Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned. Kerry Washington proved that when she showed up to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in a pair of Balmain high-waisted leather pants. Stylish details like quilted texture on the leg and zippers around the ankle upped the cool factor. The slim-fitting pants — and noted break from the baggy silhouettes we’re seeing — balanced the impact of the long oversized Balmain structured wool blazer ($4,850) cinched at the waist with a leather belt. That said, there are plenty of options for people who have worn skinny pants for the last time. This season, designers and brands have put out leather pants (and faux/vegan varieties) in every style imaginable, including the wide-leg, baggy, and bell-bottom looks that have taken denim by storm.
15 Leather Pants for Women Kerry Washington Would Applaud
Balmain High-Waisted Leather Pants, $3,995 at Saks Fifth Avenue
The precise pants worn by Washington are made of 100% lambskin leather. A high waist plants them firmly in 2022, while gold-tone zippers add an extra edge. Balmain High-Waisted Leather Pants, $3,995 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Faux Leather Leggings, $59 at Nordstrom
Leather pants can just look uncomfortable by nature. But a wide waistband and pull-on construction on Nordstrom’s Faux Leather Leggings lets you breathe. The smooth, glossy design provides versatility. Wear them with an oversized sweatshirt for errands or a blazer-cami combo at night. Previous buyers give it 4.2 stars and say they compete with pricier Spanx. Faux Leather Leggings, $59 at Nordstrom
Halogen Straight Leg Faux Leather Pants, $99 at Nordstrom
These Halogen are like the edgy cousin of classic Levi’s. Though they may not have the same timeless appeal, they sure do look sleek today. The minimalist design makes them streamlined enough for office wear. Halogen Straight Leg Faux Leather Pants, $99 at Nordstrom
HUE Leatherette Leggings, $54 at Bloomingdale’s
An elastic waistband keeps these leatherette leggings comfy, while a faux fly adds some polish. FYI: The front and back pockets are also for show, so a bag will be necessary. These leggings are available in black and espresso. HUE Leatherette Leggings, $54 at Bloomingdale’s
Bar III Women’s Faux-Leather Button-Fly Ankle Pants, Originally $60, Now $30 at Macy’s
Even faux leather styles can get expensive, but these Bar III pants, only available at Macy’s, are currently 50% off during the retailer’s Black Friday sale. A button fly is unique, and the straight-leg silhouette is of-the-moment. Black is available, but consider freshening up the look with nude, clove spice (brown) or rare wood (dark brown). Bar III Women’s Faux-Leather Button-Fly Ankle Pants, $30 at Macy’s
Open Edit Faux Leather Wide Leg Pants, $59 at Nordstrom
The wide-legged pant gets an edgy update with this faux leather pair from Open Edit. The roomy style, elastic waistband and soft texture prove that “comfortable” and “leather pants” truly can go hand-in-hand (or leg-in-leg). Open Edit Faux Leather Wide Leg Pants, $59 at Nordstrom
AGOLDE 90s Fitted Recycled Leather Pants, $348 at Bloomingdale’s
The five pockets aren’t just for decoration in these AGOLDE 90s-style leather pants. Neither is the fly, offering a more authentically polished look. The pants come in detox (black) and crisp lace (white). Extra points for the sustainable fabric. AGOLDE 90s Fitted Recycled Leather Pants, $348 at Bloomingdale’s
Good American Better Than Leather Good Icon Pants, $179 at Anthropologie
Available in burnt camel, Good American’s leather pants are a little bit cowboy but totally rock and roll. As for the flared leg opening, it’s completely stylish. Good American Better Than Leather Good Icon Pants, $175
Curve Love Vegan Leather Cargo 90s Relaxed Pants, $110 at Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie’s loose-fitting cargo pants are a throwback to the days of TRL. The functional side pockets fit modern-day mobile phones. Curve Love Vegan Leather Cargo 90s Relaxed Pants, $110 at Abercrombie & Fitch
PAIGE Claudine High Rise Straight Leg Ankle Jeans in Cognac Lux Coating, $239 at Bloomingdale’s
Premium denim brand PAIGE also makes a gorgeous pair of straight-leg ankle jeans. The matte finish feels more laidback than some of its glossier counterparts, and the cognac hue is a cool departure from basic black. PAIGE Claudine High Rise Straight Leg Ankle Jeans in Cognac Lux Coating, $239 at Bloomingdale’s
Free People Love Language Low Rise Vegan Leather Pants, $98 at Bloomingdale’s
High rise is the waistline of the moment, but Free People offers a true Y2K era throwback with these low-rise vegan leather pants. They fall mid-hip but stay put courtesy of a true single-button closure. Free People Love Language Low Rise Vegan Leather Pants, $98 at Bloomingdale’s
Curve Love Vegan Leather 90s Straight Pants, $110 at Abercrombie & Fitch
Available in 11 colors, including several shades of brown and black, A&F’s vegan leather pants leave endless possibilities for mixing and matching. The patent finish and ultra high rise boast true biker style, and functional pockets serve as a practical detail. Speaking of practicality, the pants come in extra-short, short and long lengths. Curve Love Vegan Leather 90s Straight Pants, $110 at Abercrombie & Fitch
MOTHER Rider High Rise Ankle Bootcut Faux Leather Jeans in Black, $218 at Bloomingdale’s
A true zip fly, belt loops and stitched details give MOTHER’s faux leather pants a denim look. But make no mistake, the smooth finish of these classic bootcut pants feels like real-deal leather. MOTHER Rider High Rise Ankle Bootcut Faux Leather Jeans in Black, $218 at Bloomingdale’s
INC International Concepts Faux Leather Straight-Leg Pants, Originally $80, Now $48 at Macy’s
Rarely can you find quality leather — or faux leather — pants for under $50. But right now, you can knock 40% off these straight-leg faux leather pants by using code SCORE when checking out at Macy’s. The high rise, semi-glossy finish and button closure excuse subtle sophistication. INC International Concepts Faux Leather Straight-Leg Pants, $48 at Macy’s
