Should I Size Up for Leather Skirts?

TELLAR FASHION HUB — SIZING & STYLE ADVICE

In most cases, yes — sizing up one size in a leather or faux leather skirt is genuinely good advice, and here's why: leather (real or faux) has virtually no natural give. Unlike a stretch jersey midi or a woven fabric wrap skirt, leather does not move with your body. What fits perfectly on a hanger can feel uncomfortably tight the moment you sit down, walk briskly, or reach for something on the top shelf of a supermarket. I learnt this the hard way with a beautiful chocolate-brown faux leather mini from Zara that looked incredible in the fitting room and practically welded itself to my thighs the moment I tried to get into a taxi. Lesson thoroughly learned.

Why Leather Skirts Fit Differently to Everything Else

Leather — whether it's genuine, vegan, or bonded — is essentially a rigid surface. Real leather does soften slightly with wear and body heat over time, but faux leather (the kind you'll find on the high street at River Island, ASOS, and Mango) barely softens at all. The material also doesn't drape the way woven fabrics do, meaning any tightness sits visibly on the body rather than being smoothed out by movement or fold.

There's also the lining to consider. Many leather skirts have a satin or jersey lining, which helps enormously with comfort and movement — but even a lining can only do so much if the outer shell is too small. The overall silhouette is what dictates fit here, and that silhouette needs room.

Real Leather vs Faux Leather: Does It Change the Sizing?

Yes, actually. Real leather has a little more natural movement than faux, especially after the first few wears. High-quality genuine leather skirts from investment brands like Massimo Dutti, All Saints, or Reiss will mould very slightly to your body over time. This means you might get away with your true size in a genuine leather skirt, particularly if it's an A-line or midi length with less stress across the hips.

Faux leather, on the other hand, is unforgiving from day one to day five hundred. It won't break in. If anything, cheaper faux leather can actually stiffen or crack with repeated wear. My firm advice for any faux leather skirt — whether it's a mini from Topshop, a midi from H&M, or an asymmetric hem style from French Connection — is to size up without question.

The Style Matters Too — Here's What to Consider by Cut

Not all leather skirts are made equal, and the cut genuinely changes how you should approach sizing:

• Pencil & bodycon skirts: These are the tightest cut and the ones where you'll feel restricted most acutely. Always size up. The hip and thigh area need the most room, and a pencil silhouette has no extra fabric to give. Warehouse and Phase Eight both do great leather-look pencil skirts with a little stretch engineered into the fabric — worth checking the fabric composition before you buy.

• Mini skirts: The shorter the skirt, the more it rides up when you move. Sizing up in a mini not only improves comfort but actually makes the skirt sit better on the hip rather than pulling upward. Cos and Arket both cut their leather minis generously, so their true-to-size is often fine — but on the high street generally, go up.

• A-line & full skirts: These are the most forgiving leather silhouette because the flare below the hip means there's no stress across the thighs. You're more likely to fit your true size here, especially if the skirt has a waistband. Hobbs and LK Bennett both do brilliant leather A-line midi skirts in true-to-size cuts.

• Wrap skirts: Leather wraps are wonderfully adjustable and one of the easier styles to size in. As long as the waist ties comfortably, the rest will follow. Me&Em does a particularly well-cut leather wrap midi.

Where to Size Up and Where to Stay True to Size

Here's my general rule of thumb, brand by brand:

• Zara — Sizes small to average. Always go up one size in their leather and faux leather styles, especially anything fitted through the hip.

• Mango — Similar to Zara. Their faux leather skirts run slim; size up for comfort.

• River Island — Their faux leather minis and midis tend to be cut generously compared to some high street competitors, but I'd still recommend sizing up if you're between sizes.

• Ted Baker — Sizes more generously than the high street average. Often true to size works, but check their specific measurements before buying.

• All Saints — Their leather skirts are legendary for a reason. Genuine leather, beautifully cut. Size up if you want comfort; stick to true size if you want that snug, body-con look they're known for.

• Whistles — Well-cut leather skirts that tend to be generous. True to size usually works here, but always check their size guide.

• Oliver Bonas — Their faux leather pieces are fun and affordable; size up for anything fitted.

Two Independent Brands Worth Shopping for Leather Skirts

If you're looking beyond the high street, two smaller labels are doing brilliant things with leather skirts right now:

• Stand Studio — A Scandinavian label beloved by fashion editors for their impeccably cut leather and faux leather pieces. Their sizing is European and runs true, but their cuts are so considered that fit feels effortless. A genuine investment piece brand.

• Deadwood — A sustainable leather label making pieces from upcycled and deadstock hides. Beautifully made, genuinely ethical, and their size guides are excellent. A brilliant alternative if you want real leather with a conscience.

A Few Practical Styling Notes

Once you've nailed the sizing, a few things will make your leather skirt look even better:

• Tuck in a shirt or knit loosely — an overly tight tuck will emphasise any pulling across the hip. A gentle blouse from Jigsaw or an oversized knit from White Stuff half-tucked at the front is endlessly chic.

• Balance volume. If the skirt is fitted, go for a relaxed top. If it's an A-line or full midi, you can wear a more fitted top to balance the proportions.

• Tights or bare legs both work, but opaque tights in a matching tone to the skirt create a sleek, elongated line that's particularly flattering in a midi length.

• Keep footwear clean-lined — ankle boots, loafers, or pointed flats all work brilliantly. Over-the-knee boots with a leather skirt can look incredible, but make sure the skirt is long enough to avoid any visual clash at the hemline.

Not Sure of Your Size? Let Tellar Work It Out For You

This is exactly the kind of sizing headache that Tellar.co.uk was built to solve. Tellar is the UK's leading free sizing tool, and it matches your exact measurements to the correct size across 1,500+ brands — instantly, in your browser, with no downloads required. Whether you're shopping All Saints, Zara, Reiss, or any number of other brands, Tellar tells you your precise size so there's no guesswork involved.

Use the Store Size Lookup tool to check your size in a specific brand before you buy. It takes about thirty seconds and could save you a very frustrating return.

And if you're building out your autumn/winter wardrobe beyond leather skirts, the Tellar Fashion Hub has you covered with honest, independent, stylist-written advice on everything from fit to trends to where to shop. No ads, no sponsored content — just genuinely useful information.

More from the Tellar Fashion Hub:

• The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide — your complete reference for sizing across every category.

• Jeans Trends 2026 — once the leather skirt is sorted, the right jeans are next.

• The Ultimate Guide to Dresses — styles, body shapes and the best places to shop.

• The Ultimate Guide to Jackets — what to wear over that leather skirt.

The Final Word

Yes, size up for leather skirts — almost always. The material doesn't give, the cut doesn't forgive, and a slightly looser leather skirt will always look more polished and intentional than one that's straining across the hip. Once you've found your right size, a leather skirt is honestly one of the most versatile pieces you can own. It'll take you from a weekend brunch to an evening out with nothing more than a shoe change, and it only seems to look better the more you wear it. Just leave room to actually move in it.