Leather jackets are undeniably cool and attention-grabbing, however they’re a fundamental at the identical time—a lovely paradox of outerwear. They can also’t all be painted with the identical brush: You have your traditional motos and bombers, however there are extra ingenious designs too, like ’70s-inspired longlines and ’90s-inspired romantic rounded edges.
“Leather jackets are always a fall favorite, but what feels fresh this season is how they are being styled,” says movie star stylist Erin Walsh. “We’re seeing them in so many ways, like pairing them with dressier pieces, balancing oversized fits with feminine details, or mixing textures to make the look feel more intentional.”
To enable you store in your excellent leather-based jacket, Byrdie editors examined and reviewed a variety of real and vegan leather-based jackets that run the gamut by way of pricing and design, from the likes of Quince, Abercrombie, Banana Republic, and Aritzia. Below, we dive deep into which of them have been our final favorites—primarily based on value, consolation, model, high quality, versatility, and sturdiness. We’re certain you’ll discover one thing you’re keen on.
Materials: Leather | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Distressed brown, distressed black, true black
Quince is such a gold mine for high-quality items at truthful costs, and this leather-based jacket—which is created from 100% sheep leather-based—is displays A, B, and C. Available in distressed brown or black and true black, it’s extremely elegant for the workplace whereas nonetheless being low-key sufficient for brunch. Its medium-weight, barely stiffer leather-based implies that it may be dressed up simply and received’t turn out to be schlubby over time—as we will attest having owned it for a yr. Design parts like the large collar and strategically positioned brushed silver {hardware} take this outsized bomber to the subsequent degree.
Alyssa Kaplan, editor: “This jacket is excellent, especially for the price point. It’s real leather that feels pretty durable and keeps its shape. I like this oversized style with casual jeans and sneakers or over a mini dress with boots.”
Materials: Polyurethane, polyester | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: 9
Suede could be a delicate material to put on, so we choose choosing vegan suede, like this one from Abercrombie. The vegan suede choice, accessible in darkish brown, gentle brown, and olive inexperienced, provides some welcome texture to a traditional transitional outfit, whereas the easy leather-based choice brings an edge whereas nonetheless being tremendous simple to put on. Both are buttery comfortable by all accounts. We love that this jacket has minimal seams and {hardware}, giving it a extra streamlined look than, say, a biker jacket. That additionally means you may get away with carrying this quantity in an entire bunch of various settings—which, after all, we’ve been doing.
Ali Webb, affiliate model editor: “I got this leather jacket at the start of fall, and it’s been an ideal transitional piece. The burgundy color has allowed me to subtly switch it up from my collection of mostly black jackets, and the slim fit and buttery soft texture have made it an instant go-to for everyday wear. It doesn’t have a smell, and it fits incredibly comfortably.”
Materials: Vegan leather-based | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Brown sugar, black
We really feel like we acquire about 100 cool factors each time we put on this grungy, outsized bomber jacket. A giant promoting level for this one is that you simply received’t need to relegate it to the depths of your closet as soon as the temps drop: It’s truly impressively heat and may maintain being a part of your winter rotation (to not point out it’s massive sufficient to suit a chunky sweater below it, must you want it). Choose from traditional black for straightforward styling or dappled brown for a ’70s biker-bar really feel.
Maddie Barber, author: “I gravitate towards oversized jackets, sweaters, pants, etc., so I love the oversized fit of this Free People jacket. It feels grungy and cool, and it makes even the simplest casual outfits I’ve been wearing feel more elevated. Plus, it’s actually warm thanks to its plush lining, but doesn’t feel too heavy (so you won’t overheat or get sweaty).”
Materials: Viscose, polyurethane | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: Cool olive
Leather jackets can typically really feel stiff and restrictive—not this Anthropologie one. The cropped silhouette suits fantastically with out limiting our actions. The greenish grey works nice as a impartial whereas nonetheless being a bit extra fascinating than plain black, and the studs add that little je ne sais quoi that retains us coming again to it. Also, fake leather-based means this jacket is on the extra inexpensive aspect, and it had zero bizarre scent after we first acquired it in addition to wanting similar to real leather-based.
Anna Traver, author: “The detailing really makes all the difference with this leather jacket. I love the studs and hardware, and the color could be considered a neutral, making it easy to pair with a wide variety of colors and outfits. It’s super comfortable; I didn’t feel restricted at all.”
Materials: Polyurethane, polyester, cupro, elastane | Size Range: 2XS-XL | Colors: Chocolatier brown, wealthy mocha brown, black, wealthy maroon
Consider this text a marketing campaign to alter your thoughts about fake leather-based, as a result of this Aritzia bomber jacket is yet one more one whose artificial leather-based appears and feels superb. The material on this one is definitely tremendous flowy and versatile—in addition to coming with stretchy detailing round the hem—so it’s extremely snug in addition to wanting so good. The barely shorter design makes it actually beautiful over each informal denims and female clothes. Brown leather-based is certainly having a second, and this one is available in two totally different ones to get the tone excellent.
