The Pony Hair Effect: The Leather Trend That Will Make You Rethink Your Commitment to Suede
The textured fabric is finding a fan base for a reason
Many of us spend a not insignificant amount of money, not to mention time, on hair removal, a fact of life that makes one of this season’s breakout fashion trends even more titillating. It’s almost like the gods are trolling us, in fact, because being spotted on bags, coats, skirts, you name it, is so-called pony hair.
The clue’s in the name. Pony hair is leather that’s been left “natural” so to speak, with a hairy surface as opposed to a buttery-smooth one. As you might expect, it has a rather coarse texture, with its wiry hairs creating a surprisingly robust coating.
I first noticed it appeared to be “a thing” when scrolling on COS. The retailer’s new arrivals section contains several pony-hair garments—and just type “pony” into its search bar if you like what you see for there’s more, plenty more, where that came from. I clicked through most of them in the name of research—miniskirts, midi skirts, jackets, belts—and quickly discovered that almost everything is selling out. Clearly, there’s a rush on pony hair for a reason.
COS’ collared jacket, cut to hit a little past the hip with pockets just below the waistline, is particularly special. (As is this shorter version, which has cross-over lapels and slightly more volume.) The fabrication gives the surface a sheen, the opposite of leather’s matte appearance, which adds interest. Imagine it with head-to-toe black (as it’s styled in the e-commerce images), the ever-so-slight glimmer adding a texture into the outfit’s story to provide contrast, yes, but also something of the unexpected.
Another brand that has plenty of experience when it comes to pony hair is Aeyde. The Berlin-based shoemaker has pony hair pumps, knee-high boots and Mary-Janes, while its pre-spring collection dropping later this month features a particularly enticing ankle boot: pointed, leopard-spotted and crafted of pony hair.
Animal-printed pony hair might sound like too much of a good thing, but not so. Arket’s pony-hair ballet pumps are zebra-striped, although an easier-to-style buff colour rather than white, and guaranteed to add fabulousness to your favourite “jumper and jeans” combo this January. Jimmy Choo’s leopard-printed shoulder bag, meanwhile, is now on sale at Net-a-Porter.
And as for how to care for your pony hair? I would suggest you dry brush the surface to remove any debris but, otherwise, the hair should provide a fairly good barrier against pavement detritus. Another reason to go consider going "au naturel" this season.
Shop The Best Pony Hair
Collared and cut to graze the hip, COS' pony-hair jacket is such a chic alternative to your favourite leather bomber.
If outerwear feels too much of a statement switch up your go-to skirts for this pony hair-effect skirt.
If you want to add a hint of "hair" to your outfit, this chocolate belt is the way forward.
The Chelsea boot isn't the most "fashion-forward" of the family, which is why it's the best of both worlds if you render said boot in pony hair.
Pony hair plus zebra-print? These will certainly put a pep in your step this January.
Simple in design yet dangerously effective, Toteme's pony-hair coat tops our "if only" wish list.
Animal print is surprisingly neutral - we often refer to it as a neutral at Marie Claire - and can add a twist to traditional prints such as florals.
Jimmy Choo's leopard-print, pony-hair shoulder bag will up the ante of any outfit.
There's nothing chicer than a pony-hair knee-high, especially if worn underneath a pencil or pleated skirt.
Instead of a single colour, this bag embraces pony hair's original print with its fabulous cowhide finish.
This creamy take on pony hair is particularly sumptuous.
This Khaite cow-hide skirt gives this zebra print skirt an elevated feel like no other.
For a subtle way to buy into this trend layer this M&S cuff over a thin polo neck.
