Jeans with Leopard Print Patches: The Kancan Leopard Patch

The Kancan Leopard Patch is a pair of distressed denim with real leopard print patches sewn behind the rips. If you have been searching for jeans with leopard print patches that look deliberate and not craft-store, this is the pair to look at. The patches sit under the knee and thigh tears, so the animal print shows through when you move and stays quiet when you stand still.

Here is what to know before you order.

What makes these jeans with leopard print patches different

Most patched denim stitches a square on top of the fabric. Kancan works from behind. The patch is fixed inside the leg and the rip is cut over it, which gives a cleaner edge and keeps the print from peeling at the corners after a few washes.

The denim is a stretch blend, usually around 92% cotton with a little polyester and spandex. That is enough give to sit, bend and climb into a car without the knees bagging out by lunchtime.

The wash is a medium blue with light fading at the thighs. It pairs well with the tan and black tones of the leopard, which is why the print reads as a neutral and not a loud accent.

Fit, rise and sizing

This is a mid to high rise skinny cut, with a rise of roughly 10 inches in a size 7. The leg is close from thigh to ankle and the hem lands at the ankle bone on most women around 5'5".

Kancan uses junior sizing, so you will see numbers like 1/24, 3/26, 5/27 and 7/28 up to 15/32. Some points worth knowing:

• If you are between sizes, go down one. The stretch relaxes after an hour of wear.
• If you have wider hips, take your usual size and expect a snug first wear.
• Petite shoppers under 5'2" can cuff the hem once without it looking bulky.

How to style leopard patch jeans

Keep the top simple. A white tee, a black bodysuit or a plain gray sweatshirt lets the patches do the work. Mixing the print with another animal print usually fights itself, so skip it.

For daytime

Try a cropped denim jacket in a lighter wash and white sneakers. Add a thin gold or sterling silver chain, and the look is done in five minutes.

For evening

Swap the sneakers for peep toe fringe booties and wear a black blazer or a fitted satin top. The fringe and the leopard share a loose, western mood, so they sit together without effort.

In summer, the same attitude carries over to shorts. The kancan distressed shorts give you the ripped look with less fabric, and the kancan bermuda shorts suit days when you want a longer line.

Leopard patch jeans: care and durability

Wash them inside out in cold water, ideally every 4 to 6 wears. Skip the dryer. Heat shrinks the stretch fibers and can curl the edges of the patches, so hang them or lay them flat.

The rips will widen over time, that is normal for distressed denim. If a tear grows past the patch, a few stitches by hand on the inside will stop it. Avoid bleach, which turns the print yellow.

Prices for this style usually fall between $45 and $65, which is fair for a branded stretch denim with this much detail.

Who should buy them

Pick these if you like casual outfits with one clear detail. They are not the best choice for an office with a strict dress code, and they are less comfortable than leggings if you want something soft for travel. For that, moto leggings give you a similar edge with a smoother feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the leopard patches sewn on or printed?

They are fabric patches stitched inside the leg, behind the distressed openings. The print is part of the patch, so it does not rub off like a surface print.

Do the jeans run small?

They run slightly snug on first wear because of the skinny cut. Most women keep their usual size, and size down only if they like a very tight fit.

Can I wear them in cold weather?

Yes, with tights or thermal leggings under them, though the rips will let cold air in. Below about 45°F, layering underneath is a good idea.

Will the patches fade in the wash?

Slightly, after many washes. Cold water and air drying keep the colors close to new for a long time.