Leatherish trousers

I have an idea for a phone app. You scan something you are about to buy and if there is a 90% match with something you already own, your credit card freezes and the screen flashes "Nope!" There is no way to buy it, at least until you jog to an ATM. 

Until then, this can happen: I was department-store shopping with my friend Katrin. While she scouted the perfect dusty pink tee to wear under a cardigan, I browsed and before I knew it, bought these faux-leather trousers:

They fit perfectly, and are washable. I could see myself wearing them immediately, one of my tests for a good buy. I like them as a change from denim, and they dress up effortlessly for a night out. In case you had a pair in the '90s, the attitude has changed, shown by Alexa Chung in hers:

Once home, I discovered that a nearly identical pair had been exiled to Far Closetstan, because a fly button  popped off two years ago. I asked Le Duc, "If I model, would tell me which pair you like better?" I didn't tell him which pair was new.

He picked the old ones, saying "Well, only slightly, I really can't see the difference." Back the dupe went. There was a time when a backup might be have been wise, but this season, faux leather trousers in cropped, straight leg and bootcut styles are around at various price points. 

Now that I've re-sewn the button, here's an outfit:

Faux leather jeans, Madewell at Nordstrom; extrafine cashmere v-neck, Eric Bompard; black oxfords,   Poppy Barley, Hermès "La Magie" carré, silver "Splash" bracelet, Georg Jensen (vintage).  

If you want a genuine leather effect, choose material that is slightly matte, not vinyl-upholstery reflective, made in "leather" colours: black, or the range of browns from camel to espresso. The stitching should be even and continuous; the trousers should fit right away because they will not stretch as much as real leather. 

What faux leather actually is: polyurethane (or occasionally) vinyl, bonded to a polyester backing. Look for a mid-weight. Some are made with a touch of elastane, providing stretch, but not a size's worth. Faux that's too thin may feel pleasantly supple, but will the top layer will wear through; too heavy results in no drape, the trousers look stiff and bulky. 

Whether from The Gap or Stella MacCartney, your best fit will be similar to your favourite trousers or jeans. I look for front, not side-seam, pockets, and prefer a fly front but if you like pull-ons or a drawstring, they are around.

Here's a closeup of a pair by Commando (on netaporter) to show how the matte looks quite 'real':

Colour will look frankly fake, because it's quite shiny, and that's fine with fans of the Aritza Melina, which comes in about fifteen colours; shown, Adventurine Green and Pearl. It's available in short, regular and tall lengths—and a cropped version, too.   

Out on the wild child end of Fauxlandia, I paused to whistle at a croc-embossed metallic pair from Birger Christiensen's second line, Revolve. They raise my pulse but I fear I'd look like a disco ball.

If you're a skirt woman, that's another option. The asymmetrical faux wrap by Livr updates a classic shape:

For the past several years, I've chosen faux trousers over real, and enjoy the freedom from expensive specialty leather cleaning and repairs. There is also the ethical advantage of not wearing animal skins, but I am not a purist; I wear some leathers as belts, bags and shoes. I love the patina of old leather jackets and bags, which will never happen with faux.

I once thought I'd never wear fake leather clothing—and now, designers like Akris and Altuzzara offer it alongside, and increasingly in place of, genuine leather.

 

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