Ask any designer, stylist, or tastemaker about which outerwear pieces deserve a prime spot in your capsule wardrobe aside from trench coats, down jackets, and faux fur coats, and they’ll likely mention leather jackets. “They have peak moments but rarely dip out of fashion,” says stylist and jacket-lover Emily Evans. So, what makes them such a timeless closet mainstay?
Well, for starters, leather jackets are trans-seasonal. Although commonly associated with fall and winter, these trusty essentials can also be worn during the warmer months “as a fairly light jacket for chilly [spring and] summer evenings,” Evans notes.
Aside from their sense of practicality, leather jackets also boast an undeniably cool feel that can amp up any outfit. Fashion journalist and stylist Corina Gaffey tells Marie Claire that this is likely due to their storied connection to motorcycle culture. However, Gaffey mentions that these days, designers are putting a softer spin on the historically edgy outerwear staple.
“While biker jackets will always be an enduring classic, there's a move towards more sleek, clean-bonded styles without a lot of buckles and zippers,” says Gaffey, who says that high-street brands have created their own minimalist designs.
Ahead, Evans and Gaffey guide us through one of fashion's most cherished classics, sharing everything you’ll need to know about the best leather jackets of 2024—from how to style them to what silhouettes are trending for spring.
The Best Leather Jackets for Women
- Best Overall Leather Jacket: Quince Women's 100 Percent Leather Motorcycle Jacket
- Best Oversized Leather Jacket: Ganni Cropped Faux Patent-Leather Jacket
- Best Fitted Leather Jacket: Lamarque Chapin Jacket
- Best Sustainable Leather Jacket: Nanushka Rocio Leather and Faux Leather Jacket
- Best Leather Jacket Under $100: Banana Republic Vegan Leather Blazer
This leather moto jacket isn't too formfitting or too oversized—it's just right. Plus, it's a cult-favorite amongst Quince's shoppers, too, with an average four-point-nine out of five rating as proof. "I absolutely love everything about this jacket," one reviewer writes. "The quality of the leather is beautiful, and the fit is perfect. The sleeve length and jacket details are something you would expect on a $500 jacket."
Oversized leather jackets took center stage across several Fall 2024 runways, including JW Anderson, KNWLS, and Supriya Lele—which likely means we’ll see this silhouette everywhere as the year progresses. Get ahead of the trend with Ganni’s faux patent leather jacket, which can be styled for warmer temperatures with a breezy slip dress and strappy sandals.
Although roomy silhouettes seem to be the fit of choice these days—like oversized sweaters, baggy jeans, and slinky maxi skirts—fitted garments are still having a moment. Even style icons like Zendaya are making a case for the look (Z recently wore a full-on leather set styled with a super slim Attico jacket). You can follow suit with Lamarque's structured chocolate brown leather jacket with sleek zipper closure hardware.
Nanushka is renowned for its vegan leather, so it comes as no surprise that the Hungarian label has found its way onto Marie Claire's list of best leather jackets. The brand uses its signature alternative leather fabric, Okobor, crafted from recycled polyester and polyurethane (completely free of animal derivatives). This jacket looks good, but you'll also feel great knowing that you've made a sustainable choice.
This jacket from Banana Republic is the epitome of luxe on a budget made from a buttery black faux suede with an incredibly soft hand feel. Consider pairing this blazer with a pleated mini skirt or slim-fitting capris a la Sandy from Grease.
More Leather Jackets That We Love
You don't need a motorcycle to take the moto jacket trend for a spin. Enter your grunge girl era with Deadwood's racer jacket, which flaunts a bold color-block design with shades of cherry red, black, and cream. Take notes from Bella Hadid and style your rough-around-the-edges jacket with softer fabrics, like knit, silk, or cotton.
Spruce up your spring work outfits with Good American's Better Than Leather blazer. This office-friendly piece features peaked lapels and a single-breasted button placket for a cool, corporate-appropriate feel. You can also wear it when you're not on the job; just swap your trousers for relaxed denim.
Whistles is one of several brands championing more subdued leather jacket designs instead of trendy styles with loud embellishments. There's nothing wrong with the latter, but a clean and simple look will certainly strengthen your wardrobe of essentials.
