Leather jackets are polarising.
We can all agree that a lot of the A List crowd look great in them – David Beckham, Callum Turner, Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Austin Butler, Pedro Pascal, Lenny Kravitz etc etc. – but most of us mere mortals won’t go near them because they seem like too much of a ‘thing’.
In reality, though, as with all menswear, you just need to find one that works for you and then work out the best way to wear it. Once you’ve got that sorted, you can join the guys in the menswear big leagues and win big fashion points when you have the look nailed down – which is why I’m here to help.
As a stylist and menswear writer with years of experience in helping guys dress their best, I’ve come across my fair share of leather jackets. As a general rule, I’d recommend going for one that’s laid back – think along the lines of a 90s-inspired design which wouldn’t look out of place on a young Becks – because it’ll feel much easier to wear than a stiff, rigid option which can seem a little try-hard.
How to choose a leather jacket
When you’re shopping, there are a couple of things to have on your radar. Fit-wise, go for a silhouette that’s a little roomy. Then, it’ll look expensive when it’s slouchy with a simple tee, but it will also be big enough to fit a hoodie underneath if you want to amp up the undercover-celeb-coded look.
When it comes to design, there are a few categories to consider. There are biker jackets, which I’d suggest avoiding or else risk looking like you're cosplaying as Danny Zuko or a young Elvis. Instead, go for a bomber, a flight jacket, a military jacket, or a Harrington zip-up, which all feel more relevant for 2025. Black is generally the best way to go. Brown can be good, too, but it’s a bit trickier. If you’re set on the latter, steer clear of anything remotely close to tan and stick to rich shades of chocolate or mocha instead.
The main downside? They’re fairly expensive. I’d recommend going for real leather because it’s more of an investment piece that will last – man-made faux leather often ends up looking a little worse for wear after a few years, so it’ll need replacing – but these usually cost a few hundred pounds, if not thousands. When you’re dropping the cash, though, just remember it’s something you’ll have in your wardrobe for life.
How to wear a leather jacket
It’s actually easier than you think. As usual, it’s best to keep it simple. Wear them over minimal yet premium basics, and they’ll nearly always look good. A white T-shirt with blue jeans and trainers. A relaxed Oxford shirt with straight leg trousers and loafers. Just really good, classic menswear which lets the jacket do the heavy lifting.
Keep scrolling for our pick of the best available now.
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Studio Nicholson Piston Leather Jacket
If I could have any leather jacket in this list, it would be this from Studio Nicholson.
The UK-based label, founded by designer Nick Wakeman, has developed a cult following thanks to its minimal yet elevated collections, which take Scandi and Japanese references and reimagine them through the London lens. Expect strong silhouettes and premium textiles across the entire range – this jacket, included.
Buy now £1095.00, Studio Nicholson
Autograph Leather Harrington Jacket
You can count on M&S for affordable takes on the menswear classics – especially when it comes to the retailer’s high-end own brand, Autograph. This time, it’s a leather Harrington. It’s cut to the perfect relaxed fit that’s a little roomy without feeling casual. For less than £200, it’s a no-brainer.
Buy now £199.00, Marks & Spencer
Sandro Plain Leather Jacket
If you want to dress like one of the stylish French guys you see around Paris, Sandro is the brand to know. From the denim to the knitwear and tailoring, the men’s range is full of French-coded separates.
And, of course, no Parisian’s wardrobe is complete without a touch of leather. From the jet black hue to the smooth feel and laid-back fit, this jacket screams luxury.
Buy now £999.00, Sandro
Massimo Dutti Suede Leather Jacket
Suede is trending in 2025. Though it’s a timeless fabric, it’s definitely having a moment right now – as you’ll have seen from the countless bags and jackets available everywhere from designer labels to high street stores.
Luckily, Massimo Dutti has a range which hits the sweet spot in the middle to high-end aesthetics for a more affordable price.
Buy now £299.00, Massimo Dutti
AllSaints Halton Funnel Collar Leather Jacket
AllSaints is your best bet for quality leather goods on the high street. Wallets. Bags. Shirts. You name it, they do it. So, naturally, it’s a great place for leather jackets, too.
Take this Halton Funnel Collar design, for instance. It’s cut from a supple leather to a loose finish, so it’s one of the comfiest jackets going. And, since it’s inspired by military jackets, it’s got more pockets than you can shake a stick at (which is four, to be precise).
Buy now £559.00, AllSaints
Auralee Leather Bomber Jacket
Whether you’re looking at the style influencers on your FYP or the fashion shows during LFW, a boxy fit is reigning the menswear world right now. So, why not go for a leather jacket to match? Auralee fits the brief perfectly – and the XL patch pockets, bomber silhouette and rich chocolate colour take it to the next level.
Buy now £1980.00, Mytheresa
Baracuta G9 Suede Dark Olive
Baracuta’s G9 jacket goes back a long way. In fact, it was the first ever Harrington jacket, which was invented for golfers as outerwear which would provide weather protection without limiting movement.
Fast forward to today, and you can get the now iconic silhouette in pretty much any colourway you want. This dark olive suede is one of the best.
Buy now £575.00, Baracuta
Les Deux Varsity Leather Jacket
Appliqué was seen on the spring/summer 2025 runways at Kenzo and Kidsuper, so channel your inner collegiate king and tap into the trend. Luckily, Les Deux’ real leather varsity jacket comes with Ivy League-inspired patches already attached, so you can forget about any iron-related admin – and, right now, it’s available for better than half price.
Was £499
Buy now £149.50, Fenwick
Coach Heritage C Lightweight Leather Jacket
Coach was originally founded in 1941 as a family-run leather goods workshop in NYC, so it’s no wonder it’s still one of the best stores for all things leather. Though the bags may take the spotlight, the jackets are the overlooked star of the show.
Don’t believe me? Just look at this Heritage C design. With metal hardware and a slimmer shape, it’s a jacket that’s ready for a night out.
Buy now £695.00, Coach
The Kooples Flap-pocket oversized-fit leather jacket
Another label with Parisian roots, The Kooples is an expert at chic menswear collections – but, unlike Sandro, they blend the nonchalant French aesthetic with rock and roll spirit, which feels a little like Saint Laurent without the high ticket price point. Don’t believe me? This jacket should be enough to convince you.
Buy now £745.00, The Kooples
Nanushka Regenerated Leather Jacket
Hungarian label Nanushka, which hails from Budapest, has a few signatures. A crafty aesthetic. Cool prints. Great bags. But perhaps the most well-known of all is its uber-soft regenerated leather – the fabric that’s used to make this structured jacket.
Buy now £1025.00, Nanushka
