I love jeans just as much as the next person, but sometimes I want to add a little something special to my looks.
And on those days, I normally want to reach for a pair of leather trousers. They're perfect for winter as you can style them with cashmere knits and cosy coats, but they're also great for those transitional moments with a cardigan or blouse; not to mention that you can dress them up or down with just a few clever swaps. Suffice it to say that fashion people now consider leather trousers as much of a capsule wardrobe staple as any other trouser.
But, as a vertically challenged woman (I'm 5'2"), finding chic leather trousers that actually fit is a real struggle. Much like my search for the best petite jeans, it’s a huge undertaking to find a pair of leather trousers that I like, and then I often have to take them to a tailor when I do find a good pair. If you can relate, fret not! I decided to take matters into my own hands. This week, I hit the stores and found a great selection of leather trousers that are perfect for us petite girlies. I found a variety of shapes from skinny to straight, flared and even barrel-leg, and they're all super chic. Better yet, they fit!
Keep scrolling to see the best petite leather trousers, tried and tested by me.
The Best Petite Leather Trousers:
1. Whistles Leather Barrel Leg Trouser, £445
2. Maje Leather Trousers, £779
3. Joseph Leather Stretch Duke Trousers, £1045
4. Anine Bing Bruno Coated Woven Straight-Leg Pants, £360
5. Paige Cindy Leather Trousers, £975
6. H&M Coated Trousers, £19.99
7. Claudie Pierlot Straight Leather Trousers, £370
The 7 Best Petite Leather Trousers for Women 5'3" and Under
1. Whistles Leather Barrel Leg Trouser
Style Notes: These were a great length on my shorter legs, grazing the ankle so you can show off your shoes. They are incredibly comfortable and have a great barrel shape that isn't too exaggerated, which is better for us shorter folk. They have a traditional button-and-fly opening, which I'm mentioning because some other pairs on this list have different fastenings. These have pockets too, and I know how much we collectively love pockets!
Size Range: UK 4–20
Length: Ankle-length
Fit: High-rise with a barrel-leg shape. The fit is slightly loose, so opt for your normal size or size down for a more snug silhouette.
2. Maje Leather Trousers
Style Notes: I loved these! They have a slight flare which I think makes them super flattering, especially if, like me, you're on the shorter side with hips—the flare makes your legs look so much longer. Something to note about these is that they have a zip fastening on the side and no buttons, which I really like because it means they fit the body more seamlessly without any lumps and bumps created by hardware. This also makes them extremely comfortable. They really are so nice to wear; like leggings but with more structure. In case you couldn't already tell, I'm obsessed with the flared cut and highly recommend them for anyone petite who wants to elongate their bottom half.
Size Range: UK 6–14
Length: Cropped
Fit:·High-waisted with a slightly flared hem and full-length creases down the leg.
3. Joseph Leather Stretch Duke Trousers
Style Notes: Joseph's Duke trousers also have a slight flare but with a mid-rise waist. They have a nice amount of stretch (less chance of finding yourself in a Ross from Friends situation) and pockets, which we love. The leather is soft and comfortable and they fit nicely. If I had to choose between these and the other Joseph pair on this list, I'd pick these, just because (as we've already established) I love a flare. Who doesn’t want their legs to look longer?
Size Range: UK 4–16
Length: Cropped
Fit: ·Mid-rise with a slim-fit leg and subtle flare.
4. Anine Bing Bruno Coated Woven Straight-Leg Pants
Style Notes: I think Anine Bing is one of the coolest brands on the market, so I knew I needed to check out its leather trousers. These are high-waisted with a straight cut and a little stiffer than some of the other pairs on this list (they're made from a 48%-leather mix with no stretch), so if you're looking for a slightly looser fit I'd suggest getting a size up. I loved the look of them but it's worth noting that they're a little shiner than the other trousers I tried.
Size Range: 23–32
Length: Ankle-length
Fit: High-rise with a slim straight leg. Size up for a looser fit.
5. Paige Cindy Leather Trousers
Style Notes: Paige's Cindy trousers have a skinnier fit compared to the others I tried, and an interesting finish as though they're coated, which gives a bit of a matte look. They're super comfortable and stretchy, so I'd say to take your true size, although I had to size down because of the stretch, so it might be worth trying both sizes to see which is best. These trousers are very popular for Paige and I can see why—I think it's partly because they have faux pockets which give a streamlined, seamless fit. There's a slight skinny-jean vibe, but I hear skinnies are coming back for 2025, so if this was your fashion prayer, these might be the perfect pair for you.
Size Range: 24–30
Length: Cropped
Fit: ·Mid-rise with a slim leg. Size down for a slimmer fit.
6. H&M Coated Trousers
Style Notes: H&M's pull-on coated trousers are faux leather with a very similar cut to a lot of the wide-leg jeans on the market at the moment. They have an elasticated waist which I love and makes them ideal if you're someone who prioritises comfort. The cut is cool, and although designed to be long, the length is perfect if you're on the shorter side. Plus, they're such a good price!
Size Range: XXS–XL
Length: Long
Fit: ·Mid-rise with elasticated waist smocking a wide leg.
7. Claudie Pierlot Straight Leather Trousers
Style Notes: This is another great pair of straight-leg leather trousers. They have a mid-rise waist and again, a similar cut to a pair of jeans. I really liked them and found them comfortable, but I wouldn't say they have much stretch. Also, I found them to be a little long, so you might need to reserve them for when you're in the mood for a slight heel. With a bit of height, they'd finish at a nice point on the leg and your ankle wouldn't be exposed. They're on sale, so you might have to be quick if you love them.
Size Range: UK 6–14
Length: Ankle-length
Fit: ·Mid-rise with a straight-loose leg.
Shop More Petite Leather Trousers We Love:
I love the subtle kick-flare on this pair.
Size Range: 34–44
Length: Ankle-length
The soft croc print adds a point of difference.
Size Range: UK 4–22
Length: Ankle-length
Sézane also has great petite denim options.
Size Range: UK 6–14
Length: 7/8th (cropped)
A leather trouser you can wear in and out of the office.
Size Range: UK 4–16
Length: Ankle-length
Wide-leg silhouettes are not only flattering, but they'll make you look taller too.
Size Range: UK 6–24
Length: Short/Petite, Regular or Long
These leather leggings come in three different lengths.
Size Range: XS–XL
Length: Short, Regular or Long
I adore this chocolate-brown leather.
Size Range: 32–44
Length: Petite or Regular
A great faux-leather option.
Size Range: UK 6–18
Length: Ankle-length
