A leather skirt should sit at your natural waist, with enough room in the seat to sit down comfortably, and a length that suits what you will wear it for. Midi is the most versatile and the easiest to wear in more settings. Mini reads younger and more casual. Pencil is the most formal.
Leather skirts have a reputation for being difficult, but that is usually a length and fit problem rather than a leather problem. Here is how to get both right.
The Four Lengths
Midi
Ends between the knee and the calf. The most versatile length by a clear margin. Works for the office with a knit and flat boots, and for evening with heels and a fitted top. If you are buying your first leather skirt, buy this.
Pencil
Knee length and fitted through the hip. The most formal option and the one that works best with tailoring. Needs a back vent or a slight A line to walk comfortably, since leather does not give.
A line
Fitted at the waist, widening towards the hem. The most forgiving shape and the easiest to move in. Works well at knee or just above.
Mini
Above the knee. More casual and more youthful. Best balanced with opaque tights, boots and a covered top half.
How It Should Fit
Leather has no stretch, so all the room has to be cut in rather than borrowed from the material.
Waist. At your natural waist, not the hip. Leather has no grip and will slide down from a low rise as you move. You should fit a finger between the waistband and your body.
Seat. Sit down in it before deciding. If the leather pulls across the back when seated, it is too tight, and that strain shows as horizontal lines and stresses the back seam.
Hip. Smooth over the widest point without pulling. On a pencil shape this is the measurement that decides the size.
Walking room. Take a full stride. On any straight or pencil shape at knee length or below, there must be a vent or a slight flare, or you will be taking small steps all day.
Sizing. Take waist, hip and length measurements over light clothing and check them against our Size Guide. If waist and hip point to different sizes, take the larger and have the waist taken in, since the hip cannot be let out.
Which Leather
Lambskin. Soft and light, drapes well. The usual choice, and the most comfortable for all day wear.
Suede. Softer look, more casual, and it moves beautifully. Marks easily and is not friendly with rain.
Cowhide. Holds a stiffer shape, which can work on a structured pencil skirt but feels heavy in most other cuts.
A full lining is worth having on any leather skirt. It stops the leather sticking to tights or skin, and it protects the hide from body oils.
Six Outfits That Work
1. Office: midi with a fine knit
A midi leather skirt, a thin merino knit tucked in, a belt, and flat or low boots. Reads as tailoring rather than as a night out.
2. Office: pencil with a blazer
Pencil skirt, silk or cotton shirt, structured blazer. Add a Leather Shirt instead of the blouse if you want more texture.
3. Evening: midi with a fitted top
Fitted black top, midi skirt, heels. Simple and it works every time. Let the skirt be the only texture.
4. Casual: A line with a jumper and boots
Chunky knit, A line skirt, opaque tights, ankle boots. The most everyday version.
5. With a leather jacket, texture apart
A leather jacket over a leather skirt works if the finishes differ. A matte jacket over a smooth skirt, or a suede skirt with a smooth jacket. Two identical finishes read as a set. See Women Leather Jackets.
6. Layered under a long coat
Midi skirt, knee boots, and a long coat over the top. The vertical line is very flattering. See Womens Leather Coats.
Rules Worth Following
Balance the coverage. A shorter skirt works better with a covered top half, and a longer skirt can take a more fitted or open top.
Watch the tights. Opaque tights in black or a dark neutral work with leather. Sheer tights fight it.
One texture at a time. Leather is already a strong texture. Pair it with something plain rather than with sequins, satin or heavy pattern.
Mind dye transfer. A dark leather skirt can transfer colour onto light tights, particularly when new. Wear dark tights for the first few outings.
Care
Never machine wash. Wipe with a barely damp cloth and let it dry naturally at room temperature, away from radiators. Hang it by the waistband on a clip hanger rather than folding, since fold creases across a skirt panel set permanently. Condition twice a year, testing on an inside seam first. Store in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What length leather skirt is most versatile?
Midi, ending between the knee and the calf. It works for the office with a knit and flat boots, and for evening with heels and a fitted top.
Can you wear a leather skirt to work?
Yes. A midi or pencil length in black or brown, with a fine knit or a shirt and a blazer, reads as tailoring rather than eveningwear.
How should a leather skirt fit?
At the natural waist with a finger of room, smooth over the hip without pulling, and enough room in the seat to sit down comfortably.
What do you wear with a leather skirt?
A fine knit or fitted top, tucked in, with boots or heels. Keep the rest plain so the leather is the only strong texture.
Should I wear tights with a leather skirt?
Opaque tights in black or a dark neutral work well. Sheer tights tend to fight the leather. Dark tights also avoid any dye transfer from a new skirt.
Can you wear a leather skirt with a leather jacket?
Yes, as long as the finishes differ. A matte jacket with a smooth skirt works. Two identical finishes read as a matching set.
How do you clean a leather skirt?
Wipe with a barely damp cloth and air dry at room temperature. Never machine wash. Hang by the waistband rather than folding, and condition twice a year.
Finding Yours
Start with a black or brown midi in lined lambskin, get the waist and hip right, and build a plain outfit around it. Browse Womens Leather Skirts and Womens Leather Pants at Leather Outlet, and check the Size Guide before ordering. Made to order in real leather, XS to 5XL, free worldwide shipping.
0 comments