17 Best Leather Jackets for Every Style Vibe
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Whether it's real, vegan, moto, or racer, we found the coolest options out there right now.
InStyle / Reese Herrington
Leather jackets have never really left the limelight — it’s part of their timeless appeal — but whether it’s fashion’s penchant for the '90s (here’s looking at you, Kate Moss) or the Kardashian-Barker effect, the wardrobe staple is more prolific than ever. No longer restricted to grunge biker styles or trench coats, today, you can get a leather jacket in pretty much every shape and color — real or faux. So, whether you’re looking to channel Blondie and Joan Jett or a more feminine look as seen on Jennifer Lopez and Vanessa Hudgens, there’s a leather jacket out there that will fit your vibe.
To help you find the perfect one for what you have in mind, we sought the advice of style experts and scrolled countless retailers, read the reviews, and finally, landed on our favorites, which you can discover below.
Best Overall: Levi's Vegan Leather Moto Jacket
What We Love
It has all the features of a classic leather jacket, with no extra frills or detailing.
What We Don’t Love
This is not the jacket to layer a bunch of sweaters underneath, as the rather classic fit will sit close to your body.
When you think “leather jacket”, this style is probably the first thing that pops to mind. Add in a cruelty-free factor and you’ve got a vegan leather moto jacket from Levi’s. The minimalist, sleek jacket has all the classic features of a biker jacket: a spread collar, snap-down lapels, asymmetrical zip, and half zips up the sleeves. The leather itself has a lightly roughed-up texture to it, which gives it a more realistic appeal. Aside from that, there are no extra frills, details, or embroideries that would make it appeal to only a certain group of people. It’s a universal leather jacket if you will. It does sit close to your body, so it may be difficult to fit in thick layers underneath. But feel free to grab this jacket whenever you’re running out of the house in your dress, jeans, or skirt.
Price at time of publish: $150
Size: XS–XL | Colors: +10 | Material: Polyurethane, polyester | Fit: Standard
Best Budget: Quince 100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket
What We Love
It comes at a relatively low price for genuine leather.
What We Don't Love
Some reviewers claim there is a strong smell.
What’s deemed as a “low price” can mean different things to different people, but we think we can all agree that a genuine leather jacket for $150 is quite the steal — which is why we’re so drawn to this piece from Quince! Coming in a classic racer jacket style in four colors, the top-grain leather is high-quality and will be in your closet for years to come. “The long-established motorcycle design has always been one of my favorites and is forever timeless,” stylist and designer Jonathan Marc Stein tells InStyle. “This one hits every mark from design to quality. Perfect for any outfit, you can pair it with a T-shirt and jeans or wear over any outfit for style and comfort.” We think this jacket is worth the money, however, if you’re not big on smells, be warned as reviewers have mentioned it has quite a strong, plastic-like aroma that goes away with wear.
Price at time of publish: $150
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 4 | Material: 100% top grain sheep leather, poly satin | Fit: Slim
Best Faux: Zara Faux Leather Biker Jacket
What We Love
It’s part of The Green to Wear 2.0 standard, which aims to minimize the environmental impact of textile manufacturing.
What We Don’t Love
The sleeves come up quite small, so tall girls might want to push them up to make them look purposefully cropped.
“I love a biker jacket as it's a perennial piece that always looks cool” says style editor Carmen Bellot. You can always count on Zara for well-crafted wardrobe classics, and this faux leather biker jacket is no exception — ditto their real leather version. It features all the classic details but at a snip of the price. This one runs a little on the small side, so if you can get to the store, we’d recommend trying on different sizes, especially if you want to echo a louche ‘borrowed-from-the-boys’ look. “I tend to size up at least by two sizes, to get a slouchy, oversized fit,” says Hughes. “Zara's faux leather jackets are great – in classic black or in pastel shades,” she adds.
Price at time of publish: $70
Size: XS–XXL | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyester | Fit: Standard
Best Splurge: Acne Studios Leather Biker Jacket
What We Love
Like a fine wine, it’ll get better with age.
