We may earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Browse all John Elliott shorts →Leather LA Shorts / Black
The verdict
Fit
Leather conducts fit differently than cotton—snug in production, they soften and move with wear. Plan for a break-in period and potential tailoring.
Quality
Made in LA, leather construction at this price should feature high-grade hides and precision construction. Durability depends on leather quality and care discipline.
Is the price fair?
Luxury tier by a wide margin. The price reflects material and maker prestige; quality must justify $1,298 or this is pure brand tax.
Best for
A leather enthusiast or designer-driven shopper with a budget for statement pieces; not practical for frequent rotation.
Care
Leather requires specialized care: condition regularly, protect from direct sun and water, and clean with leather-specific products.
What owners report about John Elliott shorts
The long-term wear reviews available report construction that holds up: after a full summer of weekly washing, one reviewer's Himalayan shorts showed no seam wear around the pockets, no fading, and an elastic waist as snug as new, and the same reviewer found a cargo style's pocket stitching intact after prolonged wear. The consistent gripe is price — reviewers call the shorts overpriced at retail, note that value is not what the brand is known for, and one bought his pairs well below retail on the secondary market instead. Coverage is thin beyond a single enthusiast site, and owner discussion on forums is scarce.
- Strengths
- Long-term reports show durable construction — pocket stitching, elastic waists, and fabric color all holding up after a season of regular wear and washing.
- Watch out for
- Reviewers consistently flag retail pricing as steep for what the shorts are, and the short inseams on some styles won't suit everyone.
- Sizing
- Sizing varies by style on the brand's numbered scale — one reviewer sized up in the relaxed-fit Himalayan for extra room but found the Miramar cargo ran large enough to size down.
About John Elliott's shorts line as a whole. Sources: Cropped Cut: John Elliott Himalayan Shorts Review · Tactical & Practical: John Elliott Miramar Cargo Shorts Review