Nothing oozes attitude like a slick leather jacket. Once reserved for motorcyclists or men going through a mid-life crisis, the classic style is having a cool resurgence.
Starting out as military wear in the 1900s, the leather jacket had its first moment in the spotlight when movie star Marlon Brando wore Schott NYC’s Perfecto Jacket in The Wild One, cementing it as the uniform of rebellious youth.
Today, everyone from Keanu Reeves to Lil Nas X are leather jacket stans, and it’s obvious to see why. Whether you’re in the market for an oversized biker, a fitted bomber, or a shearling sherpa, the leather jacket will bolster your debonair good looks and notch up your confidence.
Look no further than Celine’s spring/summer 23 show to see how it’s done. From an embellished biker worn with straight-leg jeans and a neck-tie blouse, to an oversized bomber paired with tailored shorts and a shirt and tie, Hedi Slimane - Celine’s creative director - is an expert in the leather jacket and how to style it.
What, then, is the right jacket for you? First of all, start with the quality of the fabric. You want to look out for full grain leather, rich suedes, or buttery vegan leather (looking at you, Nanushka), and steer clear of any squeaky pleather.
When it comes to the style, it depends on your look. Whether you’re channelling Danny Zuko in a biker jacket with a white t-shirt and jeans or would rather be more understated in a leather shacket à la Jacob Elordi, we’ve rounded up a selection to suit every style and budget.
Shop the best below
Best white t-shirts for men you can wear all the time
Best white trainers for men 2022 to suit your style
Best weekend bags for men from Rains, Gucci, Paul Smith, and more
16 best menswear brands to buy online
Best sandals for men for style and comfort on holidays or summer walks
Best leather jackets for women: Classic style you can wear again and again
Nanushka Regenerated leather overshirt
Chic and understated, Nanushka’s leather overshirt is cut to an oversized fit with a sharp collar and curved hem. Made out of regenerated leather, a fabric created using unwanted off-cuts that would otherwise end up in landfill, it’s a lightweight option that would be great to layer a T-shirt in warmer months.
Buy now £795.00, Nanushka
AllSaints Wick Leather Biker Jacket
Experts with leather, you can count on AllSaints for a grungy biker jacket that would look at home atop a Harley Davidson. Made using 100 per cent lamb leather and metal hardware, it’s a great quality for a more affordable price. Oozing attitude, you’ll be channelling your inner rebel with, or without, a cause.
Buy now £369.00, AllSaints
Theory Morvek Zip Jacket in Leather
Featuring a polished finish and a two-way zip closure, Theory’s lamb leather jacket has a louche timeless feel. Wear with a white T-shirt and high-waisted straight-leg jeans for a Parisian look. Très chic.
Buy now £690.00, Theory
Gucci GG leather bomber jacket
Embossed with the iconic GG monogram from top to bottom, Gucci’s bomber jacket exudes luxury. Inspired by the nightclub scene, this jacket would look best worn with a full monochrome outfit - go full leather for a high-octane party look.
Buy now £3550.00, Matches
Rag & Bone Grant Leather Jacket
Cut to a short boxy shape, Rag & Bone’s jacket has a Nineties feel. With design details inspired by British and American street style, it’s a contemporary take on a classic.
Buy now £830.00, Mr Porter
Diesel L-Hudson leather shacket
A lightweight, shirt-style design, this failproof jacket by Diesel is an elevated yet practical option. The garment is crafted from the softest lamb leather with vegetal tanning. Note the lack of lining for added lightness and straight cut for effortless self-styling.
Buy now £695.00, Diesel
Sandro Leather jacket
Not your typical varsity jacket, Sandro’s chic take on the silhouette is crafted using smooth leather yet has the trademark ribbed collar, cuffs and waist. Worn with a fitted black T-shirt and indigo jeans, you wouldn’t look out of place strolling down the Champs-Élysées.
Buy now £889.00, Selfridges
Mango Leather jacket with worn effect
Crafted using super-soft chocolate leather and featuring a retro-worn effect, Mango’s design is giving luxury at its most affordable. The button-down closure and preppy pop collar elevate the design. Worn with a polo or roll neck, you’ll be the smartest chap in town.
Buy now £229.99, Mango
The Kooples Black Leather Biker Jacket
True to the brand’s signature style, The Kooples’ biker jacket wouldn’t look out of place on The Ramones. Pair it with a band T-shirt and ripped jeans and you’ll be looking like a rock star in no time.
Buy now £810.00, The Kooples
Cos Leather Jacket
Satisfying your budget-friendly leather jacket needs, high street hero Cos’ design is minimal, sleek, and won’t hurt your bank account. Created with a sustainable focus, this jacket is made using an environmentally friendly tanning process and is lined with lyocell. Bringing a laidback feel, this super soft pop collar design would be perfect for day or night.
Buy now £450.00, Cos
Marine Serre logo-debossed leather jacket
Opt for a sleek shirt style with this timeless leather number. Sourced from Marine Serre’s spring/summer 2023 collection, the buttoned leather jacket comes complete with a boxy silhouette inspired by second-hand studded biker jackets. If that wasn’t enough to convince you and your bank account, check out the brand’s moon logo monogram which has been subtly embossed all over the smooth leather garment.
Buy now £1932.00, Farfetch
