not being too clammy would be more important than in some places.

I was just at a work meeting and someone was wearing black coated denim with some long layers and it looked great. Not for all environments but for this one it was very appropriate.

Stephanie

Thanks! I may try faux leather leggings first as it sounds like they may hold up better. I meant to say faux in my original post as I don't plan on purchasing real leather. Oops! Alaskagirl, I think I'll check out lysse and see what I can find. Thanks everyone for your input!

rute

Veteran

Coated denim is perfect to start! I started with a coated black jeans and this year I bought a faux leather leggings.Alaskagirl is right, don't spend much on coated jeans because it gets ruins in the washing machine.

Anonymous

I have a pair of coated jeans and have realised they're not my thing: it could be the cut of the particular pair I own, but I find they bunch and wrinkle around my knees, and the coating emphasises that. They also feel 'stiff' to me. I haven't worn leather in years, but I'd cast my vote for faux leather. I recall you work in a creative profession, is that right? If so, I think you could wear leather leggings to work if paired with the right items: maybe a longer, textured slub linen or heathered top or something to take the edge off the look? Or accessorise with long pearls or something unexpectedly elegant?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

All coated denim is not created equal. I had one pair that had very little give and were a little on the stiff side. They also seemed like too much washing would wreck the coating. But I have another that is very stretchy and comfortable that wash brilliantly. Both premium denim brands, so not a price point issue at all.

I'm tempted to try the faux suede Lysse leggings. Leather on my legs is not my best look unless it's pretty matte, but I think suede might be a nice variation for me. But then will tops stick to it? That's my dilemma. Maybe I don't need leggings at all.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Waxed skinnies are more versatile because you can wear them as pants. Leggings, not so much.

Stephanie

Rute, thank you! I hadn't really thought about the washing issue. I'll keep that in mind as I weigh my options.

Aliona - yes! I work in marketing, but am also a freelance photographer/writer. I like your styling suggestions and you speak to what I'm worried about the most, which is looking too bold/edgy. But I have a lot of soft feminine chiffon tunics, and a soft open stitch sweater that might be perfect with faux leather. I feel my best when I'm in outfits that are feminine with an edge, so maybe this will be a perfect fit?

Janet, thanks for the insight! I just noticed the Loft pair I included are actually coated denim leggings...so maybe it will be the best of both worlds. Stretch and comfort are definitely a must for me. I think you should go for the suede!

Thank you Angie! That's another dilemma I have. Versatility is really important for me since I have a small wardrobe and lots of crossover between my weekend and work items. May be best to stick with pant-esque (is that a word?) leggings (5 pocket styling) for the best of both worlds.

Marilyn

Veteran

I bought a pair of black Gap Coated Always Skinny jeans last year. They have a beautiful sheen and they wash very well (wash inside out, hang to dry). I find mine to be a bit stiffer than my regular jeans. They look more polished than a regular black jean.

I've ordered the Gap Leather Legging shown in my finds. Haven't received them yet but the reviews are good. They're pricey for Gap but not too bad if you wait for a promo that doesn't exclude leather.

1969 leather pull-on legging jean

View Info

Top Pick

0

catgirl

Veteran

Janet, I just bought the suede Lysse ones with Nordstrom Notes. They are high waisted as that whole line is, but very comfy and do not stick too much. They do have a "nap" to them, which makes them more realistic IMHO. A nice grey-black color too,

rachylou

Veteran

I thought waxed denim would be easier, but I found it easier to find faux leather leggings. I like my Hue faux leggings best. They're just easy.

Aida

Veteran

I only have coated denim in the way of pants, but I do also have a pair of faux leather clamdiggers (not leggings). The clams are a nice soft material, with a very soft inner fabrication; however I did find them quite warm and a little sticky on actual hot days this past summer, so I mostly reserve them for that 65-75F temp range. Not sure if pants would be similar. The denim feels like any other denim so could be worn at any temps that jeans are comfortable. If your winters aren't particularly humid I think that you could go either way here. For maximum versatility I'd think actual pants would be the way to go UNLESS you have many pants and are looking specifically for leggings to complete outfits.

YAY to going for it

The Leatherette Legging Jeans

$225.00 $157.50

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

4

Vegan Shorts with Zips

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

10

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I have one pair of coated denim (7s) and a four pairs of faux leather leggings/jeggings. the coated denim aren't stiff but I bought at least one size up and they do crumple a bit. I haven't found the faux leather to be too warm with the exception of one pair that have a faux suede panel. It wasn't significant but I did find them a touch warmer than the others.