Here is a quick hypothesis that illustrates the raw power of the best leather jackets for men: Let’s say you go to a party. (Do you remember these? We’re on this post-COVID hypothesis.) You’re not even dressed, and your fear is already begging you to stay in your new Boo Disney + introducing Thai food to your old pal. What are your options? You could be eating a ton of CBD on the way to the door – just, to be honest, that stuff is all a bit suspicious. You could take on good old-fashioned fluid courage when you arrive, but you also don’t want to spend the next day writing off in bed tending to Advil and Gatorade. Instead, you do the only sensible thing: you put on a flawless leather jacket, give yourself a few Fonz thumbs in the mirror (“AYY!”) And then enchant the lively daylight of everyone you meet for the rest of the evening.
This is exactly what the best leather jackets for men do. They let you stand a little taller, speak with a little more conviction, and appear more tempting overall. They’re like the pill Bradley Cooper takes in the movie Limitless, only that they unleash real cool rather than psychotic ambitions. Of course, trust of this magnitude is not cheap. But if you’re ready to invest in one, we’ve identified 18 of the best leather jackets worth your hard-earned dough. Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-wear gateway or a galactic-level flex, all of these jackets will keep you feeling like your best you for years.
The best cockpit-ready leather jacket
Golden Bear “Westwood” leather jacket with lambskin trim
An OG in the outerwear game, Golden Bear has tossed some of the best leather jackets in the world out of its San Francisco factory for 80 years. This beautiful bomber jacket is as classic as it gets. Made from supple, light brown leather, it has a couple of handy front pockets and a clip-on lambskin collar for those days when you feel like putting on your aviators and playing maverick.
The best low-key leather jacket
COS lambskin overshirt
Here’s a fun thought: that trustworthy flannel overshirt that you can’t stop wearing? The one with the roomy breast pockets that looks good over hoodies and Oxfords and everything in between? What if it was made of leather? COS made that dream come true and crafted this smooth, oversized layer of lush lambskin. Think of it as the leather jacket for people who don’t wear leather jackets.
The best leather jacket to dominate the dance floor
Alexander McQueen slim fit double-breasted leather blazer
A little bit of matrix, a little bit of uncut gems, just right for the money. This jacket is sleek, a bit sticky and frankly not for the shy. It is best served with dance shoes and flashy pants ready to make a move as soon as clubs reopen after COVID.
The best eco-conscious leather jacket
Deadwood “Sharpe” suede jacket
If you’re trying to live sustainably but still need your leather interior, Deadwood is for you. The Swede makes classic jackets from high quality upcycling and deadstock leather. This sharp suede number is minimalist, modern, and a dash more accessible than your standard leather moto.
The best anatomically correct leather jacket
Vanson Bones flat track jacket
$ 1,249$ 1,062
Vanson leather
Vanson’s incredibly evil Bones Racer jacket is an icon that is honest with God: it’s been reinterpreted by Supreme, referenced by Kapital, and nearly banned by the American Motorcyclist Association for its supposed “outlaw” connotations. But it’s not just about looks. Made with extra sturdy cowhide leather and sturdy hardware, it’s designed for the road and built to last. And since Vanson cuts and sews each jacket by hand – yes, all of these bones are intricately sewn on one after the other – this is a relative bargain for the price. Put it on a white t-shirt and jeans and let it do all the talking.
The best leather jacket
Acne Studios Shearling Flight Jacket
At some point everyone goes through a lambskin phase. However, choosing just the right thing is of paramount importance – it means the difference whether you look like Tom Hardy IRL or like Tom Hardy as Bane. (Just to be clear, the latter is a bad thing, nerds.) Akne’s version is the right one. The lambskin is fluffy and plentiful, the leather is rich and pebbly, and the whole thing is filtered through a tasteful Scandinavian lens so it doesn’t look the least bit costume-like.
12 other leather jackets we love
Allsaints “Coronet” leather puffer jacket
Meaner than the average buffer.
Saint Laurent leather motorcycle jacket
Eight years after its debut, Saint Laurent’s note-perfect leather biker jacket is still worth fainting.
1017 Alyx 9SM leather jacket
Just in time for this new Matrix sequel.
Schott NYC classic Perfecto leather motorcycle jacket
Before a bunch of Trad Menswear Sticklers yells at us, here it is: The jacket Marlon Brando wore in The Wild One.
Wilson’s leather “Vince” leather blazer
Todd Snyder Italian suede work coat
A cute suede garm that looks a little better every time you wear it.
The “Buco J-24” leather jacket from Real McCoy
The purest reproduction of a mid-century biker jacket you will ever see.
$ 2,550
Standerd and strange
Freenote fabric CD-3 gold suede
Any good list of leather jackets needs at least one fringe selection.
Ralph Lauren Purple Label “Clifton” Paisley Suede Trucker Jacket
And you thought leather was only available in solid colors.
Alex Mill field jacket made of tumbled leather
Buttery smooth, military-inspired perfection.
Antique brass suede snap work shirt by Billy Reid
A robust suede alternative to the above COS overshirt.
Fine Creek “Virginia Beach” horse leather Type II jacket
If you like your denim truckers to be as stiff and starchy as possible, this is the leather jacket for you.