The Chicest Ways To Wear Leather Pants
Reimagined in sleek, tailored shapes, leather pants are the style of the moment – and we all need a pair, says GEORGIE LUCAS. Read on for the styles to invest in now, and how to wear them
Once the preserve of punk legends and rock royalty, leather pants have a rich sartorial history. But, despite possessing the same utilitarian roots as denim, they haven’t been held in quite the same regard – until now. Over the past few years, leather pants have transitioned from a cyclical trend to a bona fide closet staple, largely thanks to the evolution of the material – softer hides, recycled leathers, and a host of vegan alternatives have allowed designers to offer a plethora of colors and shapes to suit all tastes.
A glance at street-style tastemakers is proof of the versatile styling options leather pants offer, be it day-to-day with a long coat, relaxed white tee and sneakers; for work with a turtleneck, oversized blazer and pumps; or evening drinks with heeled boots and a printed blouse. In terms of silhouette, they range from fitted leggings, like French brand Stouls’ ‘Carolyn’ pair in machine-washable leather, to LA-based Agolde’s recycled leather-blend pants in this season’s favorite barrel-leg shape. Elsewhere, Róhe’s brown leather pair is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER and cut for a slim fit that reflects the Amsterdam-based brand’s modern aesthetic, while Mother’s straight-leg style is sure to become an everyday go-to.
Trust Victoria Beckham to deliver modern refinement with these ‘Alina’ pants – the flared cut is a fresh alternative to office-appropriate straight-leg styles, and will segue neatly into evening. Magda Butrym, too, excels at elevated silhouettes – this cropped pair sit lows at the waist and has a second-skin fit giving it a cool, ’90s feel. Wear it to parties with heels and a slinky top. Meanwhile, Australian brand St. Agni makes the case for unexpected colors with its sophisticated straight-leg design, which comes in burgundy and bottle green. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER – and part of our NET SUSTAIN edit – they’ve been crafted using lower-impact materials.
With wide-leg denim already cemented as a closet staple, it makes sense that leather versions would follow suit. Flattering and effortlessly cool, Isabel Marant’s ‘Breydi’ pants come in chocolate-brown and are inspired by vintage Western styles. Unsurprisingly, modern denim designers are adept at crafting in leather, too – Italian brand Haikure offers an exaggerated take on classic shapes with its ‘Bethany’ pair, which will elevate knitwear and pair beautifully with tailoring. And trust fashion-insider favourite Agolde to deliver the ultimate everyday design – the ‘Ren’ design is a high-rise, wide-leg cut that will slip seamlessly into your day and evening rotation.
How to care for leather clothing
Here’s how to cherish your pieces for longer, according to Layla Sargent, founder and CEO of repair-and-alterations service The Seam.
“Leather garments should never be placed in a regular wash. Leather is essentially a skin, and so its porous nature must be treated carefully to avoid distorting the texture or cracking the finish. Laundry detergents can remove the finishing from the hide, so, instead, choose natural leather conditioners and apply with a damp cloth or sponge. After cleaning the surface, it’s important to add a leather moisturizer or balm to prevent cracking, as the item can dry out.
“Synthetic leathers behave very differently from genuine ones, as they are typically made from plastics or more innovative plant fibers, and sealed with a coating to give them a leather-like surface. These synthetic coatings lack the self-healing properties of true leather, so it’s important to take extra care in avoiding scuffs and snags. Don’t wear sharp jewelry around synthetic-leather clothes, and take care to store away from jagged zippers or sharp corners. If synthetic-leather items show signs of dirt, attempt to wipe it away with a damp cloth, and turn to a dry-cleaner or specialist when in doubt.”
Find out how to extend the life of your clothes with our Repair & Rewear service, powered by The Seam
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