What We Don’t Love
The price isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s an investment piece and if you look after it well, it should last a lifetime.
“If you're splurging, you can't go wrong with Acne Studios – their jackets just get better and better with age.” says writer Natalie Hughes. Her hot tip is to always check eBay. “If you look hard enough you can find vintage leather jackets that look like Acne at a snip of the price tag,” she explains. If you’re ready for the real deal, it doesn’t get better than the Scandinavian label’s cult classic. Replete with signature details — zippered pockets, a notched collar, and a buckled belt at the hem — this timeless style is structured from buttery Nappa leather that’ll become unique to you with wear. “Acne Studios are renowned for their leather jackets, and their reign won't be coming to an end anytime soon – their classic designs and perfect fit make them a reliable choice,” Bellot adds.
Price at time of publish: $1,700
Size: FR32–FR42 | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather, viscose | Fit: Standard
Best Plus-Size: Good American Oversized Faux Leather Blazer
What We Love
The oversize fit would look stunning paired over a chunky sweater or even a hoodie.
What We Don’t Love
We think the jacket would look more refined if there wasn’t a line of stitching down the back.
Emma Grede and Khloe Kardashian’s brand Good American is better than good…it’s great. With tons of sizing options and flattering silhouettes, we’ve loved each and every product we’ve come into contact with, especially this faux leather jacket. The oversized fit looks perfectly tailored and can be worn from day to night, which we love.
“You can never go wrong investing in a classic blazer — it’s a closet staple and one that I reach for when I don’t know what to wear," brand consultant Jamie Grimstad says. The only thing we would alter is the line of stitching going down the back — we think the jacket would look a touch more refined if that wasn’t there.
Price at time of publish: $239
Size: XXS–5XL | Colors: 2 | Material: 100% polyurethane | Fit: Oversize
Best Motorcycle: Madewell Washed Leather Motorcycle Jacket
What We Love
Rather than a smooth leather, it has a mild roughness to it that feels lived in and natural.
What We Don’t Love
It runs a little small, so if you hope to wear chunky knits underneath, size up.
This motorcycle jacket has a lived-in texture that almost looks vintage, especially when you add on the classic silver zips on the front and sleeves and extended collar. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but that’s expected when you’re working with animal products. On the other hand, you are gaining a piece that will last you a lifetime. It will only gain value as you live through this piece, never having to worry about it breaking down. The reviews quite literally rave about how incredible this looks and feels, vouching that no other motorcycle jacket compares. Since it doesn’t look too glossy or polished, you can easily wear it as an everyday piece, too. Throw it on no matter what the occasion, and watch as you slowly neglect every other jacket in your closet. Some comments do point out that it runs a little small, so size up if you hope to layer sweaters underneath.
Price at time of publish: $525
Size: XXS–XXL, petit, standard, plus | Colors: 5 | Material: Leather | Fit: Standard
Best Blazer: Princess Polly Morrison Faux Leather Blazer
What We Love
With a burnt brown hue, this jacket is perfect for creating outfits in the fall and winter.
What We Don’t Love
If this came in black we would buy both!
We don’t know about you, but we scroll through Princess Polly’s website at least once a week in search of new finds and closet must-haves. And when we came across this faux leather blazer, we immediately added it to our carts after reading the rave reviews. Not only is the burnt brown hue a fun change from the classic black we typically see in leather jackets, but the slouchy fit and vegan leather material give off such a classic vibe. There are tons of ways to style this, but we especially love wardrobe stylist Tracy Shapoff’s advice: “For daytime, pair your leather blazer with baggy denim shorts, a T-shirt, chunky socks, and sneakers. Transitioning into the evening, swap your bottoms with a pair of black leather pants for a sexy mix of brown and black leather. If that is too much leather for your liking, a maxi skirt will be the perfect day-to-night combo with this blazer.” And while we adore the brown hue, we’d love to see the brand add black to the lineup.
