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Hell hath no fury like a woman with nothing to wear. I know because I am that woman...regularly. I’m all too familiar with the frustration that comes with an unfruitful dressing session. When comfy leggings are too casual, work pants are too businesslike, and a cute winter dress is just not in the cards—leather pants are the secret weapon you simply must have in your arsenal.
Leather pants can be dressy. Leather pants can be casual. Leather pants can be office attire. Leather pants can change your life, or at least your style game. Are you picking up what I’m putting down? Below, find 20 pairs of leather pants worth your time, money, and closet space (because that’s the most precious resource of them all).
I don’t think I’ve ever seen leather carpenter pants before, but I’m extremely into it.
These skinny-legged trousers come in 18 different colors and boast rave reviews from Amazon customers. You can browse through shoppers’ photos in the pants to get an idea of how they look on the body.
Black patent leather is such an underrated style element, if you ask me. Try incorporating some into your wardrobe, perhaps with these pants, and prepare for an influx of compliments.
I’m not exaggerating when I say most people I know have these pants or have borrowed these vegan leather pants. They are, in summary, a crowd pleaser, and even went viral on TikTok because everybody looks good in Melinas—ELLE editors love these pants, too, by the way. They wash beautifully, and best of all, there are plenty of size, length, and color options to choose from.
Sizes: 00-16 short, regular, or tall
Leather pants so bright I need shades! There’s an inexplicable coolness to these metallic pants. Pair it with a fitted black turtleneck and stilettos on a night out, or an old band tee and dad sneakers for a daytime look.
Sizes: 24-35 short, regular, or long
Everyone loves Madewell’s pants. Now, you can love them in leather.
When it comes to pants, we all know a good fit is key. The mid-rise of these deep brown pants hits at just the right spot, hugging your hips while maintaining a straight cut down the leg.
Nanushka is known for its amazing OKOBOR™ leather alternative. Made with 100 percent recycled backing, it’s a sustainable choice you can feel good about.
Colors: Black, Creme, Coffee Ground, Soil, or Khaki
Who says leather has to be stiff and rigid? Not me, and not Anine Bing either. Try these elevated track pants for a look that’s both polished and comfortable.
Who doesn’t love pockets? Leave your purse at home; these pants have storage.
This pair of faux leather pants is one of NYDJ’s bestselling items, and it comes in regular, petite, and plus sizes. And it’s under $100. Leather pants for all!
Colors: Cordovan, Black, or Ripe Olive
Spanx’s leather leggings are another fan favorite. Customers swear by these ultra-comfy pants that offer simultaneous stretch and compression.
Sizes: XS-3XL regular, petite, or tall
The idea that pregnancy fashion can’t be actual fashion is a big ’ole myth. Case in point: these super comfortable, extremely stretchy vegan leather pants, which are made to accommodate a growing baby bump.
I’m surprised by how obsessed with these I am. They have a cool edginess to them, yet they’re very approachable. You could easily style these in so many ways.
Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex, polyurethane
Look, you know you’re a badass. I know you’re a badass. But it’s time the rest of the world knows, too. What’s more rock-and-roll than a pair of leather biker pants? (Keith Richards, but other than him, nothing.)
Welcome to the Kendall Jenner support group, a safe space to admit that you, too, suffer from the compulsion to buy items simply because Kenny was seen wearing them. Except, these vegan leather pants from Cult Naked are actually totally worth the hype. Thanks, Kendall!
Colors: Black, Choco, Purple, Pink, or Vanilla
These are for those who want anything but subtlety—and I love it. A bold pair of pants like these is perfect for pulling together effortless outfits that look like you put in a ton of thought.
Colors: Brown Snake or White Snake
You don’t have to splash out on a designer pair of leather pants, especially if you aren’t totally sold on the idea. Amazon is great for finding inexpensive takes on trend pieces.
It’s unbelievable how a simple split seam can add so much flair to a pair of pants. Whether you’re looking for a slightly more unique version of leather-effect trousers, or you have a killer shoe collection that absolutely must be shown off, these L’Agence pants are a great option.
Everyone wears black leather pants, but I’d argue that white styles are vastly underrated. They can be dressed up or down just like their darker counterparts and offer a much subtler look.
Material: Cowhide leather, polyurethane, viscose
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
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