Our Fashion Team Tested A Ton of Leather Jackets—Here's Their Top Picks (2024)

Out of all the leather jackets we’ve tested and taken for a spin, Abercrombie’s silhouette is the one that won us over. The brand offers a cropped trucker version that’s all about style and edge, which hits right at the waist, giving a more tailored, sleek look compared to longer jackets. The shorter cut is perfect for flaunting whatever’s underneath, whether it’s a cool graphic tee or close-fitted sweater. We found that layering with either of the two is a breeze—no bulky feels, no zipper fights, and no annoying bunching. Speaking of fit, it’s designed for more breathing room without being overly baggy, so you can wear it just about everyday.

Even though it’s made with vegan leather, it still has that authentic feel you’d want from the real deal, only with a contemporary touch. The diamond-quilted lining brings an extra layer of comfort, making it feel just as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. As for details—the classic fold-down collar looks effortlessly cool, while the chest and side pockets are super practical for stashing your essentials. Our editors have worn this jacket with casual and semi-dressy fits for an art gallery opening, date night, live concert, and everything in between.

If you want a suede number that works for fancier outings, Banana Republic’s trucker jacket is all class and no hassle. The super soft and luxurious material, which is like the cherry on top of your look, pulls everything together. The design blends utilitarian flair with a touch of sophistication, while the structured fit is spot on—meaning practically anyone can wear it. The hip-length cut stops at that sweet spot, giving you coverage while also keeping things looking sharp without being too long or bulky.

We found that the suede fabric is quite thick compared to other jackets we’ve tested constructed from the same kind of leather. During our testing, its sturdy build kept us nice and cozy when the temps drop at night. Each of the three colors—camel, dark green, and pine green—complement dressy fits; think oxford shirt tucked in chinos, completed with a pair of dress shoes.

A well-made faux leather can have that same allure as jackets produced with top-grain leather. Take Zara’s offering for example. The material is pretty thick, yet still light enough to keep you from overheating during those early fall nights. Thanks to the pebbled textured finish of this jacket, it boasts a rugged feel that separates it from your average smooth leather. Plus, the detailed surface helps hide any scuffs and scratches, so you wear it on all your adventures without worrying about it losing that charm. It’s ideal for those who love to wear jackets often and want to embrace that lived-in look.

Although the piece has a boxy fit, we found it looks great with fitted sweaters and pants, creating a balanced look that’s both clean and stylish. Not to mention, it’s a lot more roomier than others on the list that are cut closer to the body. And to top it all off, the jacket comes at a budget-friendly price.

The Dylan Jacket by Todd Snyder is quite the stunner, thanks to its burnished Italian leather. Not only is the material 100% genuine leather, but it arrives in a rich, dark chocolate that looks like pure luxury and gets better with age. With this design, the menswear label aimed to replicate a jean jacket silhouette in a distressed, vintage look. The variations in color mimic natural wear and tear to give it character and depth, making the piece more unique.

To add to that, the jacket is a limited-edition item, so you won’t see many guys on the street in this bad boy. We also love the details including the snap closures and slant pockets, which enhance the overall aesthetic and make it more user-friendly. Yes, it’s the most expensive option on the list, but for good reason. You’re paying for quality, durability, and a timeless style that’ll have you covered for years to come.

You don't have to have a punk-rock aesthetic or slim build to sport a leather biker jacket. That's why we’re big fans of this one from Bugatchi. Whether you want to channel that rebellious vibe or take the edge off and dress it up, it can adapt to any style. In fact, our fashion editors have toned down its “tough guy” flair with a button-down shirt and slim-fit pants for dinner dates and holiday parties. The black option is versatile enough for all kinds of ensembles from casual to semi-dressy. Plus, the smooth texture and glossy finish of the leather make it perfect for pulling off a neat, modern look.

Based on our testing, we found that lots of biker jackets can be a bit rigid in terms of fit, especially for guys with bigger backs and biceps. But that’s not the case here. The asymmetric zip closure super easy to shut, and the sturdy construction means it can be worn daily without losing its shape. To keep it looking fresh and extend its life, your best bet is to take it to the dry cleaners and let the pros handle it.

Ralph Lauren’s bomber jacket is a total game changer, and the fact that it’s crafted from 100% cow leather just cranks up the cool factor. It has a throwback appeal, like you’ve been rocking it for years—even if you just bought it. The contrasting ribbed cuffs and hem add a little something extra, keeping the fit snug and stylish while giving it that classic bomber silhouette. The wide patch pockets are super convenient for stashing your belongings and the epaulet details bring a sense of military style to the table.

Our testers found this leather jacket has a bit of heft to it, making it feel durable. Sure, there may be a bit of sticker shock, but it’s a worthwhile investment that will live in your closet for years to come.

The distressed look of a leather jacket is like the perfect seasoning to spruce up your wardrobe. All Saints’ two-tone version is washed to nail that effect seamlessly. Inspired by London’s nightlife, this garment is just right for someone who has bold energy and edgy style. From the soft sheep leather and edge stitching to the ring puller on the zip closure, there's a lot of personality here.

During our testing, we found the length is longer than others we’ve tested, passing your hip, but it maintains a fitted look that flatters your frame. Also, the extra coverage and regular fit means you can layer it over hoodies or sweaters without feeling constrained. The weight of it is not too light, not too heavy, but robust enough to keep you warm and handle any strong winds.

How to Take Care of a Leather Jacket

For starters, never throw your leather jacket into a washer or dryer. That will pull all the moisture out of the leather, causing it to shrink and crack, as well as damaging the metal hardware (i.e. zippers).

Every once in a while, wipe it down with a gentle semi-damp cloth to clean off any dirt or dust. Then, use a leather conditioner to keep it soft and prevent it fromcracking. It's like moisturizing your skin—leather needs that kind of TLC too. Just don't go overboard; conditioning it once or twice a year should the trick.

If your leather jacket needs some serious cleaning and it's something you can't handle at home, your best bet is to take it to a professional dry cleaner—but not just any dry cleaner. Make sure they specialize in leather. Regular dry cleaning chemicals can actually damage the leather, so you need someone who knows how to handle it properly.

And if your leather jacket gets absolutely soaked—to the point of there being potential mildew growth—roll up some dry towels and stuff them in the arms of your jacket. You can then dab off some of the moisture and hang your jacket or lay it on your dryer with a towel in between. We don't, however, recommend taking a blow dryer to your leather jacket.

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