Price at time of publish: $94
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Vegan leather | Fit: Relaxed
Best Colored: Blank NYC Faux Leather Moto Jacket
What We Love
The soft colors combined with the rigid moto aesthetic make for an eye-catching statement.
What We Don’t Love
Some reviews complain that the sleeves are too long.
Here’s a combination you don’t typically see: pastels on a moto-style jacket. And that’s precisely why it stands out. Something about adding a soft touch to an otherwise edgy piece thrills our little hearts. Half zips can be found on both sleeves (be warned: some think they're a bit too long), while the classic biker collars cross over to an overlapping front zip. BLANKNYC, which excels in making modern wardrobe staples, has perfected making faux leather over the years. This piece is a great example of their craftsmanship and would make for great accent outerwear.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Polyurethane, viscose | Fit: Standard
Best Bomber: Banana Republic Leather Bomber Jacket
Buy at Bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com
What We Love
The sherpa collar adds a cozy touch to the bomber jacket.
What We Don’t Love
It’s cropped and fitted, which makes it difficult to wear with chunky knits or long, untucked shirts.
Another fantastic 100 percent leather option, this bomber jacket from Banana Republic has that old-school aesthetic. But rather than being oversize, which tends to be the default for brands creating vintage-like pieces, it sits close to your body with sleeves that crop just at your wrists. Both the cuffs and hem end in a ribbed knit, too, for an athletic touch. Big minimalist pockets are found at the front as well, which feed into the bomber aesthetic. But perhaps the winning point lies in the Sherpa collar — it’s that one feminine touch that really brings this piece together and makes it stand out. Naturally, if you wish for a looser, oversized fit, we recommend sizing up. If biker jackets aren’t really your style, but you still want something leather, this is a fantastic alternative.
Price at time of publish: $550
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather, polyester Sherpa | Fit: Slim
Best Cropped: AllSaints Elora Leather Biker Jacket
What We Love
There’s an endearing little ticket pocket on the right side of the jacket.
What We Don’t Love
It’s a slim fit and won’t allow you to layer chunky knits underneath.
You can add a little edge to your closet by opting for a cropped biker jacket. Made of lamb leather, this is another piece that will stand the test of time. This one comes with gold zips, rather than the classic silver, and has a little ticket pocket on the right side of the jacket. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of space to rest your hands in the two full-sized pockets on each side. The sleeves are also cut short, ending just around your wrists. Overall, it has a slim fit and is intended to sit close to your body. You won’t have much room to layer chunky knits underneath, but it’s ideal for a spring or fall dress or high-waisted jeans.
Price at time of publish: $499
Size: 0–12 | Colors: 1 | Material: Lamb leather, recycled polyester | Fit: Slim
Best Embroidered: Free People Christy Moto Jacket
What We Love
It has a lower price point for something that is real lambskin leather.
What We Don’t Love
It runs extremely small, so size up for a better fit.
Are you ready for the rodeo? Because this jacket sure is. The classic moto silhouette features 11 stars embroidered on the back in various sizes (and that come in four different colors), giving it an unmistakable Western and Americana appeal that has us even considering swapping our polished loafers for some cowboy boots. Even though it’s made of real lambskin, compared to other options on this list, it comes at a lower price point, allowing more people to get in on the trend.
Aside from the embroidery, though, the jacket features other various eye-catching accents, like a red fabric lining inside the pockets, zipped cuffs, and two buckle belts. We wouldn’t be surprised if we caught Lana Del Rey wearing this exact jacket. Just know that it runs quite small, with almost all the reviews pointing out that shoppers have needed to size up. Make sure to get a larger size from the get-go to avoid any returns and exchanges.
Price at time of publish: $298
Size: XS–XXL | Colors: 5 | Material: Lambskin, recycled polyester | Fit: Standard
Best Fringe: Bernardo Extended Fringe Leather Moto Jacket
What We Love
The fringe details add A trendy western touch to any outfit.
