Soft yet strong, practical yet stylish — moleskin jeans bring together the best of durability and comfort. From their humble origins as workwear to becoming a refined countryside staple, these jeans have earned their place in modern wardrobes.
Discover why moleskins are more than just trousers — they’re a lasting investment in style.
What are Moleskin Jeans?
Much like denim or the classic jeans we all know, moleskin’s origins aren’t as glamorous as you might imagine. Thanks to its tough and durable fabric, moleskin was originally worn by farmers and hunters from the Middle Ages through to the 19th century.
In England and France, it became a true workwear staple — even featuring in the uniforms of royal staff. Since it wasn’t commonly worn by women at the time, early moleskin trousers were a little wider and not high-waisted.
You might be wondering — why are they called moleskins? According to popular belief, the name comes from the fabric’s soft, fuzzy texture, which resembles the fur of a mole. While that might sound a little odd, the good news is there’s no animal fur involved — so you can enjoy wearing them with a clear conscience.
How Moleskin Jeans Differ from Denim and Corduroy
At Hartwell, we know our fabrics, and we love helping others get to know them too. That’s why it’s important to distinguish moleskin from denim and corduroy: they’re not all the same. What they do have in common is that all three are often used for trousers or jackets and are heavier-weight fabrics that require a bit of special care.
Beyond that, though, the main difference is in their texture. Moleskin is soft with a thin, fur-like texture, while denim tends to be stiffer — and sometimes even a little rough. Corduroy, on the other hand, is also soft but features its distinctive raised ridges, giving it a very different look and feel.
Why Moleskin Jeans Deserve a Place in Your Wardrobe
We believe in the superior quality and practicality of moleskin jeans — so here’s our case for why this timeless piece truly deserves a place in your wardrobe.
Durability and Longevity
Thanks to their dense and heavy weave, moleskin jeans are naturally strong and built to last. With the right care — which we’ll cover later on — your Hartwell moleskins will see you through many seasons to come. Not every fabric offers such a perfect balance between comfort and durability, so don’t take it for granted.
Versatile Style Options
Moleskin jeans never let you down — they’re easy to style for just about any occasion. Heading for a countryside walk? Spending the whole day at the office? Presenting at a conference? Your moleskins will rise to the occasion with the right styling. Later, we’ll share how to give your moleskin jeans all these different looks and lives.
Warmth for Cooler Weather
It’s easy to layer up on top with knitwear and jackets, but sometimes your legs are the ones feeling the chill. Moleskins help by adding an extra layer of warmth without feeling bulky or heavy. In winter, you can even wear them over tights or thermals to stay cosy and comfortable all day long.
How to Style Ladies’ Moleskin Jeans
If you’re ready to let moleskin jeans into your wardrobe, it’s time to discover how to take them out and show them off for any occasion.
As a starting point, our ROSIE Super Skinny Moleskins work beautifully with all the combinations below — and come in three elegant shades: chestnut, olive, and navy.
Casual Everyday Looks
Moleskins are so comfortable that you can wear them for relaxed countryside walks or quick errands around town — they’ll keep you cosy and stylish in both settings. For an effortlessly chic everyday look, try pairing them with our GIGI luxury shirt or opt for a more laid-back feel with the ALEXIS Olive Pheasants Jersey Top.
Outdoor and Countryside Outfits
Ready to face the UK chill? Moleskin jeans paired with cosy knitwear will have you covered — literally. The CHELSEA Olive Flying Ducks top is a great choice with its turtle neck design, keeping you warm from top to bottom (just add a light scarf for extra cold days). If you prefer a looser neckline, go for the AMANDA Pheasants Round Neck Top instead.
Dressing Up with Moleskin Jeans
Dressing up doesn’t just mean formalwear — it can be for a lunch date, dinner out, or even presenting at a conference. To elevate your look, pair your moleskins with our LAYLA Beige Embroidered Shirt or CARINA White luxury blouse, then add a tailored blazer and a good pair of boots to complete the outfit with polish and confidence.
Need more inspiration? We’ve got guides on autumn activities and how to dress for them, plus seasonal knitwear styling tips to match.
Caring for Your Moleskin Jeans
Moleskin isn’t like other fabrics, so your jeans deserve a bit of extra care. Treating them in a way that suits their unique texture and needs will make a real difference to their longevity — helping them last through many more seasons and adventures.
Here are some essential tips to help you look after your moleskin jeans and keep them in top shape for longer:
1. Washing
Always turn your moleskins inside out before putting them in the washing machine. This helps protect the outer surface (and if there’s a specific stain, you can gently spot-clean it before washing). Make sure to use cold water and a mild detergent — this will help preserve the fabric’s quality, keep the colour vibrant, and prevent shrinkage.
2. Ironing
In many cases, you won’t need to iron your moleskin jeans — the fit often smooths out small creases once they’re on. However, if you’re after a more polished look or the wrinkles are quite visible, turn the jeans inside out and iron on the inner side to avoid leaving marks on the exterior. Keep your iron on a low setting, and if you need to go over an area again, do so gently rather than increasing the temperature.
3. Skip the Dryer
We know it’s tempting, especially during the colder months, but the dryer is not your moleskin’s friend. The spin cycle on your washing machine will already remove most of the moisture, so it’s best to hang them to air dry. If it’s particularly sunny, hang them inside out to protect the outer fabric from fading.
4. Storing them the right way goes a long way
Did you know that, unlike other trousers, moleskins are best kept hanging? Folding them can cause deep creases and alter their shape, meaning you’ll need to iron them more often — which can wear down the fabric over time. Hanging them instead helps them last longer, and you can even keep them on the same hanger as a blazer or jacket they pair well with, then half of your outfit is ready to go.
Join the Moleskin Jeans Movement
Moleskin jeans combine elegance, comfort, and practicality like no other fabric. They adapt effortlessly to your lifestyle, offering warmth in winter, durability for daily wear, and endless styling options. With the right care, your Hartwell moleskins won’t just last — they’ll only get better with time.