After a long year of working from home, many people (myself included) are wearing leggings and loungewear more than ever! I’ve been wearing my Spanx leggings pretty religiously, and thought it was time to do a blogpost about them! Since you all loved the round-up blog post about Mom Jeans for Thick Thighs, it seemed fitting to do the same format this time around. I searched, researched, read, and gathered four affordable Spanx Leggings alternatives. Being a Type 3 Enneagram, I work best weighing pros and cons. Naturally, I made lists of the reasons why each pair of leggings are a good (or bad) buy.
If you liked this round-up post, you might also enjoy reading, “10+ Affordable Anthropologie Mirror Dupes That Are Budget Friendly“! It’s a collection of the antique inspired mirrors that look like the Anthropologie Evening Primrose home decor piece.
A Review of Spanx Leggings
Even before lockdowns happened, Spanx Leggings were wildly popular among the Instagram influencers. They gained their reputation as reliable loungewear that could be dressed up or down.
One reason for this love is that Spanx have a power waistband that is meant to hold in the “pooch” or lower abdomen. Spanx leggings hit above the belly button, even with long legs. The downside to this waistband is that it has a tendency to roll. This can be prevented by getting the proper sizing (too small or too big will cause more rolling). Be sure to check the size charts offered, and do not size down for an “extra boost” as then the tight fabric won’t be able to fit properly! For reference of this blogpost, I am currently a size 10 in denim and purchased the size Large in Spanx, which seems to be the perfect fit.
Another reason for the cult following is that the leggings lack a front seam, which means women wearers are less likely to get the dreaded “camel-toe” effect. Yet another, the fabric is thick, but breathable, so you won’t be having any see-through clothing errors. Overall, most buyers love the Spanx leggings because they are high quality, versatile, and slimming.
Affordable Spanx Leggings Alternatives Under $20
Faux Leather High-Waist Leggings – A New Day™
SIZE BOUGHT: Large FIT: Runs Small; only size up if in-between sizes
I had high hopes for the first pair of dupes for Spanx I tried on. Target has a TON of faux leather, a place I frequent a lot, so it would make sense if the leggings from there would be likable. They even have an offshoot of the SPANX brand called ASSETS that is new and I have yet to try. Unfortunately, of the four I tried, I found the pair pictured to be my least favorite. They definitely have the faux leather effect because of their shininess. However, I found them to be hot and the material wasn’t as stretchy as I like for my leggings. They did come up above the belly button, like real Spanx do, but in an unfitted and unflattering manner. The worst part: they had an unsavory scent to them (the same kind of smell as clothing that’s been mass produced in a close quarters factory).
VERDICT: I wouldn’t recommend buying these leggings if you’re trying to get exact matches to Spanx. Nonetheless, if you need a cheap pair in a jiffy, these leggings will do the job– just opt to wear them on a cold night!
Love, Fire Faux Leather Stretch Leggings
SIZE BOUGHT: Large FIT: Runs Small, definitely size up one full size
Honestly, I had seen this pair of imitation Spanx leggings a few times while browsing Nordstrom Rack and had been interested in testing them out. The best part is that this pair of leggings also comes in extended sizes and plus size for a few dollars more. They are fleece lined, so this pair is definitely more of a fall or winter clothing item as they’ll keep you toasty. They were the most beautiful leggings, with a slight shine like real leather pants. However, pulling them on was difficult! They run small, hitting below the belly button; these will fit like crops on my long-leg friends! Along with the sizing being off, I found that the material didn’t fit and flatter my curves as well as Spanx do.
VERDICT: These budget-friendly faux leather leggings look the most like real leather pants! I like that they come in extended/plus sizes. Remember to size up one full size. I’d purchase this pair before the last one (from Target) and they rank #3 out of the 4 Spanx dupes I tried.
Affordable Spanx Leggings Alternatives Under $50
Ginasy Stretchy High Waisted Tights for Women
SIZE BOUGHT: Large FIT: Runs true to size
This was yet another fleece-lined pair of Spanx dupes; they definitely made me warm!They offered good stretch for movement, acting like leggings should. The leggings sat at the belly button and had average inseam, so these would be great for shorter people below 5′ 7″. The fabric offered a slight hold, but wasn’t extra tight like Spanx. They definitely gave the best butt lift out of all the leggings.
VERDICT: They ended up being my second favorite pair that I tried on (#2 out of 4). They’re a good Spanx alternative for anyone that is on the shorter side or doesn’t like the tightness of Spanx leggings. Best for buyers looking for pants to wear in cold weather. They are comparable to the Love, Fire leggings mentioned above, but score a bit better in my book.
Retro Gong Women’s Stretch High Waisted Pleather Pants
SIZE BOUGHT: X-Large FIT: Runs true to size, I should have purchased a Large
The final pair of imitation Spanx leggings I tried on ended up being my favorite! They feel, and look, the most like Spanx. The fabric has a good stretch making them easy to put on, but it also has a good retention to hold in curves in all the right places. The inseam is long, so these are great for tall people! They also are high-waist and go above the belly button, just like Spanx do. They are breathable and could be worn in warmer temps in the Spring and Fall. Finally, they are the only pair I tried on that did not have a front seam– a feature included on the Spanx leggings that prevents unsightly squishing of women’s parts in the front area.
VERDICT: I’d buy these leggings again! They are half the price of Spanx leggings, come in sizes XS – 4X, run true to size, and fit and feel the most like Spanx. They ranked #1 out of the 4 leggings I tried for this post.
SHOP THIS POST
What do you think?