What We Don’t Love
There is a lot of fringe, which may not be to everyone’s liking.
This black fringe jacket makes for quite the statement, and this option from Bernardo is one of the best options we’ve seen. With a line of leather fringe going across the back and cascading down the arms, some might find the amount of fringe to be too much, but we think it’s just right. “I particularly love the belt around the waist for a sleek look,” says fashion stylist Kat Gosik. “At $299, this jacket is a steal as it’s timeless. The color and silhouette make it easy to dress up or down with denim for day and slacks for night.”
Price at time of publish: $299
Size: XS–XXL | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather | Fit: Fitted
Best Fur-Trimmed: Lucky Brand Shearling Collar Leather Bomber Jacket
What We Love
The bomber style is all too easy to style, and it looks great paired with the shearling collar.
What We Don’t Love
We wish the inside lining was also fitted with shearling, like the collar.
Here's a contemporary style we adore, complete with a pop of shearling on the collar to add warmth as the weather cools. (We do think this jacket would be even better if the inside was also lined with shearling.) "It's classic in its cut and contemporary in its construction,” says fashion stylist Gabriela Rosales.
Price at time of publish: $250
Size: XS–2XL | Colors: 1 | Material: 100% sheep leather | Fit: Standard
Best Vintage: Madewell Distressed Leather Oversized Motorcycle Jacket
What We Love
The lived-in vibe gives off a vintage look that we love.
What We Don’t Love
Based on reviews, size up if you plan on layering.
Vintage-style leather jackets are pretty hard to come by, but when we saw this oversize option from Madewell, we knew we struck gold. It comes in a distressed bronze-y hue with silver hardware and looks like it was plucked from your father's closet in the ‘80s. And if you’re not super into thrifting but love the look of it, this will be right up your alley. “You could wear it in colder weather with a sweater under, or in warmer climates with a tee or tank,” Gosik says. It's already oversize, but if you plan to layer it atop chunky knits, you may want to go up a size to allow for extra room, especially in the arm area.
Price at time of publish: $568
Size: XXS–XXL | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather | Fit: Oversize
Best Longline: Reformation Veda Crosby 90s Longline Leather Blazer
What We Love
The length is giving us all of the feels and would look beautiful paired over a dress, skirt, jeans, or even slacks.
What We Don't Love
It runs pretty small in the arm area, so size up if you plan on layering this atop other pieces.
Reformation is every It girl’s best-kept secret, and if you’re ever wondering how to get their quintessential style, we think investing in a piece from the brand is your best bet. We’re living for this leather blazer not only because of the ‘90s vibes it gives off but also because of its sustainability efforts. In fact, this jacket is chrome-free, a leather byproduct, and vegetable-tanned, so you can rest easy knowing you’re shopping with a trusted brand! “This trench coat will be your new best friend for fall and winter,” says stylist Caitlin Jaymes. “A trench coat is a piece that can take you from day to night. Pair it over jeans and a tee during the day or a black mini dress at night.” If you end up ordering this, just make sure to size up if you plan on layering, as the arm area runs pretty small.
Price at time of publish: $478
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather | Fit: Relaxed
Best Fur-Lined: Helsa 80s Oversized Faux Shearling Jacket
What We Love
The shearling details give off a luxe vibe that screams rich mom energy.
What We Don't Love
It might look a bit bulky if paired with chunky knits or thicker sweaters.
“Statement jackets are a great addition to your wardrobe because they require less thinking when you're putting an outfit together,” says Jaymes. Enter: this ‘80s-style jacket by Helsa. With faux fur lining and an oversize fit, this edgy piece will best best balanced with jeans and a long-sleeve T-shirt for a subtle cool-girl effect. Since the jacket already has an obvious oversize fit, you might want to steer clear from pairing it with chunky knits or sweaters, as it can come across as a bit bulky.
Price at time of publish: $528
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyurethane, polyester | Fit: Oversize
Best Racer: Reiss Adelaide Leather Collarless Quilted Jacket
What We Love
The collarless detail is subtly edgy.
