Move over leopard, cow is now the coolest animal print

We all know that a leopard coat is a style classic. However, this season there’s an alternative and somewhat unexpected animal motif coming for your outerwear: cow print. We’re not talking black and white farmyard splats, rather sophisticated dapples in a palette of brown and cream that have a hint of the Midwest. Consider it the freshest way to add interest to your winter outfits.

Stylish A-listers including Beyoncé and Bella Hadid have been seen sporting cowhide coats. And although it undoubtedly comes with an Americana feel, we can thank Scandi label Samsøe Samsøe for its current popularity. The Salylo jacket – a cropped leather style retailing for just over £600 – went viral on TikTok last autumn after being worn by the street style set during Copenhagen Fashion Week. The jacket sold out three times over and inspired a slew of high street look-alikes, including Mango’s £270 version which has also been a sell out piece. Max & Co’s ponyskin jacket is still available and currently has 50 per cent off (£465).

“When we originally launched the Salylo jacket, we never expected it to generate the hype that it did. For us, it was a way of introducing cow hair to our collections as a new material. Staying true to its natural colours and patterns – each piece is unique.”, says Martin Mwila, Head of Global Brand Communications at Samsøe Samsøe.

Such is the appetite for bovine spots, the brand is launching multiple cow hair pieces for spring, including the Salydia jacket which has a monochrome palette and matching skirt, should you wish to do a head-to-toe look. Both pieces will be available at the beginning of February.

Zeitgeisty though it might be, the trend for cow print has been bubbling for a few seasons. For its Cruise 2024 catwalk, Dior placed a fuzzy cow-spot jacket over a white tiered evening dress. Bottega Veneta’s A/W 24 collection featured a cowhide patterned patchwork coat, which has since been worn by Rihanna. Acne Studios has also championed the trend; its cow-print trench coat is currently on sale at Net-a-Porter, albeit in limited sizes.

With cow print set to be big as we move into spring (see Jimmy Choo’s Western-flavoured SS25 campaign) the question is, how to wear it?

“Just like leopard, cow print can inject fun into your wardrobe and it makes a statement in any look. The neutral tones of black, browns and white means you can wear it effortlessly with your wardrobe staples. It sits beautifully alongside a crisp white shirt, denim and leather accessories.” says Caroline Van Luthje, the founder of Scandi style boutique, Wild Swans. Following an uptick in customer demand, Van Luthje is backing cow print for SS25, stocking pieces from chic Danish brands Bukela and Object.

In fact, the latter’s Montana jacket (£85) is a good piece to ease yourself in with. The mid-weight layer acts more like an over-shirt, meaning you can sandwich it between your neutral cashmere crew-necks and overcoat for just a hint of yeehaw. Come spring, button it over a white T-shirt and denim skirt. With so many styling options it certainly offers bang for your buck.

For a little more drama – and winter warmth – a shaggy-textured coat will do the trick. There are several on the high street, but beware synthetic-looking faux fur which can make cow print look like fancy dress. Much like a leather jacket, spending on high-quality fabrics is going to give a more luxurious effect and have longevity.

COS’s shearling funnel coat is an eye-watering £1,190 however it looks every inch the designer piece, made of shearing and buttery leather. You can save on the rest of your outfit, too; it has so much wow-factor, even plain black trousers are given an elevated look.

Layer it over LBD’s for the evening, dress it down with jeans and chunky boots from now until the weather turns – and then again from October – and you might just about be able to justify the three-figure price tag.

If you don’t wish to remortgage, Sisley’s plush coat (£139) is worth a look. Just a smattering of print gives it a more expensive appeal. Pick it up in the sale now and enjoy it next winter, too.

As for something to buy now and wear well into spring, GHOSPELL’s gilet (£85) is a useful between-seasons layer that packs a statement. Layer it over the top of your winter blazer; wear it with a turtleneck and wool skirt. When the weather turns, use it to update your ecru barrel-legs and sleeved dresses.

What’s more, the cow print trend has legs and is set to be popular next autumn, too. For its forthcoming AW/25 collection, Samsøe Samsøe is launching a matching cow hair set. Expect to see it all over Instagram come September.

If coordinating cow spots sounds OTT, watch this space for the label’s printed shoes and accessories launching in 2026. Anyone for a cow-print clog?