A leather jacket oozes confidence and is the perfect wardrobe staple. From badass motorcycle jackets to 70’s himbo-esque leather blazers, this is one piece that will never go out of style.
For a classic look, wear your leather jacket with a white t-shirt and jeans. Or, switch it up with a shirt or plaid and formal pants for a semi-formal look.
Styles
A leather jacket for men is one of the most risky menswear purchases you can make, but it’s also among the most rewarding. The best men’s leather jackets are timeless wardrobe essentials that age gracefully and improve with every wear. However, different styles are better suited to certain occasions and wardrobes.
The style of leather jacket you choose will have a huge impact on your wearability. While some styles are designed for practicality or warmth, others are more refined and suitable for dressing up. For example, the cafe racer jacket—a classic that was made famous by Marlon Brando and Tyler Durden—is a more minimal design. It features a stand collar and front zip, and it looks best paired with wool trousers and knitwear.
In contrast, the flight jacket is a military-inspired style that was created for airmen and stylish civilians alike. Originally, it was bulky and shearling lined, but now it’s a sophisticated wardrobe investment piece. The burnished leather of this Todd Snyder Dylan jacket is smooth and supple, and the silver-toned branded hardware adds an elevated touch.
You can also find leather jackets that resemble a blazer in shape and structure, but these are usually reserved for dressier occasions. In particular, this dark navy leather jacket from Ralph is an elegant option that would look killer paired with selvedge denim or a crisp white button-up shirt and Derby shoes.
Materials
When it comes to leather jackets, the quality of the materials is arguably just as important as the design. After all, a leather jacket will likely be one of the most expensive items in your closet, so you’ll want to make sure it’s built to last.
To ensure you’re getting the best, opt for high-quality leather and YKK zippers. These are the highest standards in the industry and indicate that your jacket was built well, with a focus on durability. It’s also a good idea to purchase your jacket offline rather than online, so you can inspect the fit, feel and smell of the leather in person before making a final decision.
Whether you’re after a rugged look or something more polished, there’s a leather jacket out there for every style. For a modern take, try this bomber from AllSaints. The lambskin is supple and durable, with a cropped cut that gives it a contemporary silhouette. Or, if you’re going for a grunge aesthetic, look to this distressed and washed biker from Lusso.
If Nicolas Cage was cast in Uncut Gems, this would be the type of leather jacket he’d wear. It’s a bit more polished than your standard leather moto, with a curved yoke and wool blend cuffs. It’s minimalist, modern and a touch less raw, but it still has that Nicolas Cage appeal.
Sizes
When shopping for a leather jacket women, size is key. You want something big enough to fit a thin jumper underneath, but not so large that it swamps your frame. A good fit also means that the hem will land just below your waist and that the shoulder seam ends on the middle of your shoulder or a little further down your arm.
When in doubt, a slim-fit leather jacket that’s cut just a tad longer is usually your best bet. You can wear it with jeans or with a suit depending on your mood and the occasion. This model from All Saints is a perfect example of this. It’s got the throwback biker look made famous by The Ramones and Brando in The Wild One, but with a slimmer silhouette that looks just as good with formal trousers as it does with hard denim.
If you’re ready to make a statement with your leather jacket, consider a style that’s made from a more exotic material. You’ll find suede options in shades of brown and tan as well as in bright colors like red or green. These tend to be a bit more expensive, but they can be worn with formal pants or even with your favorite jeans. You can even go the extra mile and get a custom-fit leather jacket. Just enter your measurements on the brand’s website and it will provide you with a jacket that’s designed to be flattering for you.
Brands
If you’re planning to make a versity jacket one of your most substantial wardrobe investments, choose wisely. These are not the cheap things we’re talking about here, so you’ll want to ensure you buy from a brand with a pedigree and reputation for quality. British label AllSaints, for example, is known for their grungy, moody aesthetic that lends itself perfectly to the leather jacket – look out for cropped cuts and distressed finishes. They also offer a range of waterproof treatments for an authentic worn-in look that only gets better with age.
Acne Studios is another label that knows what they’re doing when it comes to the classic leather jacket. Think supple black leather with silver hardware and a defiant biker vibe that can be toned down for the office or a dinner date with a tailored suit.
Historic New York brand Schott is to leather jackets what Dyson is to vacuum cleaners – its perfecto motorcycle jacket is the original, and is still as badass today as it was when worn by The Ramones and Brando in The Wild One. Its throwback biker style is the inspiration for all modern leather jackets, and its use of buttery-soft full-grain leather will stand the test of time.
For a contemporary take on the traditional leather jacket, try this Todd Snyder design in luxurious calf suede. The slim fit is accentuated by shearling lining for warmth and the distinctive brown shade offers an original alternative to black. Balance the heft of this statement investment piece with slim-fit trousers and a T-shirt for an easy Sunday elegance.