NYC and Scandi Girls Are Skipping Their Blue Jeans for This Statement Trend—Shop the Best

collage of leopard print jeans
(Image credit: Reformation)

Could it be that leopard pants have become almost as mainstream as blue jeans? As a denim hoarder myself, I don't say this lightly, but my instinct is yes. If you take a look at NYC and Scandinavian street style, it's almost impossible not to spot the animal print on a pair of trousers, jeans, or leggings. While I love leopard print, I've been wary of the look of the printed pants, but the fashion set finally has me convinced. After all, putting aside my personal feelings about the trend, you really can't argue that a well-fitting pair can not only stand up to statement items like a punchy red sweater but also fit in seamlessly with all our favorite basics. In the fashion world these days, any animal print seems to be serving the function of a neutral, but there's a special focus on leopard.

Of course, you don't just have to take my word for it. Simply see what's out there. There's a reason every brand and retailer worth paying attention to is selling them, don't you think? But now that there's a surplus on the market, I sifted through them all and rounded up the top 10 pairs on the market right now. Narrowing it down to that number was hard, but I only wanted to offer you the best of the best. Even if an item is "trendy," you shouldn't settle. Keep scrolling to find your pick.

Best Overall

Before every brand hopped onto the leopard-print train, Damson Madder was one of the first to debut leopard-printed jeans this year. The British brand is known for its maximal and punchy style, so these jeans aren't far from its design DNA.

Best Satin

If you want to incorporate leopard print in your fall wardrobe but look a bit more luxe and polished, these satin pants from Reformation are the ones to buy. They come in both regular and extended sizing and are made from a double satin fabric so won't be too thin to wear with a sweater this season. Reformation's satin pants tend to run long, but the brand now offers free hemming with purchase, which is a huge win!

Best Affordable

Best Jeans

This wouldn't be a leopard-pant roundup without Ganni, the originator of this trendy style! The Danish brand offers the print in a few silhouettes, but I'm convinced that this kick-flare style is the best. It's fitted in just the right places.

Best Trousers

Best for Comfort

There's no need to sacrifice comfort when joining in on the leopard-pant trend, because Zara has you covered with a knit pair. Get the matching top and you've got yourself the perfect lounging outfit. Being a homebody has never looked chicer!

Best Investment

If leopard print is something you constantly come back to, and you are willing to invest, I'd suggest Aligne's jeans. They're a bit more tapered than others, which I think feels more refined and elevated than the baggier pairs.

Best Low-Rise

Low-rise jeans aren't for everyone, but if they're for you, Abercrombie will always provide that 2000s nostalgia.

Best Cargo

Under the creative direction of Zac Posen, Gap seems to be on top of all the latest trends. This pair is ideal for those who want a casual cargo pair and don't want to spend a fortune.

Best Leggings

If you've already joined in on the capri-legging trend, I suggest taking it a step further with this printed option. It's in the top 10 best sellers, so just know it won't be in stock for long.

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Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.