A stylish leather jacket is the one piece of clothing that can be worn with anything, from athleisure to a formal dress to your favourite pair of jeans and a tee, and still look completely on-trend. Leather jackets, whether in edgy motorcycle styles, timeless trench coats, or boxy puffers and bomber fits, remain perennial best sellers.
It's possible to keep a leather jacket in the family for decades. While leather jackets have been around since the early 1900s, they really took off in popularity in the 1950s thanks to their widespread adoption by greasers and Hollywood bad boys. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, aviator jackets and punk rock jackets with studs and patches were both widely worn. Long trench coats became popular in the early 2000s, just as oversized leather jackets were in the 1990s to go with grunge clothing.
In order to determine which leather jackets are ideal for women, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab collaborated with Liv Schreiber. Over a dozen leather jackets were tested by GH analysts in the lab, with emphasis on each jacket's durability, washability, and special design details. We then had testers put on each jacket and provide feedback on how it felt, how it looked, and how comfortable it was.
Best Black Leather Jackets
We've included both real leather and faux leather jackets because we know that leather can be expensive and time-consuming to maintain, respectively. Read on for some helpful shopping advice and information on the many different types of leather jackets. Wear one of these chic leather coats over a wool sweater and a pair of warm boots with some timeless denim.
ALLSAINTS Dalby Leather Biker Jacket
With good reason, AllSaints is the first name that comes to mind when most people think of leather jackets. These jackets are crafted from soft, high-quality leather and detailed with timeless design elements, making them a wardrobe staple that goes with anything. One of AllSaints' most popular silhouettes, the Dalby style is offered in both silver and gold hardware. You should know that the largest size this jacket comes in is a US 12.
MADEWELL Washed Leather Oversized Motorcycle Jacket
This jacket from Madewell features "supple, smooth leather" and high-quality hardware that is chic without feeling too edgy or intense, as we noted in our review. This jacket is intended to be worn loosely over a sweater or sweatshirt (there is no need to order a larger size). Despite the oversized cut, the sleeves are noticeably shorter than those on comparable styles.
SPANX Leather-Like Moto Jacket
Testers loved the fit and comfort of this Spanx leather jacket in a racer style right out of the box, so much so that they "didn't need to break it in. Our guinea pig said that she was "showered with compliments" and that many people asked her where they could purchase the item. It is our experience that Spanx run small, so if you have a larger bust, you may want to consider ordering a size up.
FREE PEOPLE Stevie Blazer
The Free People Stevie Blazer is the best option for a sophisticated take on the classic leather jacket. This blazer is incredibly stylish and flattering, and it can be worn with a wide variety of looks. The fact that this option can be washed in a machine makes it a great choice for heavy rotation in the wardrobe. It has a cosy texture and a professional appearance, making it an excellent choice for the workplace. It's cut a little big, but otherwise fits true to size.
