It’s funny to think that I started wearing Spanx pants only a year ago, because my collection has grown exponentially in that time—it started with perfect black ankle pants, then the faux leather leggings, every pant in navy, and even activewear. I wear Spanx pants several days a week on average; I love that they’re comfy but polished-looking, e.g. it’s not totally obvious that I’m wearing leggings. But now I’m starting to go out more and want to look like I’m not wearing leggings, however I’m also carrying around 5 extra pounds of pandemic weight and wearing hard pants is, well, hard. Enter Spanx jeans. They look like traditional denim but definitely don’t fit like it. If anything, they’re even better than jeans—they’re a gift from the gods. Here’s my honest and unfiltered review of Spanx flare jeans and Spanx skinny jeans.
The flare jean
Flare jeans were popular when I was in college in the late ’90s; I will forever associate them with Contempo Casuals, where I worked for a year. And while I have a pair of flares that I occasionally break out, they’ve never quite fit how I imagined they would: ideally super slim through the waist, hips, and thighs, flaring out below the knee in a way that elongates the leg in a ’70s Lauren Hutton kind of vibe. When the proportions are even slightly off, flare jeans can make one’s legs look wider and trunk-y, but I am happy to report that the Spanx flare jeans do none of those things. They are, hands down, the most flattering pair of flare jeans I’ve ever worn.
The Spanx flare jeans have quite a bit of stretch to them, but not as much as you’d imagine—they’re 91% cotton, 7% polyester, and 2% Lycra, but the special sauce is the hidden shaping panel, which you can find in most Spanx pants. These jeans are pull-on, although they have real belt loops and back pockets (the front pockets and fly are faux), and I think this is also a key part of their success. I know Karl Lagerfeld once said that elastic waistbands are the devil’s playground, but there have been a lot of innovations in that area recently, and really, some things are better off without a button closure and zip fly. Anyway, the belt loops are key in covering up the giveaway elastic waistband, and I especially like a belt on high-rise jeans such as these, for extra waist emphasis.
As for the fit, the flare jean is true to size, according to Spanx’s size chart. I am wearing a medium, which is what I take in most Spanx pants (I’m almost always a size 6 or 28 in jeans). The rise on these is pretty high—mine hits just below my belly button—but the waistband is super comfortable and unlike my other jeans, I don’t have to unbutton them after a big meal. One thing to note: the inseam on these is rather long, like 34 inches long, so if you’re like me and have ditched most of your heels in the last year, just keep that in mind. (I’m 5′ 7″ and wearing a 3″ heel in these photos.) The jeans do come in petite and tall lengths, and in sizes XS-3X. Now I just need to get a few pairs of platform heels to wear with them 😉
The skinny jean
As I’ve said several times before, I am not a big skinny jeans person. However I totally support those of you who are, and if you love skinny jeans, by all means, do not bow to Gen Z pressure to wear mom jeans. Do you, boo. Skinny jeans are by far the superior fit for tucking into boots, for example, or for wearing with long, cozy sweaters. Also, because they tend to have so much more stretch than straight leg or mom jeans, they can be incredibly comfy. And that’s definitely the case with Spanx skinny jeans.
Spanx skinny jeans feel more like a jegging (remember those?) to me, versus the flare, which has a thicker denim feel to it. That may be because the skinny jeans have less cotton and more lyocell, elastane, and polyester in them; the effect is a bit softer and stretchier overall. Like the flare, the skinny has a built-in shaping panel and a thick elastic waistband, plus real back pockets but faux front pockets. The result is a very smooth, sleek fit; I feel very “held in” in these, in a good way. The legging-like construction also solves a problem I frequently have with skinny jeans, which is that the ankle is always too baggy (I have muscular legs with very bony ankles). These are so stretchy that the ankle actually looks and feels like a true skinny jean
As with the flare, I’m wearing my usual Spanx size medium, and the fit is just right. Also like the flare, this fit comes in sizes XS-3X in three different lengths. The flare is definitely my favorite of the two fits, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the skinny. Spanx definitely knows how to shape a good pair of pants.
Product Description
Looking for a total transformation? You’re in the right place. This sculpting shaper is lightweight and powerful, featuring fully-bonded front-panels for a tabletop flat stomach and edge-bonded side panels for comfortable, squeeze-free slimming.
Details
- Comfortable sculpting power with less bulk
- Bonded tummy panel flat-out flattens
- Side panels offer squeeze-free slimming and easy movement
- Leg opening stays invisible under clothing
- Booty enhancing pockets prevent uni-butt
- Double-gusset opening for ease when nature calls
Care Instructions
- 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane.
- Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle. Only Non-Chlorine Bleach When Needed. Lay Flat To Dry. Do Not Iron.
Size & Fit
The OnCore High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short offers our most powerful compression. If you’re between sizes, fans recommend sizing up.
Level 3: Sculpting – A Super Firm Hug
Faux Leather Leggings
Product Description
Faux Leather that flatters. This best-selling style features sleek, smoothing faux leather fabric that shapes and lifts and our contoured Power Waistband for core compression.
Details
- Sleek and smoothing faux leather fabric shapes and lifts
- Contoured Power Waistband for core compression
- Center-seam free for no more camel toe
- High-waisted design
- Dress up or down
Care Instructions
Body: 87% Nylon, 13% Elastane With Polyurethane Coating. Lining: 80% Polyester, 20% Elastane.
Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle. Do Not Use Fabric Softener. Inside Out. Only Non-Chlorine Bleach When Needed. Lay Flat To Dry. Do Not Iron.
Size & Fit
- Many fans say these fit somewhat small – expect some compression
- Fit tip: 5’4″ or under? Try our Petite inseam. 5’9″ or over? Try our Tall inseam
- Regular Inseam: Product stretches on body to accommodate up to a 34” inseam
Leather-Like Moto Jacket
Product Description
Designed to look like leather but flex like fabric, this comfortable moto jacket is the perfect all-day layer that instantly elevates any outfit. Plus, you don’t have to take it to the dry cleaner.
Details
- Flexible fabric you can move in without sacrificing the look of real leather
- No need to dry clean
- Functional zippers at sleeves
- Functional pockets
Size & Fit
- Hip length
- Fitted with stretch for ease of movement
The Perfect Jumpsuit
Product Description
Designed using smoothing premium ponte fabric, this jumpsuit is machine-washable and features hidden core shaping technology.
Details
- No need to dry clean
- Easily zip yourself
- Smoothing premium ponte fabric
- 4-way stretch
- Hidden core shaping technology
Care Instructions
- 68% Rayon, 28% Nylon, 4% Elastane.
- Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle. Only Non-Chlorine Bleach When Needed. Line Dry. Low Iron If Needed. Or Dry Clean.
Size & Fit
- Victoria is wearing a size S in a Tall inseam and is 5’11”. Bianca is wearing a size 1X in a Tall inseam and is 5’10”.
- Fitted through hip and mid-thigh with a flare leg
- Full length (perfect to wear with a 3-4”heel)
- Wide straps cover your bra
- V-neckline
- Inseams: Petite = 31” (recommended for 5’4” and under), Regular = 33.5”, Tall = 35.5” (recommended for 5’9” and above)
Flare Jeans, Midnight Shade
Product Description
These 70s inspired flare jeans are the perfect wear everywhere with anything style. Designed with premium stretch denim, high-rise coverage and hidden core shaping technology, this jean puts a new twist on a retro silhouette.
Details
- No button or zipper, just pull on
- Comfortable stretch denim
- Hidden core shaping technology
- Booty lifting
- Functional back pockets
Care Instructions
- Body: 91% Cotton, 7% Polyester, 2% Lycra® Elastane. Lining: 70% Polyester, 30% Cotton.
- Wash Before Wearing. Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle. With Like Colors. Inside Out. Only Non-Chlorine
- Bleach When Needed. Tumble Dry Low. Low Iron If Needed.
Size & Fit
- Hits at natural waist for great coverage
- Fitted through hip and thigh with a flare leg
10.5” flare leg opening - Inseams: Petite = 32” (recommended for 5’4” and under), Regular = 34”, Tall = 37” (recommended for 5’9” and above)
- Perfect to wear with a 3-4”heel. If you prefer to wear flats or sneakers, we recommend selecting a shorter inseam.
Ankle Straight Leg Jeans, Black
Product Description
The IT jean silhouette of the season is here! We did it – we made the “mom jean” flattering so yes, you can pull it off. This pull-on Straight Leg Jean is designed with premium stretch denim, high-rise coverage and hidden core shaping technology.
Details
- No button or zipper, just pull on
- Comfortable stretch denim
- Hidden core shaping technology
- Booty lifting
- Functional back pockets
Care Instructions
- Body: 91% Cotton, 7% Polyester, 2% Lycra® Elastane. Lining: 70% Polyester, 30% Cotton.
- Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle. With Like Colors. Inside Out. Only Non-Chlorine Bleach When Needed. Tumble Dry Low. Low Iron If Needed.
Size & Fit
- Hits at natural waist
- Fitted through hip with a straight leg
Hits at ankle - Inseams: Petite = 27” (recommended for 5’4” and under), Regular = 29”, Tall = 31” (recommended for 5’9” and above)
