Cheryl Shops

Like many people, I first got into joggers during the pandemic; they're a little more forgiving than a legging, and you can get away with wearing a shorter, non-butt-covering top with them if you want to. I already own a pair of Michael Kors faux leather joggers, but they're more on the baggier side, and I was intrigued by the slimmer fit of the Spanx version. Like most Spanx pants, the jogger has a hidden front panel that smooths your tummy, and I find it to be very comfortable and not as super-sucked-in as, say, the perfect black pant. The elastic waistband is flat in front so that it lays well and doesn't bunch up, then it's ruched in back, which is different from most Spanx pants. Also different: actual working pockets in front, which have the added benefit of camouflaging any hip/thigh lumpiness. This style also has ruched elastic around the ankle; I have very bony ankles and actually find this to be a little snug, but I usually stretch it out a few times before I put them on, and that seems to do the trick. If I were the technical designer, I would have made the cuff a wee bit wider so there's a less-extreme taper at the ankle, but that's just me. 

Like I said, I was a little disappointed in the fabric of the faux leather leggings, because while it's interesting, it looks nothing like leather to me, and has become even less leather-like over time. I am happy to report that the Leather-Like Jogger looks and feels much more like actual leather—it's a thicker, more substantial polyester/elastane blend versus the nylon/elastane blend that the legging uses (both are coated in polyurethane). And while I wouldn't recommend wearing these in summer per se, I find the fabric to be surprisingly breathable, and it does not make me sweat. I wash mine inside out on the delicate cycle, then hang them to dry, and so far the fabric is holding up beautifully without losing any of its stretch—I've had them for about six months as of this post. 

I am almost always a medium in Spanx pants (I'm a very true size 6 in most everything, and for reference, I'm 5' 7"), but based on the advice of the Internet, I sized down to a small in these, and I'm glad I did. The effect is somewhere between a legging and a jogger, like a slouchy slim fit. On me, they're pretty fitted through the hips, butt, and thighs, then looser through the calf. You could always take your regular Spanx size if you want a more relaxed fit, but I think sizing down is the way to go. I am even carrying around a few extra pounds at the moment (thanks, holidays!) and these are still super comfy (and forgiving). I think they look just as good from the back as they do from the front. And like all Spanx pants, they come in sizes XS–3X!

These are my current favorite Spanx pants, hands down. (The perfect black pants are a close second.) I wear them at least once a week, if not more. They're comfortable and stretchy, yet I can throw on a blazer and boots with them and feel dressed up enough to go out to dinner or drinks. I love that they look and feel like real leather, and the fabric really holds you in. They are totally worth the price, and I have a feeling I'll be wearing them for years to come. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: J.Crew quilted downtown field jacket | Naked Cashmere Waverly sweater (current version here) | Spanx Leather-Like Jogger (c/o) | Isabel Marant Beth sneakers