Are Leather Trousers the New Denim Jeans?

8th March 2022

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Jeans have long been a style staple in our capsule wardrobes, but this season leather pants have taken centre stage.

While denim has reigned supreme as the king of day-to-night bottoms, searches for leather clothing items are up by 136% since last year according to shopping app Klarna. And the practical trousers are making up a hefty proportion of those searches.

But forget any awkward memories like the matching Versace leather looks made famous by the Beckhams or talcum powder used to squeeze them on like Ross from Friends.

We can thank the fashion gods that the leather pants of 2021/2022 are a lot more forgiving.

Seen in multiple colourways on the Alberta Ferretti and Isabel Marant runway, the rebellious edge reserved for leather trousers has finally made it to the mainstream.

And this season the skin-tight rock aesthetic isn’t the only shape on offer.

In the same way jeans come as skinnies, flares, boyfriend fits or wide-leg cuts, leather pants are also designed in a multitude of styles to fit different body shapes making them a more accessible purchase than ever before.

Try deviating from classic black, too.

Warm hues like khakis, browns and tans can be kinder to your complexion than the darker colours often associated with the material.

Whether you’re after a pair that flatters your figure or make a serious statement, we’ve searched the virtual rails for the best leather pants you can buy.

Straight and Narrow

The most common shape of the season is the straight leg. Sitting high on the waist and falling straight down to the floor makes it the easiest to style. While the fit around the leg is looser than the skin-tight skinny often synonymous with leather pants, it is still slim enough for a streamlined look.

£350, Jigsaw £299, Karen Millen £159, Zara

Dare to Flare

The bootcut shape inspires love and hate with some shying away from the seventies style and others following form. Accentuating curves and ideal for an hourglass figure, this cut in leather makes a serious statement. Naturally, boots are the perfect choice, as are platform heels for an evening look.

£290, Arket £627, Arma at Farfetch £475, Ganni at Net-a-Porter

Wide Strides

Don’t let the voluminous effect put you off, wide leg cuts are extra-flattering. The key is to tuck a top in to highlight your waist and avoid being overwhelmed by fabric. Heels will elongate your legs, but a chunky loafer or trainers gives an urban edge.

£199, H&M £295, Ted Baker £1025, Rag & Bone at Net-a-Porter

First Class Lounge

Thanks to lockdowns, working from home guidance and a general lethargy towards getting dressed up, the last two years have seen loungewear sales rocket. And if you’re still transfixed by leisure wear, you can always find some leather pants with elasticated waists.

£227, Alexander McQueen £295, Hush £389, Baukjen

By Joely Chilcott