From Hermès to Jil Sander and Givenchy, many high-end designers have been showcasing head-to-toe leather looks on their recent menswear runways. Leather jackets and coats were not a surprise obviously as they have been a wardrobe staple for men but what about leather pants?
The thought of Men’s leather pants might trigger a horrific discomfort and fear of sweat and tightness around the area – remember the epic (and tragic) Friends episode where Ross couldn’t get those pants back on, making him pathetically trapped in his date’s bathroom?
These horror stories and anecdotes might make men’s leather pants an intimidating contestant when it comes to styling them. But if done the right way, and with the right pair of men’s leather pants, you can achieve the effortless and polished look that you strive for.
Need more convincing? Justin Bieber whipped out his baggy men’s leather pants pulling off his best street style look yet. We’re not sure we can give you more evidence if you’re not already convinced but learning how to wear leather might be the best investment you make this year.
Ready to make the leap? Find our favorite picks below.
Our Top Picks
The best overall option that is also budget-friendly is the Alpha Cycle Gear Leather Motorcycle Pant. Made with 100% genuine full-grain cowhide leather, these men’s leather pants are durable enough for bikers and casual enough for the streets. No more complaining, these have it all.
The Alpha Cycle Gear Leather Motorcycle Pant comes with a rough bottom edge, so you can easily cut off the bottom hem with scissors to best fit your leg length. These men’s leather pants are originally made for motorcycle riders and bikers, ensuring warmth and durability. But the minimal design also makes this versatile enough to be styled for casual outfits as well.
Material: Cowhide Leather | Fit: Regular | Colors: Black | Sizes available: 30-46 | Care: Spot clean
The best slim-fit men’s leather pants for the ready-to-roll guy are the Celine Homme’s Slim-Fit Leather Trousers. Perfect for fancy nights out and weekend brunches, these men’s pants are ideal for slim to average body types. The supple lamb leather is slightly stretchy, making these black men’s leather pants not only soft to the touch but also provide the utmost comfort.
These men’s leather pants are inspired by skinny jeans, with the classic five-pocket design, and are pre-broken in for a slight vintage fade and immediate comfort. These pants for men are cut for a slim leg fit, but feel free to size down if you’d prefer an ultra-skinny fit.
Material: 100% Lamb Leather | Fit: Slim | Colors: Black | Sizes available: IT 46-56 | Care: Leather Specialist Recommended
The best pick for the everyday guy looking to step up his mundane outfits are Banana Republic’s Straight Leather Pants. Cut in a classic straight-leg fit with sturdy leather, you’ll repeatedly reach for these men’s leather pants in place of your favorite pair of jeans.
These pants feature all the timeless details of classic denim, including the five-pocket styling, belt loops, and zip fly with button closure. There are no unnecessary details added to prevent these from looking tacky, they are truly timeless.
Banana Republic’s high-quality craftsmanship and reasonable pricing make these men’s leather pants a treasurable find that will instantly boost a man’s confidence and style. These buttery soft pants are also super versatile and will look great when styled with almost anything in your closet – casual shirts, tees, denim jackets, sportcoats, you name it.
Material: 100% leather | Fit: Straight | Colors: Black | Sizes available: 28W – 44W | Care: Professional leather cleaner recommended
If you are an animal activist or a shopper on a budget, a faux leather option is a great alternative to real leather pants.
Made of a 100% polyester base fabric that is coated with 100% polyurethane, giving it a sturdy and luxurious feel while mimicking soft, lambskin leather. The slightly relaxed fit around the hip and slim fit legs make these a great casual piece to be paired with your favorite t-shirt and a leather jacket.
The adjustable side vents at the hem with snap buttons give you more flexibility with styling, allowing you to wear these over any type of shoes, ranging from sneakers to ankle boots.
Material: 100% Polyurethane | Fit: Slim | Colors: Black | Sizes available: 29-34 | Care: Machine wash delicate cycle
If you’ve been avoiding men’s leather pants thinking they’re sweaty and uncomfortable – get ready for this pick. This pair is the cult-favorite denim brand Frame’s unexpected take on leather pants that have quickly become essential for contemporary dressing.
The casual jogger elements are complemented with buttery soft black leather, making them feel extremely luxurious and baller. These black leather jogger pants are ideal to be styled with a comfortable hoodie or a button-down shirt for a casual look around the beach or to an outdoor picnic.
Material: 100% Lamb Leather | Fit: Loose | Colors: Black | Sizes available: XS – XXL | Care: Clean by Leather Specialist
‘House of
Logo prints might be a cringe-worthy detail for some men, but
Perfect for a fancy night out or even a casual strut down Fifth Avenue, these pants are best if styled with simplicity, to really make these pants the star of the show.
Material: 100% Lamb Leather | Fit: Relaxed straight | Colors: Black | Sizes available: IT 46-50 | Care: Clean by Leather Specialist
If you are well versed with fashion brands, you’ll know that Nanushka is one of the best at creating relaxed but fashionable products.
These completely vegan and sustainable men’s leather pants have been a must-have item among Nanushka’s cult following, proved by the endless roster of fashion enthusiasts that rave about them. As proven by the multiple color and fabric variations offered, the JAIN pant is an extremely comfortable, casual pant that will surely become your second skin.