Dominique Hobdy, senior editor: “I normally actually do not admire fake leather-based, however this jacket singlehandedly modified my thoughts about what it could feel and appear like. I’ve styled this so some ways, from flowy, silk clothes so as to add a little bit of edge to dainty appears to barrel denims and sneakers for a extra informal second.”
Materials: Leather, rayon | Size Range: 0-14 | Colors: Black croco
While we do love a traditional moto or bomber jacket, there’s one thing deeply cool a couple of straight-cut lengthy leather-based jacket—a ’70s rock chick in London vibe, if you’ll. But this isn’t simply a straight-cut lengthy leather-based jacket: It additionally has a croc texture, massive pocket particulars, and a tidy row of massive buttons down the center rather than the conventional steel zipper. It’s positively on the greater finish of the value spectrum, however we discover it so price it even simply primarily based on what number of methods we will put on it. This is a long-term funding.
Maddie Barber, author: “I love this leather jacket for its ability to make a regular pairing of jeans and a white shirt look significantly more polished, thanks to its croc texture, longer length, and body-skimming fit. It’s made from genuine leather, so it doesn’t have that odd plasticky scent and feels smooth to the touch. I love how I can button it up and have the jacket function more as an elevated shirt and be the star of my outfit, or I can leave it unbuttoned and layer like I would with any other jacket in my closet.”
Materials: Sheep leather-based | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: True black/brass {hardware}, true black, darkish cognac brown, cognac, distressed brown, burnt umber
Honestly, $200 for a high-quality 100% sheep leather-based jacket is sort of too good to be true—particularly when you think about what number of manufacturers promote fake leather-based for the identical value. But that’s Quince for you. This is the final moto jacket, full with all the anticipated design options, like the traditional collar and the strategically positioned {hardware} (plus a belt!). It’s created from comfortable leather-based that also retains you heat and is available in an awesome vary of colours. If you need to know, we’re keen on the true black and the cognac brown.
Emily Cieslak, affiliate editor: “The leather is soft and supple while having enough weight to actually keep you warm. As a petite person, I appreciate how the jacket is fitted, hitting me right at the waist, and the sleeves aren’t too long. Yet it’s still big enough to layer sweaters underneath and comfortably move around. The hardware is great, and I love how there are several zipped pockets that are large enough to hold my keys, cards, and lip gloss.”
Materials: Polyurethane (fake leather-based) | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: Dark mocha brown, washed black
We love every thing a couple of leather-based jacket—besides the value. Enter fake leather-based, which might typically have disadvantages resembling a plasticky really feel or an preliminary scent, however means anybody can personal a “leather” jacket with out breaking the financial institution. But this Garage employee jacket has far more going for it than simply its price ticket. Having examined it over a month, we’ve been in a position to be aware simply how versatile it’s as the high layer in our each day outfits, plus we’re actually obsessive about the deep brown shade. The match is nice too, falling in that candy spot between cropped and outsized.
Anna Traver, author: “This is certainly my favourite jacket I personal at the second. It suits me completely. Oversized does not all the time look the finest on me, so I like how this one is extra fitted with out feeling limiting or stuffy in any respect. I’m in a position to simply transfer round in it, however it does not really feel like I’m swimming in it. “
Materials: Polyurethane, polyester | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: Black
We’re so glad Abercrombie is having a renaissance, as a result of simply take a look at this bomber! This is an actual traditional design, in easy black or brown and puffy in the physique and the sleeves (that’s why it’s known as a “bubble hem”). It could also be created from vegan leather-based, however it nonetheless has a stunning comfortable really feel and is admittedly snug to put on, too. It’s truly actually heat as effectively, which is helpful for a chunk that’s so excellent for the transition seasons.
Anna Traver, author: “This is the perfect fall jacket to spice up your outfits. It keeps me warm on days when it’s on the chilly side, and I always get compliments when I wear it.”
Materials: Polyurethane, polyester, spandex, viscose | Size Range: XXS-L | Colors: Black
For petite frames, it’s not all the time simple to seek out an outsized jacket that doesn’t swallow us up. That’s why we expect it’s a good suggestion to buy at manufacturers that particularly cater to petites like the aptly named Petite Studio. This jacket is much more versatile than a few of the different picks on our record as a result of it contains a detachable, distinction brown shearling collar. Plus, it has brown suede detailing on the sleeves which make it something however fundamental. We love that, regardless of being fake leather-based, this jacket doesn’t have a bizarre, gummy texture which may normally put us off—it truly appears and appears like actual leather-based.
Emily Cieslak, affiliate editor: “I usually hate fake leather, but I have to say the quality of this faux leather jacket is impressive enough to make me look past it. The material isn’t gummy or noticeably fake, and there’s a nice satin lining which adds a luxurious touch. Specifically designed for petites, this jacket provides that oversized look that’s actually flattering on my short frame.”
