Although they've been around for decades, leather pants have become increasingly popular in recent years. Featuring the same high-quality leather used in jackets, they offer a stylish and equally comfortable alternative to traditional denim jeans and trousers. Best of all, leather pants are available in a variety of colors, including red. If you're thinking about investing in a pair of red leather pants, however, there are a few things you should know. Following the tips described here will help you achieve the best possible look when wearing red leather pants.

Choose a Dark Top

Going back to the basics of fashion 101, it's a good idea to create a contrasting color scheme with your outfit. When wearing red leather pants, for instance, you should wear a dark shirt or top. A black shirt with red leather pants creates a visually striking appearance that will compliments your outfit. On the other hand, wearing a red or other bright top with red leather pants creates a bland appearance. So, choose a dark-colored top that contrasts with your red leather pants.

Match Shoes With Top

In addition to choosing a dark top, you should also wear shoes that match your top. Using the same example previously mentioned, wearing black shoes with a black top and red leather pants is the perfect combination. The matching black shoes with the top helps to offset the brightness of the red leather pants. You don't have to necessarily limit yourself to only wearing black. Rather, choose a dark top and make sure it matches your shoes. As long as you follow this simple formula, you'll have an easy time creating an attractive outfit with your red leather pants.

Get the Right Fit

Don't make the mistake of choosing red leather pants that are too big or too small for your body. Fashion faux pas aside, it's not exactly comfortable. If you're forced to wear an oversized or undersized pair of red leather pants for eight or more hours a day, it may cause discomfort. Thankfully, this is easily prevented by choosing pants in the right size. Here at LeatherCult, you can order a pair of custom-fitted leather pants using your own body measurements. You tell us your body measurements, and we'll create the perfect pair of custom-fitted red leather pants.

Choose High-Quality Red Leather Pants

If you're going to sport a pair of red leather pants, make sure they are made of high-quality leather. Just because two pants are made of leather, it doesn't necessarily mean they are the same quality. Leather is available in several different qualities, which is reflected by its appearance, comfort and strength. One of the highest quality types of leather, for example, is Nappa leather. Originally coined by Emanuel Manasse in the late 1800s, Nappa leather is characterized by its supple, smooth texture with an unparalleled level of detail. You can expect to pay more for pants made of Nappa leather than traditional leather, but most people will agree that it's well worth the investment.

Light or Dark

Red leather pants are available in different shades, ranging from light to dark. When choosing between the two, consider when and how you plan to wear them. Bright red leather pants are often recommended for the summer and spring months, whereas dark is recommended for the fall and winter months. Of course, you can still wear them outside of these seasons, but this is a good rule of thumb to follow. Ultimately, though, you should choose a tone that flows cohesively with your outfit. Think about the shirt, shoes and other garments with which you'll be wearing. In some cases, bright red leather may offer the best look. In others, dark red leather may prove better.

Use Caution When Wearing

I know this is easier said than done, but use caution when wearing red leather pants to avoid accidentally spilling anything on them. Red leather doesn't exactly conceal stains very well. On the contrary, stains are usually visible on red leather, especially if it's dark stain like coffee or soda. If you're going to wear red leather pants, try to avoid spilling anything that could otherwise stain them. And if you happen to stain them, clean the affected area promptly to remove it. Blotting the stain with a damp washcloth will usually fix it. If that doesn't work, use a special leather cleaning product. With a little elbow grease, you should be able to remove most superficial stains from your red leather pants.

Clean According to Manufacturer's Recommendations

As with most garments, it's a good idea to clean and care for red leather pants according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Different manufacturers use different materials and techniques to make their red leather pants. Because of these nuances, the way in which you clean and care for them varies. To determine the best way to clean and care for your red leather pants, you should check the care label. Typically found inside the waistband, this label reveals the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and caring for the pants. You may find that some red leather pants are spot clean only, meaning you shouldn't attempt to clean them in the washing machine and dryer. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations to protect your red leather pants from damage.

Wear Them!

Perhaps the most important tip to follow when owning a pair of red leather pants is to wear them. The more you wear them, the softer they'll become. This is because leather needs to be "broken in." When you first purchase it, it may feel somewhat stiff. But wearing them on a regular basis helps to soften them while also improving their appearance. Red is just one of many colors in which leather pants are made.  You'll also find them in brown, black, yellow, blue, brown and just about every other color under the rainbow. So, don't limit yourself to only choosing red leather pants. Experiment with other colors to see what works best for your personal style.