Featuring a drawstring waist, relaxed shape, and a wide leg, these are the perfect pair of bottoms to wear around the house or on dates. All colors available are very wearable and attractive, but we especially love the brand’s signature ‘Pebble’ colorway for a lighthearted mood this upcoming spring and summer – we’ll keep the other colors like the Black and Olive on our wishlist.
Material: 65% Polyester, 35% Polyurethane | Fit: Relaxed | Colors: Pebble (Beige) | Sizes available: XS – XXL | Care: Dry clean any solvent except Trichloroethylene
If you are looking for a pair of pants that will truly make an outfit statement, go for these men’s leather pants by Rick Owens. Featuring biker-style zippers and rivets all throughout, these cargo-style pants give off a tough guy vibe while still being delicate and sophisticated.
Rick Owens’ signature ‘Megablister’ leather is a cult favorite and his fans love the destroyed finish and broken-in feel of these leather pants. The supple, non-stretchy leather is juxtaposed with bulky zippers and the brand’s signature off-white laces, giving it a more casual vibe.
These pants are cut for a relaxed, slim-leg fit and would be best if styled with other Rick Owens gems like leather jackets or destroyed knitwear.
Material: 100% Lamb Leather | Fit: Slim-tapered leg | Colors: Black | Sizes available: IT 46-54 | Care: Clean by Leather Specialist
If you are a guy that moves around a lot or opts for stretchy jeans, these men’s leather pants from Paige should be your only pick if you have comfort on the brain. Thanks to the added 3% elastane in the fabric blend, these lamb leather jeans are ultra soft and stretchy to allow flexible movement.
Staying true to the brand’s rock ‘n’ roll roots, these Lennox leather pants are part of their ICON Capsule, which pays tribute to the eras in history when fashion, music, and art. The crinkled texture effect also frees you from the burden of worrying about any scratches or imperfections that naturally come with wear.
Material: 97% Lamb Leather, 3% Elastane | Fit: Slim | Colors: Black | Sizes available: 28-40 | Care: Clean by Leather Specialist
Best for street style enthusiasts who are always looking for something fresh to spruce up their looks is Diesel’s Crinkled Vinyl Pants. Ideal for casual days out for brunch or shopping.
These Diesel pants are a glossy take on your usual faux men’s leather pants with an added crinkled-effect vinyl coating to make it a little more unique and exciting. These pants are cut for a relaxed fit around the bum and a slimmer fit around the lower legs, giving off an effortless skater look.
Since the pants are a showstopper on their own, we recommend styling these pants with a toned-down black crewneck and your favorite every day sneakers.
Material: 100% Polyurethane | Fit: Slim | Colors: Black | Sizes available: 26-38 | Care: Hand wash, Dry clean
If you want to invest in a solid pair of men’s leather pants but don’t want something overly dressy, these Marni Straight-Leg Paneled Leather Trousers are for you. As an elevated take on track pants, these pants give off a super casual and laid-back vibe, without looking like they belong on the couch.
Made with supple lamb leather and lined with a cotton-polyamide blend, these pants will keep your legs cool and prevent them from getting too stuffy. The blue double line accent on the sides also gives an elongating effect, making you appear to be taller and leaner.
Material: 100% Lamb Leather | Fit: Relaxed straight leg | Colors: Black | Sizes available: IT 46-54 | Care: Specialist clean
What to look for in Men’s leather pants
Fabric
The first thing you’ll need to consider when scoping for a pair of leather pants is the fabric material – whether you prefer animal leather or faux/vegan leather. Each real animal leather has its own distinct characteristics – lamb being the softest, and cowhide being durable.
But animal leather pants can become extremely detrimental to your wallet, so if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, opt for vegan or faux leather pants made of polyester or polyurethane compositions. Although these are less durable, they are equally as stylish and will mimic the feel of real leather.
Fit
The fit is also an important aspect to consider when purchasing leather pants – or any pair of bottoms in general. Because leather tends to be less stretchy and can easily trap heat, tighter pants might be uncomfortable for many men.
When considering leather pants, we recommend going for a wider or more relaxed fit than what you are the most used to, as this will free up some leg room and your skin will appreciate the extra breath of fresh air.
Lining
Thanks to modern technology, most leather pants made nowadays are lined with synthetic materials to prevent the leather from naturally shrinking from the heat trapped inside.
This helps prevent your legs from wicking a moderate amount of sweat and helps promote air circulation. If you are worried about getting sweaty, be sure to look out for separate lining information – if you see materials like cotton, polyamide, and acetate, you’re good to go.
FAQ
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If you want to look effortlessly stylish, go for a Parisian vibe with a simple t-shirt and sneakers (just think of your leather pants replacing your favorite pair of jeans).
If you want to look more on-trend, style a head to toe leather look with a monochrome leather shirt or jacket on top, and pointy leather boots.
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Most real animal leather pants are recommended to be cleaned by a leather specialist. Due to the delicate nature of animal leather they must be cleaned professionally or spot cleaned with a damp cloth.
Unless otherwise stated (usually for faux leather pants), never throw them in the washing machine.
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