How do you effortlessly give off a cool and casual vibe? By way of a leather bomber jacket, according to style icon Hailey Bieber. The star has an expansive street style-inspired wardrobe, yet she wears her trusty leather bomber repeatedly. We recommend this leather jacket with a rustic exterior that embodies a nice, lived-in feel.
If you already have a black moto in your closet, consider picking up this versatile white style to brighten up your outfits. Don't be afraid to go monochromatic by pairing this jacket with a structured white T-shirt and wide-leg white jeans.
Talk about a conversation starter. Gucci's leather jacket features a cinched waist, zig-zag stitching, and an exaggerated collar that will definitely get the fashion folks chatting. That said, it is indeed, by all definitions, an investment piece, but it's a jacket that will last you for years and years ... and years.
If you already own a leather jacket, how about a leather shacket— the official defining trait is the weight, which offers a hybrid between a shirt and a jacket. Bardot's option offers an edgy, effortless, and practical addition to an outfit. During transitional weather, it also works as the perfect layering piece.
With its rocker-chic look, soft exterior, and slanted zip pockets, many people would classify this biker style as the quintessential leather jacket. Go full-tilt biker chic and team this jacket with leather pants, or follow fashion designer Victoria Beckham's lead and pair yours with black trousers.
Key Features of the Best Leather Jackets
- Silhouette
Gaffey says that both oversized and fitted leather jacket styles are in for 2024, meaning there’s truly no such thing as picking the right or wrong silhouette. The fashion expert noticed a full range of styles on the Spring 2024 Fashion Week circuit—from structured body-hugging designs at Acne, Chloé, Courreges, and Fendi to inherently easy, oversized fits at Burberry Celine and Coach. She also notes their ability to pair alongside almost every kind of garment.
- Hardware
"I like good quality leather, but also good quality hardware—these small details can make a massive difference while elevating the overall look of a jacket,” says stylist, Evans. Not only do subtle buckles and zippers lend a unique aesthetic, but top-notch hardware will also last longer, look more elevated, and ultimately be worth the luxury investment.
- Fabric
Not all leathers are made equal. Before you buy an authentic leather jacket, you might want to consider leather sourcing and what went into the production process. Look for designers who are forthcoming about their supply chain and manufacturing processes, as these details will ultimately result in better-quality fabrication.
When it comes to faux leather, it's worth taking a few minutes to review the product's material breakdown and details. On the sustainability front, the best faux leather jackets are those crafted from recycled plastic or bio-natural options made from cacti or mushrooms.
- Comfort
“It goes without saying, but as a reminder, leather jackets should be comfortable,” says Gaffey. Although leather tends to soften over time, you should avoid designs that feel too stiff or tight. On the other hand, overly loose and baggy designs run the risk of overpowering you. As a rule of thumb, "An oversized style should still fit nicely on the shoulders and have room to accommodate one or two layers,” Gaffey says.
How to Style a Leather Jacket
Shake things up with shades of brown.
If you're the type to refrain from wearing black during the warmer months, try dabbling in shades of brown. "Brown can make a leather jacket feel more seasonally appropriate for spring," Gaffey says. The stylist also mentions choosing a pop of color like red or a softer spring color on the rise.
If you're on the go and need a straightforward outfit formula, pair your leather jacket with a tank top and wide-leg jeans.
Gaffey says to try out a leather jacket alongside a wide-leg pair of jeans if you need an easy outfit formula to wear around the clock. For spring, go for a white denim pairing. "I love the contrast between a black leather jacket and fresh white jeans," she says.
For those chilly summertime evenings, you'll want to throw a leather jacket over your shoulders.
Although the summer season is filled with balmy, sweat-inducing days, there are moments when temperatures can drop (particularly in the evening). In this case, a lightweight leather jacket is great to have on hand. Evans recommends elevating your look with a summertime staple, like a silky slip dress or skirt.
Meet The Experts
Emily Evans is a celebrity fashion stylist who has an impressive roster of clients including Ashley Graham, Bebe Rexha, and Katie Piper.
Corina Gaffey is a fashion journalist and stylist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. She is also the writer of her own self-published blog on Substack, where she shares endless styling tips.
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