The best leather jackets are wardrobe staples that never go out of style. The different looks—from racer to bomber to moto—have the same staying power as your classic jeans and work boots. High-quality leather jackets don’t come cheap, though, (prices can exceed $2,000), so you’ll want to find options that are truly worth the spend in terms of style, durability, comfort and versatility.
The best leather jackets for men are stylish, rugged and made to last.
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At Forbes Vetted, we spend a lot of time reviewing and testing fashion, including menswear. To compile this guide, we focused on leather jackets from brands known for a high level of craftsmanship, and ideally, specialize in leather goods. Our top pick, Schott’s Waxed Natural Pebbled Leather Jacket, is made from hand-cut leather, for example, and Belstaff’s V Racer is the most authentic café-style racer jacket we’ve found. Ahead, all the best leather jackets for men that we recommend.
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 2 colors total, including Brown and Black | Materials: 100% cowhide leather
What’s notable: This coat is constructed with a high quality leather that has a soft, not-stiff feel.
What could be better: It can run small due to its slimmer fit, so bear that in mind when shopping.
Schott NYC began designing leather jackets back in 1913 with an emphasis on functional, rugged styles. Most notably, the brand was the first to put zippers on jackets. Their Waxed Cowhide Cafe Leather Jacket has clean lines, a durable cowhide construction and smart details (including a flannel lining, three outside zippered pockets and zipper sleeve cuffs). Given the attention to detail, the price for this leather jacket is reasonable as well.
Best Affordable Leather Jackets For Men
High-Quality, Lambskin Leather For A Great Price
MOST POPULAR
Cole Haan
Cole Haan Lambskin Leather Jacket
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 2 colors total, including Black and Java | Materials: 100% lambskin leather
What’s notable: This collared style is great for layering as temperatures drop.
What could be better: While this jacket is soft and well-made, it might not last for decades, like others on our list.
Crafted from lambskin leather and fully lined, Cole Haan’s Lambskin Leather Jacket is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot of money for a well-fitting and stylish jacket. The leather is buttery smooth and there are two side welt pockets—which are slanted and offer comfortable hand placement—and one small interior pocket.
Modern, Updated Collar Gives This a Dressy Vibe
Nordstrom
Nordstrom Stand Collar Leather Bomber Jacket
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 2 colors total, including Black and Brown Bean | Materials: 100% leather
What’s notable: This jacket has clean lines and a buttery feel—which together make it look far more expensive than it is.
What could be better: The leather is on the lighter side, so if you’re looking for something extremely warm you may want to consider a different jacket.
For another affordable option, Nordstrom’s Stand Collar Leather Bomber Jacket is an 100% leather jacket that’s ideal for all seasons. It features lined welt pockets and seam detailing, which is both flattering and stylish. The stand collar gives it an elevated feel, making it a great option for wearing over a thin knit sweater or tee, paired with a five-pocket pant or dark denim. The zippers and metal hardware are not as stylish as our best overall pick, but they’re functional.
Best Racer Leather Jackets For Men
Slim, Flattering Cut And Durable Hardware
Belstaff
Belstaff V Racer Jacket
Sizes: 34 to 60 | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Deep Copper | Materials: 100% lamb leather
What’s notable: Channel stitch shoulder reinforcement detailing adds visual interest and helps maintain the jacket’s durability.
What could be better: We wish this also came in a rich brown colorway.
One of the most popular silhouettes when it comes to men’s leather jackets, the café racer was originally worn by motorcyclists in the ‘50s and ‘60s as they drove between cafés. The style—from British heritage brand Belstaff—is characterized by its slim fit and sleek design. It features a zippered chest pocket, two lower zipper pockets and an internal pocket. While this is more expensive than our other racer pick, its superior leather, durable hardware and flattering fit justify the price.
