Leather leggings

[Sunmakesmesmile]

Having worn my faux leather leggings a lot more than I thought I would I want to invest in a real pair as a Christmas present from DH. has anyone got any recommendations? I've found a couple of pairs from Reiss, Jigsaw and Iris and Ink all of which are similar price, but none have any reviews online. Ideally I'm after a fairly long fitting pair as I'm quite tall. Thanks in advance

[toptrumps1]

Depends on your budget. Joseph ones are the ultimate and there are quite a few available on eBay for around £300-400 (real price £725). Joseph are a 35" leg and have a raw hem so you cut to fit or tuck them under to the right length (which I did, I couldn't stomach cutting such an expensive item and getting it wrong!)

The Outnet is another good place to look, Helmut Lang ones are highly rated I believe.

You are pushing it for Xmas delivery now though, on the high street I'm guessing the Reiss and Jigsaw ones would be ok although for me to spend that money I'd want the best quality I could get and I would go for a designer pair at a discount.

[AmberNectarine]

I got some Helmut Lang ones for my birthday yesterday. They are incredible. Expensive but the sales are coming up...

[TexanKenDoll]

The best I think are Les Chiffoniers, British brand and pretty pricey but can be found on eBay. After that I rate Helmut Lang, Joseph, Current Elliott and Theory. I wear leather leggings a lot and find these brands very comfortable and hard wearing. I was given some by a brand called MuuBaa which are pretty comfy too and are at a lower price point.

[BelindaAllWorkedOut]

Which ones retain their shape well, does anyone know? I've been thinking about getting leather leggings, but have been put off by friends who have had various pairs and had some stretch out of shape and bag etc. My pleather ones don't do that, but would prefer leather.

[TexanKenDoll]

Sadly, I think it might be a case of you get what you pay for with leather leggings. Les Chiffoniers hold up very well, hence the price tag. I have pairs which I've had for years and they're still looking great. Have a look on eBay as you can often find decent brands of leather leggings there at a better price. Jitrois is another good brand but some if their stuff is a bit too girlfriend of dodgy euro billionaire for me. Their simpler stuff though is great.

I've also got a few pairs of leather boyfriend jeans which seem a bit fresher style wise at the mo, which are worth considering. Mine are J brand (lovely midnight blue pair I got on eBay) and Alexander Wang.

[dexter73]

These are a lovely colour and a big reduction.

[Hopefully]

I didn't love the Joseph ones when I tried them - the leather was a fraction thicker and less soft than I'd hoped. I have Drome ones (from matches) which I absolutely adore, really butter soft. I also tried a les chiffonniers pair which were gorgeous too.

[maybemyrtle]

Listening to this with interest. I have some leather fronted leggings from M&S Autograph (bargain - bought at discount and then tailored) but some "proper" ones are really appealing.

Can I ask, when you first buy them should they be skin tight? How much "give" should they have?

[TexanKenDoll]

I'd say, for the better leggings, buy them the fit you want them to be i.e. there shouldn't be too much give. I prefer mine slightly looser as I like more of a rock n roll look but go for what you think suits you. Olivia Palermo does a more ladylike leather look.

My mother wears some very matt navy straighter leg versions (more trousers but not the high waist 'mum' versions, very chic) from Jitrois with low heel Roger Vivier pilgrim buckle pumps and a cashmere sweater or white shirt. Very Caroline Herrera and pretty timeless. She wouldn't like me stating her age (!) but it goes to show that leather can look great at any age, it's down to the styling.

[BelindaAllWorkedOut]

Fab, thank you Texan, Hopefully and dexter

[Merriboo]

Belinda perhaps theirs werent stretch leather ? It was invented by Jitrois, and most of the brands mentioned above are lambskin backed with cotton (and a little Lycra to help keep the shape)
They do still give a little but shouldn't go out of shape/baggy
It's probably worth trying a few on to find the ones that work best for you. HL were a touch baggy at the knee and tighter on the waistband for me (my shape has changed as I've got older and I carry a little weight around my middle these days ) but they are perfect on my friend. Joseph suited me better in shape and size. I've tried Theory and they are a good fit too.
Olivia Palermo wears Daryl K which are shorter and washable BUT they were vv small fitting and a nightmare with refunds/exchanges for my friend (not uk based)

[Sunmakesmesmile]

Thanks for all the replies, really interesting to read about different fits/brands. I think stretching and going baggy is my biggest concern so useful to know about the backing/lining. Have ordered a couple of pairs to try. As much as if like to bag an eBay bargain I think I need to try a few pairs first to get an idea of fit and sizing. Thanks again

[winterland]

What size do you reckon could wear these? I quite fancy some..

