Size options: S-XXL

Quince’s Harrington jacket has a classic silhouette suited for those who prefer a leather jacket with an understated look. It’s a remarkably affordable price for genuine leather, and makes a great gift for anyone on your list that isn’t keen on any bells an whistles in their wardrobe. The direct-to-consumer brand manages to keep its prices low by sourcing this biodegradable leather directly from a tannery certified by the Leather Working Group, using less energy & water than typical manufacturers. 

The Harrington is lined with poly satin and made in a facility compliant with the Business Social Compliance Initiative, an organization that strives to maintain safe and ethical labor practices throughout the production cycle. The brand makes every effort to reduce waste, so you can expect the Harrington to arrive on your doorstep in minimal packaging.

Read more in our full Quince review.

Sizing options: XS-XXL

As one of the most streamlined of all the jackets on this list, the AllSaints Regis Leather Jacket can be worn with almost any outfit. It features a point collar, a full zip, symmetrical chest pockets, and snap fastening at the waist. Its sleek contrast stitching gives the Regis a subtly fashionable detail, which is a nice alternative to more attention-grabbing motorcycle jackets. Its interior lined in polyester keeps the jacket light.

Made from 100% sheepskin leather, you’ll find this jacket to be immediately softer and more flexible than jackets made from cowhide leather. If you’re looking for a jacket with a shorter break-in period, sheepskin is the way to go.

Sizing options: 36-54

If you’re looking for a comfortable, durable, and stylish jacket with three-season wearability, the Overland Christian Quilted Lambskin Leather Coat might be for you. 

The coat is hand made in Turkey using a smooth, yet durable Italian lambskin leather. The design features a high collar, and a zippered front construction, contrasting pockets, and most noticeably, a beautiful diamond-quilted pattern. 

Its understated color may not be eye-catching, but the diamond quilted pattern is what really draws you in. This coat will pair well with most business casual styles in your wardrobe.

Sizing options: 44-60

Puffer jackets probably aren’t the first style to come to mind when searching for leather jackets, but if you’re looking for a truly unique design to wear during the fall and winter, the Belstaff Axis Jacket is it.

Featuring an at-the-waist cut, a full front zip, high neck collar, and padded baffles, the Belstaff Axis combines all of the key elements of a classic winter puffer jacket with the high-end feel of top notch napa leather. 

While you probably won’t want to wear this in the harshest winter conditions, the lambskin leather is naturally water-resistant and the polyester down insulation will keep you warm.

At $1,295, the Belstaff Axis Jacket is a splurge item, albeit a worthwhile one for anyone who wants to make a bold fashion statement.

Sizing options: M-XL

Superdry has an extensive men’s outerwear collection, which wouldn’t be complete with its leather jackets that all exemplify the best parts of the classic style. Their knit bomber is a blacked out, slim-fitting number with a zip closure that goes all the way from the hem to the top of its high collar. It’s made with genuine cowhide leather and features a hidden interior pocket for safekeeping any personal essentials.

Sizing options: XS-3XL

A beauty to behold, you can’t get more classic than this Italian-made Leather Bomber Jacket. Supple, shiny leather in an inky black color comes together with a two-way zip closure in the front. An overall roomy fit is reigned in by a ribbed collar, a ribbed hem, and ribbed cuffs, which also do a great job of keeping out any wind or rain. 

Simple in its design, this leather bomber is infinitely wearable. Throw it on over a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, or dress it up with a sweater and chinos for a dinner date. No matter which way you wear it, you can be confident that its classic style will stay relevant for years to come, making it an excellent investment piece to enjoy and pass on.

Sizing options: S-XXL

Embrace the brash with this brown leather moto jacket that doubles down on its unique design. Bold burgundy trim and crimped, accordion patches and inserts at the shoulders and sides add an attractive texture and shape to the jacket. They also positively impact the utility of the jacket by offering a greater range of motion than a traditional leather shoulder seam. 

With that same combination of practicality and style in mind, the four zip pockets allow for plenty of storage. A snap collar closes tight for when you’re ready to ride, while a mesh lining keeps you cool when things get hot. And a standard fit means it’s accessible to more body types across the board, whereas most moto jackets are designed for slim silhouettes these days. 

Size options: XS-XXL

Inspired by vintage military flight jackets, Ralph Lauren’s Leather Flight Jacket is one of the best choices for anyone interested in both a genuine aged look and elevated style. It’s crafted from vegetable tanned full-grain leather in unique medium brown color called Teak.  

The jacket features a collared design, two snap-closure front pockets, and wool blend cuffs. Whether you’re going for a more polished casual look with a turtleneck and khakis like the model or a more rugged look with hard denim and boots, this Flight Jacket is an excellent choice. 

Overall, the jacket runs small and with the nature of leather not having lots of give, we recommend sizing up in this style.

Sizing options: XS-3XL

Cockpit USA consistently delivers excellent throwback design — and its Vintage Leather Naval Officer’s Coat is no exception. Harkening back to the hard-wearing leather version of naval pea coats, this topper hits below the hip. It also sports specially-treated goatskin leather that is lined with the brand’s signature emblem fabric. Double-breasted with military spec buttons, the coat offers an air of authority to the wearer while also helping to withstand the elements. 

