I Just Tried On So Many High-Street Leather Trousers—These 11 Were the Best

If you’ve ever seen that Friends episode where Ross gets stuck in his leather trousers (let’s be real—who hasn’t?), or you lived through the 2010s leather leggings–and-platforms era, you'd be forgiven for being a little wary of this trouser trend. 

Fear not, though. I'm here to confirm that those days are long gone and the leather trousers on the market now are nothing but a sure-fire way to look chic. Real or faux, leather trousers have become a modern classic and a key player in any expensive-looking capsule. Probably because they're just as easy to wear as jeans but feel more polished for things like date nights, dinners and even office days. 

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

They're undeniably versatile and a year-round staple. Okay, maybe you wouldn't choose them on the hottest day in August, but they couldn't be more perfect for autumn. Just add knits and a trench, and in winter they become the perfect party pants. They may be an investment, but once you find the perfect style, at least you can be sure you'll get your money's worth out of them. 

These days, leather trousers come in all shapes and sizes, from straight-leg to wide-leg, plus-size to petite. And they're not just in black leather, either. There are also creamy beiges and shades of green for spring. Most high-street retailers (and a lot of designers) have at least one pair on offer, which means there are a lot out there to choose from. And since I've recently tried on what feels like hundreds in my own hunt for the perfect pair, I thought it might be helpful to report back on the very best ones I came across—the ones actually worth your money—just in case you were similarly considering adding a pair to your wardrobe. 

Keep scrolling to see and shop the pairs I loved, from Marks and Spencer's super-comfortable pair to River Island's *perfect* straight-leg option. Here are 12 leather and faux-leather trousers you'll never regret.

1. COS Flared Leather Trousers

2. Jigsaw Delmont Leather Trouser

3. River Island Faux Leather Straight Leg Trousers

4. H&M Leather Trousers

5. M&S Leather Straight Leg Ankle Grazer Trousers

6. ASOS Design '90s Straight Leg Leather Look Trouser

7. ASOS Leather Look Peg Trouser

8. Warehouse Faux Leather 5 Pocket Straight Leg Trouser

9. River Island Faux Leather Wide Leg Pleated Trousers

10. River Island Faux Leather Wide Leg Trousers 

11. ASOS Design Leather Look Suit Trousers

Next up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week