Made cool in the fifties by Brando, McQueen, and James Dean, the men’s leather jacket has since sustained a long-lasting covenant with the modern man.
The timeless wardrobe piece has seen us through the proceeding decades effortlessly, with only a slight shoulder-pad and acid-wash glitch in the eighties. That said, the last ten years have been good to the leather jacket, smoothing any incongruous fit and colour issues.
Today, men have a plethora of leather options to choose from, so we’ve rounded up the best leather jackets for men available to help you choose a men’s leather jacket that’s high-quality and stylish.
In this story…
Understanding The ‘Leather’ Basics
The key to buying a men’s leather jacket is finding a specific variant that gels well with your personal style, read: don’t be somebody you’re not.
Once you’ve decided on the style that works best for you, it’s time to nail the fit. You don’t want to wear anything too boxy, we’re not in the 80s anymore, after all. Instead, think slim and flat to the body. The fit will vary from brand to brand, as each will have their own particular direction they want to head in, and if you can pull off the slightly more outlandish styles, then great. The slim fit is, however, the safest option.
With fit taken care of, you’ll want to consider the type of men’s leather you want hugging your body. Your options include calf, cow, lamb, or goat, and all should be available in neutral colours. A neutral colour ensures that it can be paired much easier with your existing wardrobe staples such as white t-shirts and jeans.
But wait, you’re not done yet. There are yet finer details you can hone in on to make your men’s leather jacket purchase all the more personal to you and your specific style; you’ll want to consider how many zips, buttons and any other detailing you want your jacket to have. You can, of course, opt for a jacket with none of the above, and these clean, minimal looks work great for evening wear.
Men’s Leather Jacket Styles
Leather jackets require confidence. Celebrities and rockstars wear them to stand out and make a grungy style statement. That said, you can find a clean-cut, more demure type if that’s more to your taste. Knowing your personal style is important, helping you decide what jacket style is most appropriate.
Leather jacket styles are defined by length, the way it closes or zips (and just how much hardware it boasts), and the collar. There are generally three types: the ‘bomber’, the ‘biker’ and the ‘racer’.
Bomber Jackets
The bomber is the most casual looking. Recognised by its waist length, the jacket is made from soft leather, which tends to be more malleable giving it a relaxed look.
The jacket has contrast trim (sometimes in contrast colour and fabric), which usually mixes up the waist and sleeve cuffs for a succinct fit. Hardware is minimal, with a single asymmetrical zip up the front, and while most should come with functional side pockets (and perhaps an internal pocket), some will omit them for a much cleaner silhouette.
Biker Jackets
The men’s leather biker jacket (think Marlon Brando) boasts large lapels and a flared collar, that can be snapped down for extra security. Packed with metallic hardware (studs, plugs, and zips), the front zipper is normally asymmetrical, allowing the wider side to fold in underneath its partner.
Leather Jacket Fit
The fit of the leather jacket – like a suit – is paramount. But unlike a bad fitting jacket or blazer, men’s leather jackets can’t be altered easily and it’s expensive if you do.
So what should you look for exactly? The jacket should cling to the contours of your body, with shoulders cutting sharp and square on the shoulder – like a blazer.
A men’s leather jacket isn’t really designed for wearing over bulk layers – more a fine-gauge sweater or tee – so buy the smallest size that fits, allowing for a bit of stretch to occur. Your arms should be able to move freely and not feel tight and uncomfortable. The length of the sleeves should skim the wrist and the hem should finish at the beltline.
Skinny guys should opt for a tight or elasticated waistband, tapering the body section and accentuating the shoulders. Guys on the larger side should go for a straight cut, avoiding anything that will cling to lumps and bumps. The same rule applies to muscular gym junkies.
Leather Jacket Colours
The timelessness of the leather jacket does depend on what colour you choose. Like suits, neutral colours such as black, brown, and grey are your best bet. Navy and contrast-sleeved biker types are more fashion-orientated and offer a refreshing option for guys who may already have a classic coloured men’s leather jacket in their cupboard.
Of course, you don’t have to settle for the traditional shiny men’s leather for your jacket. Suede fabrics work just as well and bring with them new colour options such as tan and brown, as well as occasionally sporting shearling collars for extra warmth and comfort. Just be sure to steer clear of any tassels and you’ll be just fine.
If you still want a little more guidance before purchasing a men’s leather jacket, then these are the best brands to shop from. All have men’s leather jackets that will elevate your wardrobe and are high-quality.
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The Jacket Maker
1/13
Pros
- Affordable leather jacket option
- You have the opportunity to customize your jacket
- You can choose from different colours, sizes, and styles
Cons
- Some models run small
Price: From $270
Sizes: XS-4XL
Founded to offer men the true goldilocks of leather jackets: quality and affordability, The Jacket Maker boasts the largest collection of leather jackets online. No matter what style, colour or size you’re after, The Jacket Maker has it all. And, if you want something truly personal, you can make use of the brand’s bespoke service, which lets you customise your jacket right down to the nth degree.