Materials: Lambskin leather-based, twill | Size Range: 0-12 | Colors: Espresso brown
It’s giving Julia Roberts in Notting Hill. Jennifer Aniston in early Friends. Holly Marie Combs in Charmed. And what comes again stronger than a ’90s pattern, bar Taylor Swift herself? Exactly. Made from butter-soft lambskin leather-based, this espresso-colored blazer has a bit sheen to it that provides to its attract. We additionally love the comfortable, rounded edges, one thing you don’t typically see in a leather-based jacket and which makes it very romantic. To be aware, it is a lighter-weight jacket, which is particularly acceptable for the in-between seasons.
Shannon Stubbs, author: “It’s not as heavy or as warm as standard leather jackets, but I think it’s a great piece for transitional weather, like the spring or fall. I like that I can wear it with a shirt underneath or by itself, creating two different looks. It has a slightly weathered appearance, which I think makes it look vintage or thrifted. I love the marbling on the buttons and the color, which is a super dark brown instead of black.”
Materials: Polyurethane, polyester | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: Crimson + many extra
This Lioness bomber jacket is supposed to be seen. It’s puffy, massive, and loud, and in case you go for the purple colorway on high of every thing, you’d higher be snug in the highlight. The structured detailing and distinction seams fantastically add to the entire look and, frankly, we’re shocked it doesn’t price greater than it does given how a lot of a distinction it could make to any outfit. By the means, in case you love the look of this jacket, however crimson is simply that little step too far in your consolation, it’s additionally accessible in loads of extra discreet neutrals.
Lauren Pardee, senior editor: “I love this jacket because it makes a statement and styles a look without compromising on comfort and warmth. It’s the perfect red color and has these funky side seam pockets that add dimension. The white stitching and ribbed cuffs and hem are fun details, too. I’ve worn this jacket through multiple seasons—I’ve dressed it up with a fun mini dress and also rocked it with a tracksuit—it’s always a hit.”
What to Look for in a Leather Jacket
- Materials: Whether you select faux or actual leather-based comes right down to your finances and preferences. Faux leather-based tends to be extra inexpensive, however not everybody loves the means it appears or feels (though manufacturers have been getting higher at making life like faux leather-based). Either means, it’s the particulars that deem its high quality. “Real leather should feel supple, not stiff, with stitching that’s even and seams that lie flat. A well-made jacket molds to your shape over time, developing character and softness rather than losing structure,” says stylist Ana Brillembourg. “For those choosing faux leather, focus on texture and construction. Look for pieces with a natural matte finish rather than high gloss, with solid lining and durable hardware.”
- Silhouette: The fantastic thing about leather-based jackets is that they arrive in a spread of silhouettes, from the traditional moto jacket to to longline blazers to outsized bombers. “Leather jackets this season are redefining modern ease,” says Brillembourg. “Oversized bomber and boxy silhouettes are taking the lead, offering that perfect blend of structure and softness.”
- Color: While a black leather-based jacket is timeless, that is the yr to experiment with different shades. “With fall in full swing, I’ve loved seeing people opt into rich and unexpected colorways, like deep chocolate, olive, and even cherry red taking over from the classic black,” says Walsh. Brown leather-based is particularly having a second, as proven by celebrities like Taylor Swift. “Brown leather, especially in those rich caramel and chestnut suede tones, feels incredibly elevated this season,” says Brillembourg. “It brings warmth and texture that instantly refines any look.”
How We Tested Leather Jackets
To discover the finest leather-based jackets, we examined kinds throughout manufacturers, value factors, and kinds.
- Testing Period: One month to 2 years
- Methodology: We examined leather-based jackets in the actual world, carrying them to the workplace, round the metropolis, on nights out, and extra.
- Factors Considered: Material, match, consolation, sturdiness, and heat
Meet Our Experts
For this model, Byrdie interviewed the following vogue stylists for recommendation on the way to choose a high quality leather-based jacket after which model it:
- Erin Walsh is a celeb stylist who has labored with Anne Hathaway, Selena Gomez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kerry Washington, Juno Temple, and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
- Ana Brillembourg is movie star stylist who has been working in vogue since an early age. She has collaborated with manufacturers like Moncler, Bottega Veneta, Marina Rinaldi, Lilly Pulitzer, and Frame.
- David Mesquita is the co-owner of The Leather Spa, a good leather-based restore firm with a number of places in New York City.
Why Trust Byrdie
Iris Goldsztajn is a Paris-born, London-based freelance author with over a decade of expertise protecting vogue, magnificence, wellness, and life-style. As the proud proprietor of each a real leather-based jacket (Nasty Gal) and a fake leather-based jacket (Topshop), she has years below her belt testing out the absolute best of the style. Goldsztajn has been a contributing author for Byrdie since 2024, writing vogue and sweetness procuring tales.
Emily Cieslak is an affiliate editor, who has spent 5 years protecting vogue along with working as a stylist. Leather jackets are her go-to, and has a large assortment starting from moto to blazers to leather-based trench coats.