Best Stylish Leather Jacket For Men
Rich, Gray Leather And Weathered Look
John Varvatos
John Varvatos Sorcha Jacket
Sizes: 44 to 58 | Colors: 1 color total, Gray | Materials: 100% sheepskin leather
What’s notable: This jacket’s patina gives it a casual, effortless look.
What could be better: If you don’t like a weathered look, you may want to find a leather coat with a different finish.
This rugged, well-fitting jacket from John Varvatos has clean lines and polished hardware to complement the rich, gray leather. The overall look has an aged and weathered feel, which is great if you want an already broken-in jacket. Note: The brand’s sizes are not listed in traditional letter sizes. For reference, size 44 equates to an XS in letter sizes.
Vintage Style With An Updated, Clean-Cut Silhouette
Rag & Bone
Rag & Bone Archive Leather Café Racer
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 2 colors total, including Black and Brown | Materials: 100% lamb leather
What’s notable: If you don’t like a lot of extra embellishments on your racer, this minimalist design is for you.
What could be better: Some say the sizing can run slightly large.
Racer jackets are known for their clean and lean design in addition to their versatility—they look great with chinos and loafers, but can be dressed down with jeans and a plain tee. Rag & Bone’s version is supremely soft and comfortable from the first wear, and the sleeve zippers add edginess.
Best Motorcycle Leather Jacket For Men
Lived-In Look With Plenty Of Pockets
Quince
Quince 100% Leather Moto Jacket
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 1 color total, Black | Materials: 100% sheep leather
What’s notable: Reviewers rave about the quality and softness of this jacket. Plus, the price cannot be beat.
What could be better: The fit is on the relaxed side, so you should consider sizing down for a more snug fit.
Quince’s take on a leather motorcycle jacket stays true to the original style with an asymmetrical front zipper, side pockets with zippers, zippered sleeve gussets, notch lapels and a slightly cropped body. It’s made from sheepskin, which has a soft hand feel—plus, it’s created in a Leather Working Group certified tannery, which promotes sustainable business practices. Pair this jacket with a plain tee and jeans, or layer it over a crewneck sweater during the colder months.
Best High-End Leather Jacket For Men
Excellent Leather And A Style That Goes With Everything
Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder Italian Burnished Leather Dylan Jacket
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 2 colors total, including Dark Brown and Black | Materials: 100% Italian leather
What’s notable: The workmanship is top-notch, and the leather is treated to have a beautiful patina.
What could be better: This style is unlined, so you might need to add layers for warmth.
This luxury-level leather jacket is reminiscent of a classic jean jacket with two chest pockets, front snap-closure buttons and a flat collar. The leather is burnished (a process that involves polishing and buffing the material), which gives the jacket a textured appearance that will only look better over time.
Best Vintage-Inspired Leather Jacket For Men
Like You've Already Worn It For Years
Billy Reid
Billy Reid Blake Jacket
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 2 colors total, including Black and Saddle | Materials: 100% lamb leather
What’s notable: This slim-through-the-chest-and-sleeves jacket can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile closet staple.
What could be better: There’s an ever so slight taper at the waist, so note that when considering fit.
For a stylish leather jacket that resembles a vintage piece, Billy Reid’s Blake Jacket features zippered sleeve gussets, antique brass zipper pulls throughout and washed leather that ages well over time. (The washing process submerges the fabric in water to soften the feel and color.) There’s also an inner pocket for stashing valuables like a wallet and phone.
Best Leather Bomber Jacket For Men
An Iconic Design With Fresh Details
J.Crew
J.Crew Flight Jacket
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 1 colors total, Black | Materials: 100% Italian leather
What’s notable: This is a weighty leather jacket—it has a flannel lining—and it also has cuffs at the wrists and waist to keep out wind gusts.
What could be better: Some say the sleeves are too baggy for their taste.