[BelindaAllWorkedOut]

Ah, yes, you might be right Meriboo. I carry my weight around my middle, and have puny small legs, so I will look at the brands that work for you. Plus Olivia P's, too. Thank you!

[foxysocks]

I think you need to try on too.

theory were too low rise for me, I didn't like the feel of the leather or the gathered elastic back of the joseph ones.

I ended up with helmut lang, tried two sizes and ended up sizing down. they are amazing, so soft and the perfect leg length for me (i'm 5'9 and can wear them with flats or heels, which is pretty unusual.... they are lovely and long).

was a complete ouch at the price but have already worn loads and will continue to do so.

[FrugalFashionista]

Ladies thanks for this great thread! Very informative!

Two questions - how warm are leather leggings? I have the H&M pleather version as I am still testing whether I like this trend enough and while they are really nice in +15C they feel cold and icky in 0...+5C.

And the cleaning issue: How do you clean the real leather ones? I read this Marissa Webb story and she just bungs hers in the dryer on high heat but how do you clean yours?

(The reason I'm still a bit on the edge with these is that I don't want to end up looking like her. There is a try-hard element to leather dressing that she really embodies.)

[Sunmakesmesmile]

Foxy good to hear about the HL ones, I'm similar height to you and struggle normally with leg lengths and heels. I doubt classic styles/colours gets discounted much in the sales? Although here's hoping! Shopbop have them for approx £600 but I would need to find somewhere to try on first. Especially for such a ££ investment. Frugal I'm hoping they are warm too as I feel the cold!
I'm ignoring the cleaning issue despite sticky DC being an issue, will cross that bridge when I've found the perfect pair. My pleathers are great for being wipe clean!

[BelindaAllWorkedOut]

So she doesn't use detergent? Surely they need some sort of soap? I just throw my pleathers in the wash, with other things, and detergent so they get "clean", including on the inside. Just wetting and drying isn't washing. It's this sort of thing, plus the time commitment, that's made me hesitate in upgrading. Surely other people use soap on their leathers?

Agree re the cold - like faux fur, it doesn't perform like natural materials in the very cold weather. It's mild here in London, so I've been fine, but agree that leather would be better in the freezing cold.

Re Joseph, oh I can't stand elasticated waists, and I have a tummy, so not sure that Theory will work. When I get some free time, and feel the urge, I will go and try some one. Thanks for all the detailed info - it's the diff between bad and good fit, I suspect.

[cardamomginger]

Sun - which faux leather do you have?

[FrugalFashionista]

Another take on cleaning them. We have a dryer but high heat seems really scary for anything that has strech in it...

[Sunmakesmesmile]

I've got some from next, don't love the quality and they need pulling up a lot as they are too big on the waist, but they are lovey and long.

I'd be v nervous about putting in the dryer on high heat too!

[foxysocks]

have you read the shop bop reviews? I spent an enjoyable hour doing so before finally ordering mine!

shopbop worked out at about £40 cheaper than NaP once taxes added, and I wanted to be able to send back easily so bought from Nap in the end. shop bop are great if you know exactly what you want but returns aren't free and I don't know how good they would be at dealing with later issues (should you have any) - NaP CS is really great.

I find them warm and extremely comfortable. haven't washed yet, I did read that high heat/tumbling article but am terrified of ruining them. I am more likely to pay for a professional clean occasionally.

I'd really recommend sizing down. I'm a UK6-8 and tried the US2 first - they were huge on the waist. US0 fit me perfectly. I might have squeezed into a 00 tbh but doubt I could have moved my knees (!) and super skin tight leather is, as Frugal says, sure fire try hard (imo)

[Sunmakesmesmile]

After spending an inordinate amount if time googling leather leggings I've finally ordered the HL ones to try, will report back. Hopefully NaP will deliver on Tuesday!
Thanks again for all your replies

[AmberNectarine]

Sure you won't regret it sun - am wearing mine (again) tonight and loving them.

[maybemyrtle]

Very useful advice, thanks everyone.