18 Badass Leather Jackets for Every Guy's Budget
James Dean, Steve McQueen, and Marlon Brando all knew the power of a damn good leather jacket. The essential top layer instantly transforms your basic everyday outfit into a ruggedly stylish look. But we’re not talking about just any leather jacket. A high-quality, well-fitting leather jacket will become a signature style piece to wear for decades and even pass on to your kids someday. The effortlessly cool look of a leather jacket is timeless, and more importantly, looks great on men of any age. Sure, it will cost you a pretty penny, but when keeping fit, style, and quality in mind as you find your perfect match, you’ll find the best leather jackets that are worth the investment.
Fit
If you’re going to spend your hard-earned dollars on one of the best leather jackets, it’s important to make sure the jacket fits perfectly on the shoulders and hugs the inner armpit. An oversized leather jacket might feel a bit more comfortable for guys who like a relaxed fit, but that will only make the jacket look less expensive and unflattering.
You should be able to wear a thin knit sweater underneath your leather jacket and the torso of the jacket should closely skim your body with a hem that hits right at your waist or belt. While it might feel shorter than other jackets in your closet, this is the correct fit for a traditional leather bomber or motorcycle jacket.
Quality
When it comes to leather jackets, you get what you pay for—the cheap alternative will indeed look cheap. Traditional cowhide leather, which is more durable and thicker than other leathers, is typically found on old-school motorcycle jackets. If you want softer and lighter leather, lambskin is a great option. You can’t really go wrong as long as it’s high-quality leather. Trusty brands Schott NYC, Belstaff, and AllSaints (for a more affordable option) are reliable for their quality leather on any of their leather jacket offerings. If it retails close to $100, it’s most likely faux leather.
Style
Whether you go for a racer, motorcycle jacket, trucker, or bomber jacket, opt for the style that best fits you. Motorcycle jackets are timeless for rugged style, while a minimalist racer jacket or trucker is a more office-friendly option to sport to your 9-to-5. Suede also changes the look of a motorcycle jacket to one that’s a bit more sophisticated with rich texture. This investment is less about what’s trending and more about your own personal style.
With all of this in mind, check out the 18 best leather jackets for men to buy now and wear forever.
A leather bomber jacket is a worthwhile investment for cool, classic style, but high-quality leather can cost upwards of $1,000. This timeless bomber-style cut from Seleced Homme features supple leather that's soft to the touch and under $500.
The soft, supple leather on this motorcycle jacket gives it a relaxed, modern vibe, while the slim-fit keeps your lean body looking trim.
This iconic style made popular by Brando in the classic film The Wild One is still as lustworthy today as it was back in the ‘50s. This durable, heavier motorcycle jacket has the enduring style to be a wardrobe staple for many, many years to come.
For menswear, sometimes the classics are best left as, well, classics. That’s why it’s rarely a good idea when brands try and reinvent something that men already love, like the classic bomber jacket. However, if you’re going to give a timeless jacket a modern update, subtle-yet-effective design tweaks and an unexpected colorway can really make it stand out on a clothing rack or in a crowd—that’s what Scotch & Soda did so wonderfully here. The mix of suede panels and leather sleeves elevate the jacket, making it look equally badass and polished.
It’s the same jacket you love from Levi’s, but in a cool leather fabric that’s perfect to sport from day-to-night.
Picture this smooth, minimalist racer leather jacket over your workwear button-down shirts and slacks for a polished, everyday look. The sheepskin leather is buttery soft, which only makes it look and feel even more expensive than other options on the market.
We've been a fan of this Wilson leather jacket since we eyed its similarities to Idris Elba’s Givenchy stunner a few months back. It’s well-made, simply stylish, and age-appropriate for any guy to sport.
It can be tough for any guy to commit to a leather jacket purchase once he see’s the hefty price tag—and we get it. But that’s where Jacket Maker comes in. Tired of having to chose between two extremes in pricing and quality—luxe designer or mass-market fashion—Syed Obaid set out to create a direct-to-consumer company that cuts out the middle man to produce customizable, high-quality leather outwear that guys can afford without breaking the bank. Leather jackets are meant to be a special piece of a man’s wardrobe that he’ll cherish for years as it wears on his body, so instead of stressing about the high costs of quality leather or settling for a cheap option that will fall apart by the end of the season, treat yourself to something specially made just for you, just the way you like it.
A rich suede texture gives the shirt style a luxe, sophisticated feel with comfort.
A leather blazer adds some sharp style to any T-shirt and jeans look with little effort required.
This cappacino-colored option is both extremely stylish and completely unexpected. If you want to stand out in a sea of black, this suede leather jacket is pure gold.
Some guys make the mistake of buying a large leather jacket to layer over their go-to hoodie—this is wrong. The right choice can be found with a removable hoodie inset that keeps the jacket tailored.
The clothing brand’s rich history with motorcycle racing that dates back to the early 20th century ensures you’re getting a high-quality racing jacket worth the high price tag. They might be famous for their waxed-cotton jackets, but their luxe leather offerings are just as noteworthy.
Retro racer stripes add rugged style to your everyday look, no matter what’s worn underneath. It’s simply a no-brainer.
For taller guys in need of a leather jacket with versatility, look no further than this sleek Acne Studios stunner made of richly textured cow leather.
Top Gun: Maverick won’t hit theaters until later this year, but with the shearling collar trend going strong over the past few years, you can bet this style will only become even more popular in the seasons to come.
The warmth and comfort of a puffer jacket combined with the rich look of leather makes this down jacket a worthy investment for any man’s wardrobe.
Read more: Best Winter Jackets for Men
You Might Also Like
