The leather jacket is a classic and versatile item of clothing that’s been on trend since the beginning of time and will never go out of fashion. If you don’t already own one, this is a ‘must’ staple piece missing from your wardrobe. This jacket says some bold statements about your style choice, so be sure to pick the right one for you. Suppose you’re looking for some advice on which one that might be, then look no further. This guide on how to wear a leather jacket will help you to determine which one is right for you.
Leather Jacket Styles
Biker Jacket
The biker jacket was originally designed for motorcyclists, with their cropped style allowing riders to lean over their bikes without the fastening digging into their bodies. Just putting this jacket on will give you more of an edge. The biker jacket tends to be more eye-catching as it has a lot more features to it, such as buckles, zips, poppers, and more, and almost always features a collar, with large lapels that are designed to fold over each other or snap down. The jacket looks slick during day or night, whether you’re hitting the streets or going out for a drink.
Bomber Jacket
The bomber jacket was the original flight jacket made for pilots back in the day. They’re generally quite simple so that the main focus is the shape, cinching tighter at the waist and wrists. These are great when heading to a ball game with your mates or even going out to lunch during the day. You can pair many different things with this kind of jacket to create different looks. It’s become a seriously popular style in recent times, and we’re not surprised as to why.
Racer Jacket
The racer jacket was originally made for just that, to race. After World Warr II, many men started racing motorbikes between the local pubs and cafes for a bit of fun. This created the need for a minimalist leather jacket that was heavy enough at the back to provide enough protection with a strong zipper at the front. Racer jackets usually are a slimmer fit and have a small amount of detail, including just that front zip. They’re rather ‘minimalist’ when it comes to style and tend to flatter the body, especially if you’ve got bigger shoulders.
Flight Jacket
Flight jackets were originally created for pilots with shearling lining made to keep them warm. Today, both pilots and your average man wear the jacket, making it both practical and fashionable. They’re a must for winter, as they’ll keep you nice and toasty while looking killer at the same time. Don’t go overboard with the layering. Keep it simple and contemporary with plain trousers and a light gauge knit.
Field Jacket
The field jacket was originally created for military wear. It used to be made in a cotton drill fabric but has since been updated into leather. This leather jacket features multiple pockets and can be longer in length to others. The field jacket doesn’t play around, it’s a serious fashion statement. You could even say it looks higher-end than some of your other leather jackets and usually has a snugger fit.
Leather Jacket Outfits
Biker Grunge
Pair a biker jacket with some black ripped jeans and high-top sneakers or Dr Martins. You could even wear a pair of skate shoes for more of a street-style look. For the top, you could wear a plain black tee or even a band t-shirt. Just remember, the biker jacket always looks best when paired with darker colors to keep the grunge/rocker appearance intact.
Sports Luxe
Keep it simple. Throw on a black pair of slim-fitting black jeans with either a black or white tee that has a logo on it so that it’s not completely plain. To really make this look sports luxe, you could even add a zip-through hoodie underneath your leather jacket. Finally, top off the outfit with a pair of converse or any other similar street-styled shoes. If you want to add accessories, a cap works perfectly to finish the look, or even some sunglasses. Remember that your leather jacket it the perfect addition to this outfit, adding a bit of luxury to an otherwise very downplayed look.
Preppy and Proper
Simply pair a white shirt with some grey trousers and throw on a tie to dress the look up even more. Oxford shoes go perfectly with this, keeping with the preppy style. Then finally, add your leather jacket, preferably matching it to the color of your shoes. The preppy look is all about sophistication, but the leather jacket adds a bit of spice to it.
French but Functional
You can always dress up a leather jacket just a little by styling it with a dark turtleneck sweater and a pair of chinos. Finish the look off with some derby shoes and a black belt to really be on trend. This look is the one to go for if you want to wear an outfit on the weekend that’s quite stylish while still wearing your leather jacket.
Workplace Practical
You don’t always want to wear a suit to work, so a leather jacket is the next best thing. Pair this look with chinos and derby shoes for the perfect office look. Then try wearing a turtleneck sweater with a vest over the top, and finally, add your leather jacket to finish it off. While this look is still workplace smart, it allows you to feel a lot more casual and comfortable at work.
How to Clean a Leather Jacket
Looking after real leather is straightforward but requires more effort than fabric jackets. Always give your jacket a couple of waterproof coats to help resist damage from the rain. Do this when you first purchase it, each season, and whenever it gets wet. If it does get wet, let it air dry away from direct heat; otherwise, it can become stiff and brittle. Once dry, use a clear leather conditioner and a soft cloth to add hydration to the material before finishing with another waterproof coat. To prevent the jacket shoulders from stretching and deforming, use a padded hanger for storage, and never put it away damp. Finally, when it comes to cleaning, spot clean with a damp cloth. You can try dry cleaning, but make sure you choose someone with experience in leather jackets so they don’t inadvertently damage it.
Leather Jacket Style Tips
- Style is important. Pick the leather jacket that suits you best and matches the clothing you already have.
- Black is your best color option, as it goes with practically anything.
- When pairing your outfit, keep to neutral colors.
- If you’re going to wear a leather jacket, make sure you have the confidence to match. The leather jacket is a bold statement piece of clothing.
- Leather jackets age nicely if you take good care of them. Be sure to keep them out of the rain, and when storing them, put them on a padded hanger to keep their shape. You don’t want them forming points at the shoulders.
How to Style a Leather Jacket FAQs
Are leather jackets out of style?
Every autumn and winter season, leather jackets pop back up onto the fashion radar. They trend each year and have become a garment that is classic and timeless.
How tight should a men's leather jacket be?
When choosing a leather jacket, you want to pay close attention to the fit. It should not be oversized, but you still want enough room to be comfortable and do not feel like your movement has been restricted.
How much should I pay for a leather jacket?
Leather jackets can vary hugely in price. Real leather is more expensive than faux leather but will last for years and years. As such, it's definitely an investment, with prices ranging from $500 to several thousand. Generally, the more you pay, the better the quality.
Do real leather jackets keep you warm?
Real leather jackets do keep you very warm during the colder months. They often feature soft, insulating lining, while the hide stops chilly winds from getting through. When it's freezing cold, leather jackets also look fantastic layered over a hoodie for some street style or a thick, knitted sweatshirt for something more elegant.
Where is the best place to buy leather jackets?
If you're confident in the quality, then online retailers such as Farfetch, Mr. Porter, and Amazon are great options for buying a leather jacket. However, it can be better to feel the product and try it on for fit if you're unsure. In that case, head into bricks-and-mortar brand name stores, or check out department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.
Is a real leather jacket worth it?
A real leather jacket is absolutely worth it. Leather is one of those materials that gets much better with age, and it will grow up with you. As such, while it can be a big investment upfront, the longevity and cost per wear across the next several years (or even decades!) will make it worth the initial output. Plus, they're stylish, warm, and comfortable, so it's a win all around.
Alexandra Feiam is an experienced fashion writer who holds a degree in journalism. She has an impressive portfolio and expertise working as the Editor at Power Retail and Commercial Content Editor at Newscorp. Ally has been writing for The TrendSpotter since 2018, and her work has been featured in notable publications such as The Herald Sun, Arirang TV South Korea, Kidspot, The House of Wellness, and The Daily Telegraph.
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