Buying leather pants online can feel daunting — but with the right measurements, finding your perfect fit is straightforward. Unlike denim or fabric trousers, genuine leather has very little stretch, so accurate sizing is essential. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to measure yourself for women's leather pants or men's leather pants.
What You'll Need
- A soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing — not a rigid metal tape measure)
- A mirror or a friend to help
- A pen and paper to note your measurements
- Wear fitted underwear or thin leggings — not jeans or thick clothing, as this will add bulk to your measurements
The Key Measurements for Leather Pants
1. Waist
Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist — this is typically about 2–3cm above your belly button. Keep the tape measure snug but not tight — you should be able to fit one finger underneath comfortably. Do not suck in your stomach.
Tip: For high-waisted leather pants, this is the most important measurement. For mid-rise or low-rise styles, also take your hip measurement.
2. Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat — typically about 20–23cm below your natural waist. Stand with your feet together and keep the tape measure parallel to the floor. This is often the most critical measurement for leather pants as leather does not stretch to accommodate.
3. Inseam
The inseam is the measurement from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle. Stand straight with your feet slightly apart. Place the tape measure at the top of your inner thigh (at the crotch seam) and measure down to the floor, or to where you want the trouser hem to sit.
Tip: If you plan to wear the pants with heels, measure to the floor. If you'll wear them with flat shoes, measure to your ankle bone.
4. Thigh
Measure around the fullest part of your thigh — usually about 2–3cm below the crotch. This measurement is particularly important for slim-fit and biker-style leather pants, where the thigh fit is close.
5. Outseam (Optional)
The outseam is the total length of the trouser from the waistband to the hem, measured along the outside of the leg. This is useful if you want to check the overall length of the pants against your own proportions.
How to Take Your Measurements: Step by Step
- Stand straight in front of a mirror in fitted underwear or thin leggings
- Measure your waist at the narrowest point — note the measurement in cm
- Measure your hips at the fullest point — note the measurement in cm
- Measure your thigh at the fullest point — note the measurement in cm
- Measure your inseam from crotch to ankle — note the measurement in cm
- Compare your measurements to the size chart on the product page
Understanding Leather Pants Sizing
At Hilda Leather, our women's leather pants are sized in European sizing (EU 36–50) and our men's leather pants are sized XS–9XL. Each product page includes a detailed size chart — always refer to this rather than assuming your usual size, as leather sizing can vary between styles.
General EU Size Guide for Women's Leather Pants
| EU Size | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 68–70 | 94–96 |
| 38 | 72–74 | 98–100 |
| 40 | 76–78 | 102–104 |
| 42 | 80–82 | 106–108 |
| 44 | 84–86 | 110–112 |
| 46 | 88–90 | 114–116 |
| 48 | 92–94 | 118–120 |
| 50 | 96–98 | 122–124 |
Tips for Getting the Best Fit in Leather Pants
- When in doubt, size up — leather does not stretch significantly. A slightly looser fit is far more comfortable than one that is too tight, and leather will soften and mould to your body over time.
- Focus on the hip measurement — if your waist and hips fall into different sizes, choose the size that fits your hips and have the waist adjusted by a tailor if needed.
- Consider the style — slim-fit and biker styles are cut closer to the body than straight-leg or wide-leg styles. Check the product description for fit guidance.
- Check the inseam — leather pants are difficult to hem, so getting the length right from the start is important. If you are between lengths, consider the heel height you plan to wear.
- Contact us if unsure — our team is happy to advise on sizing for any specific style in our collection.
Can Leather Pants Be Altered?
Yes — but with limitations. A skilled leather tailor can take in the waist, adjust the seat, or shorten the hem. However, letting out leather (making it larger) is very difficult as the original stitch holes remain visible. This is why it's always better to size up rather than down if you are between sizes.
Shop Genuine Leather Pants at Hilda Leather
All our leather pants are handcrafted from 100% genuine lambskin leather in our Turkish workshop, with detailed size charts on every product page. Explore our full range:
