I Was Terrified of Leather Leggings and Now I Can't Stop Wearing Them

by Amanda Bardas

Until last winter, I was terrified of leather leggings. In a store, nothing would make me panic more than the shop assistant suggesting a pair of leather leggings to go with the chunky knit I was waiting to try on. The fear wasn’t down to body confidence—I wear skinny leg jeans all the time and they’re basically the same. It was more I thought they were too ‘out there’ for my simple, non-fussy taste (plus, I couldn’t get the visual of Ross Gellar’s run-in with leather pants in Friends out of my head).

All of that changed last year when I spontaneously bought this J Brand pair on a late night shopping scroll. Yes, online. Without trying them on. I figured it was simple, I’m in jeans every day, I know what size I am (usually), so I may as well bite the bullet and see if I can pull them off—in the comfort of trying them on in my own home. The result was better than I could’ve hoped. The leather leggings swiftly became my go-to on nights out (and even the office with a long-line tunic thrown over the top), and were comfortable enough to lounge around in all weekend.

My styling tip? Wear them the same way you’d style your jeans. With sneakers, heels, boots—they always look effortless in a Kate Moss kind of way.

Keep scrolling to shop our ultimate edit of leather leggings to suit every budget.

The Row Moto Stretch Leggings ($3112)

A true splurge, but when you know Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen approve, it's well worth it (FYI: The Row is the designer sisters' label).

Bassike Flat Front Leather Pant ($1595)

I've tried this Bassike pair on myself, and can personally vouch for how comfortable they are. So comfy you could even wear them on a plane.

Camilla and Marc Ratio Leather Legging ($899)

A thick elastic waist band will make you feel supported.

Rebecca Vallance Greta Panelled Leggings ($799)

The knee panels give an extra bit of detail, which will make them feel more like pants than leggings.

Free People Vegan Leather Leggings ($111)

Who would wear them? They're made for the eco-conscious girl.

Mossman The Rebel Without a Cause Pants ~~( $130)~~ $65

After you slip into these, you'll instantly forget what pants you used to wear before these came into your life.

ASOS Leather Look Leggings ($48)

If you're still deciding whether leather leggings are for you, try a pair of 'leather look' pants first.