The best leather jackets are wardrobe staples that never go out of style. The different looks—from racer, moto and bomber to field jackets—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. Best Denim Jacket
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
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). Given the attention to detail, the price for this leather jacket is reasonable as well.
What the reviews say: “The leather feels soft. The stitching and details are all high quality. Feels broken in. Large is the perfect fit for me. Can wear a shirt and light-medium sweater.” — Huckberry
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 2 colors total, including Black and Java | Materials: 100% lamb leather
Crafted from lamb 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 pockets, and while this jacket is well-made, it might not last for decades, like others on our list.
What the reviews say: “The jacket fit perfectly. It's comfortable and has a sleek look to it. I received several compliments the first day I wore it.” — Amazon
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 2 colors total, including Black and Brown Mole | Materials: 100% leather
For another affordable option, Nordstrom’s Leather Bomber Jacket is a warm, 100% leather jacket that’s ideal for all seasons. It’s cut more like a varsity jacket—which means that it doesn’t hug the body as closely— so it’s great if you want something with more ease of movement. The zippers and metal hardware are not as stylish as our best overall pick, but they’re functional.
What the reviews say: “This is a well made bomber with quality leather and it’s thin and well tanned. It’s very comfortable and the knot collar and cuffs are also high quality. This is a nice casual or slightly dressed up jacket.” — Nordstrom
Sizes: 44 to 60 | Colors: 1 color total, Black | Materials: 100% lamb leather
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 is characterized by its slim fit and sleek, uncomplicated design (it has fewer pockets and diagonal zips than a motorcycle jacket). Belstaff’s racer jacket is the most expensive of the three options on our list, but its superior leather, durable hardware and flattering fit justify the price.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 2 colors total, including Black and Brown | Materials: 100% lamb leather
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 some edginess.
What the reviews say: “So happy with this purchase and expect to be wearing it for many years to come. Light and amazingly soft and comfortable.” — Rag & Bone
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 1 color total, Black | Materials: 100% lamb leather
Hugo Boss’ racer jacket is also made of soft lamb leather, but has subtle cutlines throughout the jacket for added interest. Similar to the Rag & Bone option it boasts silver hardware, which feels fresh and modern. Note that it has an extra-slim fit, so you might need to size up.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 1 color total, Black | Materials: 100% lamb leather
Buck Mason’s take on a leather motorcycle jacket stays true to the original style with an asymmetrical front zipper, side pockets, notch lapels and slightly cropped body. It’s cut from semi-vegetable tanned lambskin, which has a soft hand feel and rich texture that already looks lived-in. Pair this jacket with a plain tee and jeans, or layer it over a crewneck sweater during the colder months.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 2 colors total, including Black and Olive | Materials: 100% Italian leather
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. Note: This style is unlined, so you might need to add layers for warmth.
What the reviews say: “I've been buying Todd Snyder products for years, including several of the Dylan suede jackets, and this might be my favorite piece yet. The initial quality is on another level—the color looks incredible in person and the leather seems durable yet light and malleable in a way that just feels right. This will be my go-to leather jacket for warmer months for the foreseeable future.” — Todd Snyder
Sizes: 44 to 58X (44 equates to an XS) | Colors: 1 color total, Brown | Materials: 100% sheepskin leather
This rugged, well-fitting jacket from John Varvatos has clean lines and polished hardware to complement the rich, brown 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.
What the reviews say: “Overall great jacket. Looks great, fits great, very comfortable. Zipper could be a little sturdier. Would recommend.” — Bloomingdale’s
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 2 colors total, including Black and Saddle | Materials: 100% lamb leather
For a stylish leather jacket that resembles a vintage piece, Billy Reid’s Blake Jacket features zippered sleeve gussets, custom 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.
What the reviews say: “Everything from fit to quality is top notch. Dress it up or down it’s for every occasion. Can’t wait for some cooler weather to wear it.” — Billy Reid
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 1 colors total, Black | Materials: 100% Italian leather
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.
What the reviews say: “A jacket with simple, timeless style. Leather quality is very good and it fits well. Very happy with the purchase.” — J.Crew
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 3 colors total, including Black and Sand | Materials: 100% polyurethane
Faux leather is a great option if you’re working with a budget or prefer not to wear leather. Levi’s Varsity Faux Leather Bomber Jacket maintains the same silhouette as the classic bomber (think, ribbed collar and cuffs, a comfortable body for ease of movement) but it’s made from washable polyurethane. Plus, it’s fully lined and has multiple pockets.
What the reviews say: “This faux leather jacket... look[s] fresh and retro at the same time. It’s made out of quality material, you’ll feel comfortable in it, and it fits true to size.” — Levi’s
Sizes: S to 4X | Colors: 11 colors total, including Black and Blue | Materials: 100% polyester
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.
What the reviews say: “I was looking for a new jacket to wear when I'm out on my motorcycle and took my chances on this. Fit is perfect and I love that I can take the hood off if I decide I don't want it on that day.” — Amazon
Here at Forbes Vetted, we approach all of our product recommendations with transparency and a critical eye. As a team, we've tried on, evaluated and put a lot of clothing and accessories through the wringer 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. To make sure you get the most accurate information possible, we regularly update this list with relevant details. This story was last updated in October 2023.
To determine the best leather jackets for men, Forbes Vetted’s commerce editor Katherine Louie read hundreds of product reviews and evaluated options from both established and newer-to-market brands. We ultimately chose the best leather jackets for men by considering a few key factors, including options 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. Finally, senior fashion editor, Kari Molvar, oversaw this article, and has been covering fashion and lifestyle topics for more than 20 years. She has written extensively about men’s fashion, from the best golf shorts to the best work pants. The products on this list reflect several weeks' worth of in-depth research and vetting.
I'm a reporter covering the intersection of sports, business and technology. My byline has appeared at CNBC.com, The Hockey News and Narratively. I started this journey covering a handful of New Jersey Devils stranded in Albany during the 2012 NHL Lockout, with stops on the beats of the Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers. I graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism where I specialized in Sports Media.
I'm a reporter covering the intersection of sports, business and technology. My byline has appeared at CNBC.com, The Hockey News and Narratively. I started this journey covering a handful of New Jersey Devils stranded in Albany during the 2012 NHL Lockout, with stops on the beats of the Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers. I graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism where I specialized in Sports Media.
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