What We Don't Love
The fittedness makes layering difficult.
Typical biker jackets have room to layer sweaters and turtlenecks to keep you warm in moderately cold weather, but this collarless style from Reiss offers a different appeal. It's a racer style complete with quilted details and a snap collar. Rosales loves its polished nature and recommends wearing it with a scarf layered on top since there's no collar to interfere with it. We’d suggest sizing up since it comes in a standard fit, which might look and feel a bit tight on the arm area.
Price at time of publish: $655
Size: 0–12 | Colors: 3 | Material: Leather, polyester | Fit: Standard
What to Keep in Mind
Price
When it comes to genuine leather jackets, don’t be surprised that the price is higher. However, you absolutely get what you pay for, and if it’s crafted from high-quality materials, it should last you for years to come. Faux and vegan leather options are more economical, to be sure; however, they may not last in your wardrobe for years and years. With wear over time, the wear and tear will look less like a patina, or natural distressing, and more like a tattered garment.
Design
While it’s easy to get swept away with the dizzying array of styles on offer, you want to look beyond what’s trending today. One of the best things about classic leather jackets is that they’re always in style, the same can’t be said for that acid-green snakeskin version — unless that’s part of your typical rotation.
“I will never tire of a classic, slightly boxy biker jacket in black. It's a staple!" says Hughes. "Even better if it has lots of pockets, hidden and otherwise, which vintage styles often do.” Still, you can’t go wrong with a biker or bomber style, either.
Your Questions, Answered
What is faux leather typically made of?
“As technologies develop, faux leather is becoming an increasingly popular option if you're ethically opposed to the real iteration, some great brands are dominating the market,” Bellot says.
Polyester is the most common leather alternative but rarely in recycled form. The chemicals used to create faux versions can have a detrimental environmental impact so keep an eye out for certified iterations.
How do you style a leather jacket?
When she's unsure on how to spice up a seemingly plain outfit, Bellot always throws on a leather jacket. "It instantly gives your look a bit of edge with minimal effort,” she says.
Thanks to their timelessness, leather jackets have almost become neutral, meaning you can dress them up or down depending on your mood. Hughes agrees, adding, “I think a leather jacket goes with virtually every outfit. But my favorite way to style mine is with a simple white tee, tailored trousers, and dad sandals, or thrown over a vintage floral dress.”
What’s the best way to care for a leather jacket, real or faux?
“I don't do anything special, other than keep them safely stowed away on hangers in my wardrobe when not in use — never on a hook, which can pull them out of shape,” says Hughes, who, as a vintage aficionado, likes that worn-in look. “I like it when they get worn in and scuffed – I think it only adds to their charm,” she notes. Ultimately, every leather jacket is different and it’ll depend on its fabrication, construction, and age, especially if you’re buying vintage or second-hand. Follow the care instructions, and keep in mind that real versions will benefit from a specialized leather cleaner.
Why Trust InStyle
Mischa Smith is a freelance Commerce Writer for InStyle, where she covers fashion, drawing on her experience as a Womenswear Editor at luxury retailer Harvey Nichols. Here she covered trends and global fashion weeks. Mischa owned her first leather jacket at age one and has since amassed an ever-growing selection, including a questionable paisley-lined fringed motorcycle jacket bought on London’s Camden Market.
Taylor Augustin is a freelance beauty and fashion writer based in Newport Beach, California. She interviewed experts and tested leather jackets herself for this story. And during the fall and winter months, her friends almost never see her without a leather jacket draped over her shoulders.
Together, Smith, Augustin, and InStyle staff writer Bianca Kratky interviewed the following fashion experts: brand consultant Jamie Grimstad, fashion stylist Caitlin Jaymes, writer Natalie Hughes, style editor Carmen Bellot, fashion stylist Tracy Shapoff, fashion stylist Jonathan Marc Stein, fashion stylist Gabriela Rosales, and fashion stylist Kat Gosik.
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