It’s (faux) leather weather! 10 chic ways to incorporate the look into your athleisure wardrobe

Ever since I saw the Friends episode where Ross gets stuck in his leather pants, I’ve had a major aversion to wearing leather in situations that involve sweat. This is problematic because I’m very into the whole biker-jacket-and-leggings look for running around town post-workout. Luckily, the fashion powers-that-be have got my back this season with loads of faux leather jackets, bottoms, and bras—all of which have the slick look of the real deal, but are vegan-friendly and can stand up to a broader array of conditions. (Hot fitness classes included.)

On one end of the spectrum are pieces that are actually made to exercise in: leggings, sports bras, and cropped tanks made from sweat-proof activewear materials with a leather-like sheen. On the other are silhouettes that you probably wouldn’t wear during a workout, but could throw on over your outfit after class—think bomber jackets, joggers, or button-down shirts. And if swathing half your body in faux leather is a little extra for your taste, you can always opt for a leather-like accessory to get in on this perennial cool-weather trend.

As you’ll see from the edit that follows, the best of fall’s faux leather looks are rendered in classic black, which means they can be seamlessly styled with pretty much any item in your athleisure wardrobe—and your regular wardrobe, too. (If you were looking for a way to extend the life of your midi skirt and sneakers after summer, this is it.)

Carbon38 Double Strap Flash Bra ($78)

Sure, you could layer this bra underneath a low-armhole tank and it’d still look cool. But you may as well ditch the top and show it off in all its lustrous, cross-back glory—it is made for being active, after all.

Anthropologie Sakara Faux Leather Joggers ($150)

There’s no danger of having a Gellar moment in these relaxed-fit, faux-leather sweats—they’re not nearly tight enough to be trapped in. But you will risk not wanting to take them off for days at a time.

Mother Faux Fur and Vegan Leather Moto Jacket ($395)

This bomber is half sporty, half Saturday night—meaning, it’s the queen of faux leather jackets for grabbing coffee with your CrossFit crush.

Forever 21 Faux Leather Baseball Hat ($13)

Stash this in your gym bag and it won’t even matter if you forget to bring your dry shampoo to the gym… again.

BB Dakota Way Out West Vegan Leather Shirt Jacket ($98)

Think of this as fall’s answer to the button-up shirts we were all layering over our workout outfits last summer. It’s a way fresher take on the style than buffalo plaid, no?

Alo High-Waist Airbrush Leggings in Black Performance Leather ($102)

If you prefer your leatheresque leggings to be more subdued and less shiny, Alo’s got your number. Bonus: This pair is also designed to lift and sculpt your booty.

MZ Wallace City Backpack in Port Lacquer ($235)

This quilted backpack may look like patent leather, but it’s actually made from lightweight nylon. Because, let’s be honest, the less weight you have to lug around after an intense treadmill sesh, the better.

Blanc Noir Hooded Moto Jacket ($179)

If a hoodie and a faux leather jacket had a baby, it would be this hybrid moto—complete with ever-so-essential thumbhole cuffs.

Heroine Sport Jetset Cutout Glossed Stretch Sports Bra ($100)

This cropped tank may not look super comfortable, but hear me out. It’s engineered to stretch and move with your body and it’s got a cutout in the back to provide ventilation during the sweatiest workouts.

Adidas Originals Pebbled Faux Leather Fanny Pack ($35)

This belt bag is made from faux leather that looks so realistic, you’ll swear it’s the real thing—and for about the cost of one spin class, you’ll be able to wear it all season long.

This white button-down shirt is also appropriate for sweaty situations. In other fitness fashion news, did you hear Reformation and New Balance are dropping a sustainable sneaker collaboration?