Leather Pants

Leather is one of the world's most sensual fabrics. Once considered wearable by only a precious few, leather pants are becoming increasingly mainstream. In some places, five-pocket varieties are even being seen in corporate Casual Friday-dom. If you have submitted to the siren's song of leather pants, here are a few tips to keep them looking good for years to come.

Once you've bought them, never, under any circumstances, allow anyone else to wear them. Regardless of the would-be borrower's size, his or her shape is different than yours. The leather will conform to their body to some degree, regardless how small. The result is, once returned, they will not fit you the way they did before you loaned them out.

Keeping with the world of 'never,' don't put stuff in the pockets. Not even a lipstick. A single key and a $100 bill for mad money, maybe, but nothing else. It can spoil the look of the pants, and will ultimately affect their shape.

Always hang leather on wide, padded hangers in very well ventilated spaces out of direct sunlight. Leather that can't 'breathe,' or which is exposed to too much sun, will dry out. If it begins to feel dry, you can use conditioner to restore suppleness. In the winter time, remove salt deposits with a damp cloth, and should the hems come loose, you can create an emergency 'fix it' hem with rubber cement until you're able to get them to a professional.