How to wear leather in the summer

17th June 2022

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Leather might not be the fabric that springs to mind when getting dressed in the sweltering heat but that doesn’t mean you should completely ditch it during the warmer months. Whilst light cotton and breezy linen tend to be the go-to fabrics when temperatures start to rise, leather certainly deserves a spot in your summer wardrobe rotation too.

If just the thought of wearing leather in 80-degree heat makes you break into a sweat, fret not. We’re here to tell you, yes you can wear leather in the summer and it’s all down to some savvy styling…

Whistles, Panelled Leather Skirt

Choose summer pieces

It may sound obvious but look for garments that are traditionally worn in the summer such as shorts, mini skirts and dresses, sleeveless tees and cropped trousers. Looser silhouettes will be your best friend, so avoid skin-tight styles that stick to the skin and go for relaxed Bermuda-style shorts, wide-leg trousers and A-line dresses. Look for lining to stop the stickiness and keep it comfy against your skin. It’s also worth checking the type of leather used – look for lighter leathers such as lambskin.

Team with summer-friendly fabrics

Offset your tough leather garms with lighter separates. Team a crisp white cotton shirt with a pair of tailored leather shorts for an office-ready look or style a leather tank with some relaxed linen trousers at the weekend. A leather jacket has long been an in-between weather staple and still very much needed in the UK once the sun has gone down so layer your jacket over a floaty summer frock to transform your look from day to night in one stylish swoop.

Lighten up

Karen Millen, Leather Trim Waist V Neck Pencil Midi Dress

Colour plays a key role too. Steer clear of go-to black that will absorb the sun’s rays and opt for brighter hues and lighter shades. Think sugary soft pastels, cool creams and bold brights for a look that will boost your outfit and your mood. Make coloured leather your statement piece and keep the rest of your look pared-back, teaming a vibrant pink leather dress with sleek neutral accessories or a cream leather trousers with cool caramels and coffee hues for a chic tonal look the fashion elite swear by.

Know your place

There’s a time and a place to wear your leather garments in the summer. Heading to a festival? There’s nothing more festival-ready than a leather jacket and denim shorts combo. Guaranteed to up the cool factor, the wipe-clean fabric is perfect for navigating a muddy campsite too. If you’re making the most of a balmy summer’s evening and heading out for dinner or drinks, that’s the perfect time to bring out your leather dress rather than during the sun’s lunchtime peak.

Accessories all areas

All Saints, Indi Leather Biker Jacket

When all else fails, avoid any chance of a leather sweat-fest and opt for a leather accessory instead. Leather sandals are a summer staple and this season the chunky fisherman sandal has reigned supreme. As practical as your favourite Birkenstocks, with some serious 90s flashbacks, they’re perfect for giving your summer dress a tougher edge. Finish with a cute leather crossbody bag in a timeless tan hue to keep you hands-free.

BY Charlie Bell