If you're a Friends fan, you may be hesitant to try men's leather pants. After all, Ross wore them to look great for his date and ended up looking ridiculous in the end. However, leather pants don't have to be a disaster. You can also wear them for protection on your motorcycle. Leather pants can be both sexy and functional.
How to Wear Them
You probably want to look casually cool, not like you're trying too hard. The secret to successfully wearing men's leather pants is in what you pair them with. A lightweight, fitted sweater could give you a mysterious and masculine appeal. A t-shirt and leather jacket, whether you're about to hop onto your motorcycle or not, will make you look like you're up for anything; though, in most cases it's most flattering to skip pairing the leather pants with the leather jacket unless necessary for protection. Leather pants can be sophisticated or daring-or both at once.
Motorcycle Pants
Motorcycle pants are generally styled from thicker leather, made with a looser fit from harder leather for a comfortable and safe ride. They're designed with protection in mind more than fashion, as they can protect your skin in the case of a motorcycle accident. When choosing leather pants for motorcycle wear, choose function over style, and don't hesitate to wear your matching leather jacket or vest.
Leather Pants for Fashion
If you just want to wear leather pants to make a fashion statement rather than to protect yourself on a motorcycle, your options open up a bit more. If you aren't actually going to be riding a motorcycle, you may be comfortable in some of the more fitted (but not tight!) trouser styles out there because of their versatility. These leather pants are made of softer leather than the motorcycle style and tend to flatter the shape of the body a bit more. Depending on when and where you wear your leather pants, you could be seen as one of the "in" crowd, or someone who really wants to stand out in the crowd. You can look like the sophisticated gentleman or the wily rebel all based on setting and current fashion trends.
Caring for Leather
Leather pants aren't your regular pair of blue jeans, that's for sure! They're not as easy to clean as denim or khaki pants since you can't just throw them in the washer and dryer. Use a leather protector right away when you purchase your pants. When you store them, make sure you don't leave them in a plastic bag; they'll need to breathe. Also, don't store them in an especially hot or humid area. You can clean the surface with a wet cloth in the case of a spill, but let them air dry. For more intense cleaning, you'll need to take them to a leather care specialist. Leather pants are best reserved for special occasions (unless you wear them for protection rather than fashion, of course) because of the special care they require.
Buying Men's Leather Pants
Leather pants are something that, if given the chance, you should probably try on before purchasing. However, if you can't find a pair that you like in a store near you, you could try shopping online. Just be aware of the store's return policy before submitting your order. You can begin your search with:
Final Thoughts
Leather pants can be worn for fashion or protection, though they aren't the most practical pick for everyday wear simply because of the effort it takes to clean them. They're available in several different styles to flatter different body types. It's best to try them on before you buy a pair, but since they aren't sold at all menswear stores, your options may be limited to online. Just be sure to check out the return policy first. Try pairing them with different pieces from your wardrobe, but always wear them with confidence.