Diesel
2/13
Pros
- Cool designs that make you stand out anywhere you go
- They have styles that suit any man
- They’re made from high-quality lambskin
Cons
- They’re on the pricier side
Price: From $899
Sizes: S-XXL
Diesel is arguably one of the most iconic men’s leather jacket brands. Founded by Renzo Rosso in 1978, Diesel has gone on to rule the world with its street-chic designs. Their leather jacket range is well priced and covers a vast range of styles to suit almost everyone.
Todd Snyder
3/13
Pros
- Crafted from premium Italian leather
- They’re a great option if you’re looking for a modern style
- They can be worn with different outfits
Cons
- They may not be the best in terms of quality
Price: From $1,398
Sizes: XS-XXL
New York designer Todd Snyder’s range of suede and men’s leather jackets are the pinnacle of modern men’s style. They’re made from premium Italian leather and are designed to be worn every day with pretty much anything and everything.
REISS
4/13
Pros
- They offer a clean look
- Made from 100% leather
- They can be easily adjusted for a better fit
Cons
- You must spend more than $350 to get free delivery
Price: From $735
Sizes: XS-XXL
Since its creation by David Reiss in 1971, Reiss has established a design philosophy centred on creating design-led menswear, womenswear, and accessories. Expect to find a strong range of fashion-forward suede and men’s leather jackets.
Belstaff
5/13
Pros
- Jackets with a tumble finish for a more natural look
- You get 10% off your first order if you subscribe to the newsletter
- Press-stud pockets to keep your belongings secure
Cons
- They’re very expensive
Price: From $725
Sizes: 44-50
David Beckham is a fan of Belstaff’s leather jackets and it’s easy to see why. Belstaff’s men’s leather jackets boast slim masculine cuts inspired by motorcycling. The result is leather jackets with a rather modern design with impeccable British craftsmanship.
G-Star
6/13
Pros
- Tough leather jackets that will not deteriorate easily
- They have very affordable jackets
- 20% off your first order when subscribing to the newsletter
Cons
- They have a very limited range of leather jackets
Price: From $450
Sizes: XXS-XXL
G-Star is a brand that’s best known for denim, however, their cool approach to streetwear means their men’s leather jackets are built just as tough. Expect to find a small but affordable range of biker style leather jackets for men.
ASOS Design
7/13
Pros
- You can enjoy the latest jacket styles
- They’re made from faux leather
- Great option when you’re on a budget
Cons
- You only get free returns within 14 days of delivery
Price: From $157
Sizes: XXS-XXL
ASOS Design is the first stop for the budget-conscious man. Their affordable men’s leather jackets will ensure you have the latest designs and styles without the hefty price tag. These jackets are perfect for those who prefer price over quality; most of the jackets are faux leather.
Superdry
8/13
Pros
- They’re fully lined for more comfort
- Made from recycled polyester
- Top-quality build is ensured
Cons
- Their collection of leather jackets is limited
Price: From $259
Sizes: XS-XXL
Superdry is an exciting contemporary brand that focuses on high-quality products that fuse vintage Americana and Japanese-inspired graphics with a British style. Their men’s leather jackets are the ultimate investment piece, combining top-quality craftsmanship with supreme style and comfort.
Selected Homme
9/13
Pros
- Minimal details for men who like something more simple
- You can do returns and exchanges within 60 days
- Natural leather that will not get damaged soon
Cons
- They don’t have many colour options
Price: From $365
Sizes: XS-XXL
Selected Homme has an exceptional men’s leather jacket range. The men’s leather jackets on offer are very cleanly cut with minimal studs or zipper detailing to highlight the leather’s natural properties.
Saint Laurent
10/13
Saint Laurent is the quintessential brand for those looking for a leather jacket with a fine touch of French luxury. The name has a lengthy history of producing leather goods and this shows in their leather jackets which showcase sharp cuts and even sharper detailing without going full rock star. It’s suitable for those who like a bit of edge to their minimalism.
Sandro
11/13
Pros
- You can find different jacket styles to suit your taste
- They’re fully-lined
- Refined look that will work well with any outfit
Cons
- They are not the cheapest
Price: From $1,695
Sizes: XS-XXL
Born from the success of the women’s brand Sandro & Maje, Sandro is the French brand’s men’s label. Dedicated to offering chic leather pieces for guys after a modern European design, you’ll find that Sandro’s men’s leather jackets are extremely refined and will elevate any outfit.
Paul Smith
12/13
Pros
- Great for men who like something bolder and more eccentric
- Incredible attention to detail
- They’re fully lined for extra comfort
Cons
- You can only have them cleaned by a specialist
Price: From $975
Sizes: XS-XXL
British fashion designer Paul Smith knows a thing or two about contemporary styling. Having been known for its eccentric styling since the 70s, Paul Smith brings a touch of that repertoire to its men’s leather jackets range. Clean designs and cuts are the foundation but keep an eye on the detailing for an extra bit of ‘pop’.
Hugo Boss
13/13
Pros
- Their jackets come in various colours and styles
- You get to enjoy some of the finest leathers
- They have timeless designs that don’t go out of style
Cons
- They’re not easy to take care of
Price: From $645
Sizes: 34-48
German luxury fashion house, Hugo Boss is renowned for its opulent range of clothing, accessories, footwear, and fragrances. Hugo Boss has a great range of leather jackets, in various styles and colours, all made with the finest leathers and featuring timeless designs.