Bomber jackets, or flight jackets, were worn during World War I and II to keep pilots warm in open cockpit. This pick from J.Crew strikes the right balance between stylish and functional. The Italian leather is durable and warm, and the knit cuffs and hem (a key design element for bombers) keep you insulated during the winter months. Reviewers mention that the material feels stiff at first but it soften over time and develop a rich patina. If you’d like a classic brown bomber with patch pockets, try this J.Crew Flight Jacket In Italian Leather.
Best Faux Leather Jacket For Men
Supple Fabric That Feels Like The Real Thing
Zara
Zara Faux Leather Bomber Jacket
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 1 color total, Black | Materials: 100% polyurethane
What’s notable: This is a lightweight style that’s great for layering. Plus, it’s a well-priced option.
What could be better: Faux leather won’t hold up as well as real leather over time, and you will find nicer finishes on other jackets.
Faux leather is a great option if you’re working with a budget or prefer not to wear leather. Zara’s Faux Leather Bomber Jacket maintains the same silhouette as a classic bomber (think, ribbed collar and cuffs, a comfortable body for ease of movement), but it’s made from washable polyurethane. It’s lined and has two side welt pockets.
Sizes: S to 4XL | Colors: 11 colors total, including Black and Blue | Materials: 100% polyester
What’s notable: This style has lots of pockets for storage—two side hand pockets, two zippered pockets and a chest flap pocket.
What could be better: Some report that the fabric can rip, and they say that the colors look different in person.
With a removable hood that gives you some extra warmth if you need it and plenty of pockets, this highly-rated faux leather option is versatile and easy to wear. It comes in 11 different finishes, so you have a lot of options to match your look and style.
At Forbes Vetted, we approach product recommendations a critical eye and complete transparency. As a team, we've researched, extensively tested and evaluated a wide variety of clothing and accessories to rate the performance, quality and value for your money. We’ve reviewed and rated everything from the best jeans for men to the best wallets for men to the most comfortable dress shoes.
Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar oversaw this piece. She is a veteran fashion writer who has contributed work to a variety of large national outlets. For Forbes Vetted, she has written about everything from the best joggers for men to the best loafers for men.
To make sure you get the most accurate information possible, we regularly refresh this list with relevant details. This story was most recently updated in November 2024 by Forbes Vetted fashion contributor Molly Calhoun.
How We Chose The Best Leather Jackets For Men
To determine the best leather jackets for men, Forbes Vetted’s Commerce Editor Katherine Louie took a measured approach, meticulously researching and reporting a variety of factors to compile this list. The products on this list reflect several weeks' worth of in-depth research and vetting.
Weread hundreds of product reviews and evaluated bestselling jackets, jackets from reputable brands and newer-to-market styles as well.
We assessed jackets in a variety of styles, from motos to racers to bombers.
We ultimately chose leather jackets that were top-rated (ideally 4 stars or higher) based on a multitude of verified reviews, and those that received high marks for leather quality, durability, style, comfort and versatility. We also considered if the jackets were available in a wide range of sizes and prices.
Lots of leather jacket styles are fashionable options. Motorcycle jackets, racers, bombers and field jackets are the most popular leather jacket styles. All are classic, but it’s important to think about how you'll be wearing your jacket, and what you'll be wearing it for. If you like a close-to-the-body fit, you may be interested in a racer jacket like Belstaff's V Racer Jacket. If you're looking for something that's classic, timeless and potentially a bit warmer, you may want to look for a bomber jacket like J.Crew's Flight Jacket. The heavier leather and knit cuffs at the waist and wrists help keep out wind gusts.
Real leather, while durable, should never be washed in a machine or dry cleaned, so it’s important to take the right steps to care for your leather jacket properly. When your jacket gets soiled, you can wipe it clean with a damp cloth, pat it with a towel and let it air dry. If you need a more substantial cleaning, you can read more about our favorite leather cleaners here. In general, the treatment for faux leather jackets is similar, however some polyurethane jackets can be machine washed. Always check the care label before proceeding. If you have more serious stains, you may want to consult a leather specialist.