Its wide lapels can be popped to keep out the wind, while two side-entry pockets keep your hands warm. Two additional front flap pockets also provide storage for your not-so-classified documents. American made, the Naval Officer’s Coat is an exceptional piece of craftsmanship you’ll be pleased to have for decades to come. 

Sizing options: S-XXL

Best known for making boots and dress shoes as good as pairs twice as expensive, Thursday Boot Company applied the same successful direct-to-consumer formula to leather jackets, including a variety of motorsport and military-inspired silhouettes.

Arguably the most popular style from Thursday, the Motorcycle Jacket is made from premium lambskin leather designed to get better with age and features a polyester-lined interior with leather accents for comfort and durability. While the silhouette checks off all the styling cues for anyone looking for a classic motorcycle jacket, it also had added utility. You’ll find two zippered hand pockets, a horizontal zippered chest pocket, and two hidden chest pockets on the inside. The zippers are also backed with a lifetime warranty.

At $399, Thursday’s Motorcycle Jacket is a great option if you’re looking for premium quality but you don’t want to venture into designer pricing territory

Read more in our full Thursday Boot Company men’s leather jacket review.

Sizing options: S-XXL

The ranch hand is a symbol of all things Americana, and this Huckberry x Wythe jacket evokes exactly what an authentic heirloom from the old West would look like. This durable unlined lambskin trucker jacket is destined to be the best leather jacket for men worn for generations with the proper care, as it relies on its solid construction without extra bells and whistles. Its distinguishing features are more noticeable upon closer look, such as the leather’s sawtooth edge finishes and signature Wythe acorn-shaped pockets.

Sizing options: XS-XXL

Everyone should own a denim trucker jacket — they’re timeless, easy to style, and incredibly versatile. If you love your cut of your denim jacket, but wish it were more premium, Todd Snyder makes that possible with the Burnished Leather Dylan Jacket. 

Here, the takes all of the elements of your favorite trucker and applies it to a leather jacket. Using 100% Italian burnished leather, the Dylan Jacket is soft and supple, yet durable. Silver branded hardware accent the chest pockets and front of the jacket. 

Available in dark brown and black, you’ll be able to wear the Dylan Jacket with all of your favorite piece.

Sizing options: US34-US54

Founded in 1972, Dainese is an Italian motorcycle gear manufacturer whose influence has been a part of racing for decades. As a modern silhouette, the Racing 4 Leather Jacket is a culmination of the brand’s innovations over the years.

Made from the brand’s abrasion-resistant, water-repellent, and oil-repellent Tutu leather, the Dainese Racing 4 Leather Jacket is fully-equipped for motorcycle racing. You’ll also find aluminum shoulder plates for added protection.

Overall, the jacket is designed to fit tight and snug to give motorcycle riders a secure fit. While the Racing 4 Leather Jacket features Dainese’s proprietary S1 bi-elastic fabric and the Microelastic 2.0 leather inserts on the back and arms for improved mobility, you’ll want to size up if you’re wearing this strictly for style.

Sizing options: 32-62

Inspired by the original Vanson Star Racing Jacket from 1975, this retro release features all of the classic elements that Vanson so recognizable. From the Vanson Leathers branding across midsection and sleeve to an assortment of racing patches, this jacket appeals to petrol heads and streetwear aficionados alike.

Made from 100% cowhide leather in a heavy and durable competition weight, this Vanson jacket is rated for racing. You’ll find double layers of leather in important areas like the shoulder pads and sleeves. Under arm vent holes and a speedflap for storing your driver’s license also make this a wonderful jacket for riders.

Even if you don’t ride a motorcycle, you’ll appreciate this jacket for its handmade quality and amazing style.

What makes leather expensive?

If some of the prices on this list cause you to reconsider your decision to buy a leather jacket, there’s a reason high-quality leather jacket options run into the hundreds and thousands of dollars. It primarily has to do with how leather is created. 

First, a cow or sheep must be raised — a process that takes at least a year. After harvesting the animal and cleaning its hide, the tanning process, which is the procedure by which leather is changed from skin to the material we know and love, begins. This can take up to a month or more if using a vegetable dye process. From there, the leather must be cut and sewn into a jacket. 

All of these steps take an intensive amount of time and resources, which equals a higher price tag. But the good news is, thanks to leather’s enduring strength and style, you won’t need to buy more than one in your life — unless you want to.

How to care for leather 

The way to make your favorite leather jacket last is through proper care. 

Unlike your favorite leather boots, a leather jacket isn’t typically dragged through the mud and banged against rocks, so you’re likely not going to see scrapes or abrasions. For light soiling, simply grab a barely-damp rag and wipe the jacket’s exterior. Allow it to dry. If soiling is deep, there are special leather cleaning products, such as saddle soap, that can help provide a deeper clean. 

It’s also a good idea to give your jacket a needed dose of moisture every year or so. Do this by lightly applying a leather conditioner and then removing any excess. If you find your jacket has totally dried out, is stained, or is otherwise in severe disrepair, seek the guidance of a leather repair professional. Taking these simple steps will ensure your jacket looks and wears well for decades to come.