How to Wear a Leather Jacket: 4 Ways to Style Leather Jackets

A leather jacket is an outerwear garment made from durable leather with a waist-length cut. The durability and warmth of leather offer broad utility, and even the most basic leather jacket styles have aesthetic appeal. Leather jackets are traditionally cowhide, but they can also be goatskin, lambskin, or sheepskin. Faux leather options feature synthetic or plant-based materials.

The leather jacket can complement various outfits, playing supporting and starring roles in an ensemble. Consider the following types of leather jackets and how to wear them:

1. 1. Retro jacket: One of the most classic and iconic leather biker jacket looks was popularized by the 1953 movie The Wild One, starring Marlon Brando. The black leather jacket in the film has an asymmetrical zipper and snap-down lapels. Some versions come with extra studs, zippered pockets, and an insignia on the back. Wear this jacket with dark denim, aviator shades, and leather boots for a classic style that makes a retro statement.
2. 2. Racing jacket: Leather racing jackets (also known as café racer jackets or moto jackets) feature a stand collar and a fitted, streamlined design—often with a small zipper pocket on one side of the chest. Inspired by 1960s European motorcycle jacket styles, a racing jacket is the best leather jacket for an unfussy, chic style, and will work with a pair of black jeans and sneakers, or even atop a pair of rugged khakis.
3. 3. Fleece-lined jacket: When the temperature drops, a fleece-lined leather jacket is a practical option to wear outside. Some leather jackets have a shearling lining, offering the combination of a suede exterior and a warm, wooly interior. Other options feature quilted interiors. Many leather riding jackets are specifically designed to keep out gusts of chilly air.
4. 4. Aviator jacket: The aviator jacket is an early version of the famous bomber jacket or flight jacket. It has a rugged leather exterior and knit cuffs around the waist and wrists for keeping the heat inside. These leather bomber jackets pair well with jeans and sneakers or boots.
5. 5. Military jacket: The military or field jacket has a slightly longer cut that extends just past the waist. This style is versatile and pairs well with baggy or slim jeans and combat boots or leather work shoes. This long-cut jacket is a good choice for winter, as it provides fashionable warmth.

You can wear leather jackets casually or dress them up to make a bold statement. Consider the following style tips for leather jackets:

1. 1. Go for a sleek, all-black look. Wear a black leather blazer with matching leather pants, boots, or pumps.
2. 2. Play with vibrant colors. Leather jackets come in a range of colors. A bright red leather jacket, a dusky blue leather jacket, or even a lemon yellow option can be an eye-catching accent on top of a more laid-back ensemble. Consider pairing it with pants and footwear of muted colors, and let the leather shine.
3. 3. Try a worn-in style. Some leather jackets, either from their age or a distressing process to artificially age them, have a great, worn look. You can even find this look in some faux leather jackets. Combine a worn-in leather jacket with a pair of cuffed jeans and a dark-toned sweater to exude a level of sophistication.
4. 4. Layer your leather. You can layer a brown leather jacket over a hoodie for a comfortable, casual look. A close-fitting suede jacket with clean lines also works well over a simple white t-shirt.

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