There’s no skirting around the issue: leather is a problematic material, and it’s not one that modern citizens always feel comfortable sporting.
The history of leather clothing, however, is as ancient and storied as one might expect. Our Palaeolithic ancestors would have worn the furs of woolly animals in the winter and the preserved hides of other mammals in the warmer months. The Ancient Greeks belted their Chiton tunics with leather and strutted around the Acropolis in the most basic form of hide-crafted sandals.
Naturally, it was the Romans who took leather artisanship to the next level. They crafted sturdy footwear and tunics, as well as military equipment such as harnesses, shields and saddles, among other remarkable inventions. But what is it about leather that continues to capture the imaginations of modern designers, given how far we’ve come in the world of textile development?
Malleable and tactile, leather can be stitched, braided, woven, shaved down, and even tattooed (if you’re as inventive as Turkish fashion designer Dilara Findikoglu). It’s a material known and appreciated for its versatility and immense durability. Leather goods can be infinitely repaired and restored over time, which is why it tends to be the chosen luxury material for designer brands – the majority of which offer lifetime repairs for leather accessories.
Leather is also undeniably chic and has a longstanding relationship with edgy subcultures and communities. Thankfully, with the invention of faux leathers, we regular ‘ole laypeople and vegans/vegetarians can enjoy dark and mysterious leather aesthetics without the moralistic dilemmas.
Full leather and pleather looks have been popularised by the likes of Julia Fox, Gabriette, Alex Consani and other effortlessly cool it-girls over the last few years. Pre-Brat, way back in 2022, Charlie XCX wore a Roman soldier-style leather kilt during her set at Glastonbury and has sported a myriad of all-black biker-style looks since. Dua Lipa opted for leather for her Glastonbury 2024 performance, and Olivia Rodrigo took to the stage at Lollapalooza 2025 in an array of different leather leotards.
Now that we think about it, donning an all-leather ensemble seems to be inextricably linked to pop stardom.
Whether you’re planning on heading out to LA to pursue your star-studded dreams, or simply enjoy the 90s goth aesthetic, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best places to source leather and faux leather clothing.
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Victoria Beckham
Who better to go for chic all-black Nappa leather garments than Posh Spice herself? Victoria Beckham’s eponymous brand is currently home to an array of leather pieces ranging from jackets to skirts and accessories like handbags and even bandanas.
Buy now, Victoria Beckham
Nanushka
Founded in Budapest, Nanushka is home to designer womenswear, menswear and accessories made from carefully chosen materials with low-impact credentials. Their leather collection isn’t exactly leather, but Okobor Alt-Leather – Australia's first 100 per cent biobased leather alternative. It’s made by regenerating agricultural biomass, fibres and regenerative plant-based ingredients into a leather-adjacent material.
Buy now, Nanushka
Reformation
Leather which doesn’t impact the environment? Sign us up. Cult-favourite, high-end high-street brand Reformation is known for its flowing dresses and ultra-miniskirts – but they also produce an array of garments including outerwear, shoes and accessories which are all crafted from premium regenerated leather.
Buy now, Reformation
All Saints
Many of our readers will recall the grip that All Saints of Spitalfields had over the 2010s. The entire decade was filled with semi-grunge hipsters sporting ultra-low V-neck tees and flowing bohemian skirts.
What we continue to love about All Saints, however, is that they’ve never strayed too far from their original brand identity and continue to offer clothing suitable for any modern boho goth. That means they’re home to high-quality sheep leather garments - and plenty of them.
Buy now, All Saints
Bottega Veneta
Specialists in artisanal leather goods, Bottega Veneta is best known for developing a distinctive leather-weaving technique known as the Intrecciato in the 1960s, which has since become the house’s signature design.
The method involves weaving strips of leather through slits in another piece od leather to create a durable and flexible textile. Though many designer-enthusiasts will be familiar with Bottega Veneta’s supple handmade accessories, the couturier also produces an array of garments using the same, enviable technique.
Buy now, Bottega Veneta
Jaded LDN
Faux, accessible leather is the name of the game over at Jaded LDN. You can source a full-leather PU outfit from the streetwear-centric, London-based high-street brand for under £200, and you needn’t worry about sporting animal hide in the process.
Buy now, Jaded LDN
Maniere de Voir
Founded in 2013 by Reece Wabara, Manière De Voir is described as “existing to bridge the gap between high fashion and the high street,” which makes it the perfect place to shop for premium yet affordable PU leather clothing. We’re particularly big fans of their expansive leather trouser offering, with skin-tight, bootcut and baggy silhouettes to suit all preferences and genders.
Buy now, Maniere de Voir
Stella McCartney
It will come as no surprise to McCartney family brands that Stella’s eponymous label specialises in vegetarian leather. Stella McCartney has never used leather, feathers, fur or skin since day one.
The brand instead utilises innovative animal- and cruelty-free alternatives that look and feel luxurious and have an environmental impact that is up to 24 times lower than animal leathers. From shoes and bags to outwear and dresses, the choices are wide-ranging and tend to immediately go on our wishlists.
Buy now, Stella McCartney
