Whether it’s a reignited love for Scary Spice, boredom with the ever-popular oat milk latte look, or an increased interest in the indie sleaze style – thanks in no small part to the continual pull of 90s and 00s fashion – leopard print has firmly worked its way back into our wardrobes. So much so, in fact, that high street store New Look reports that Google searches for leopard print skirts are up by 489% (with cheetah print searches up 209%). Clearly, we’re going all in with animal print.

One piece that’s outperforming all of the spotted skirts, dresses and shirts – the incredibly popular animal-printed Wales Bonner x Adidas Sambas notwithstanding – is leopard jeans: searches for this specific denim style are up 3,700%, according to social media shopping service LTK.

This may come as no surprise if you’ve scrolled Instagram, stepped into a bar or strolled through any high street stores in the past few months. Despite the commotion, I was convinced the look would be a short-lived trend. I’m happy to hold my hands up and say I was wrong.

After finally snapping up a leopard print trouser from a Sincerely Valentine store (£60.03) in Antwerp last month, I’ve worn them more than any other pair; my plain blue jeans now look incredibly boring by comparison. Experimenting with different looks (some arguably more successful than others), I’ve shared my five favourites below to hopefully persuade you to pick up a pair of your own. Ganni’s Izey jeans (£235) are a regular sell-out, while Damson Madder’s cool cargos (£100) and Topshop’s animal print trouser (£50) have topped many a wishlist. Life’s just too short to stick to plain jeans.

5 ways to wear leopard print jeans, according to someone in love with the look