Fall lovers, rejoice! The best time of year for fashion is nearly here. We've already broken out our favorite boots, cozy sweaters and beloved jeans, but no transitional weather wardrobe is complete without a classic leather jacket.
First originated in the early 1900s, leather jackets were initially worn by aviators and military members. Since then, the leather jacket has expanded its reach into different genres, now spanning motorcycle jackets, trucker jackets, suede Western styles, bomber jackets, trench coats, office-ready blazers and more.
To help find the best leather jacket style for you, we spoke with Alwrld owner Philip Pavkov and stylists Mallory Morris, Halle Klum and Shea Daspin about the pros and cons of faux versus real leather (as well as styling tips). They even shared their go-to jackets in case you need inspiration for your fall wardrobe.
Faux vs. real | Editor-approved faux leather jackets | Editor-approved genuine leather jackets | Stylists' picks | How we chose | Meet the experts
Genuine leather over 70% off$134.93$450.00
The faux versus real debate: Which kind of leather jacket is better?
"There are benefits to both and there are downsides to both," Pavkov summarizes.
While genuine leather jackets have longevity, the process to create 100% leather or products that have real leather as part of their fabric makeup is a "dirty process," according to Pavkov. "That’s kind of the negative side of leather."
Faux leather, on the other hand, lacks longevity and needs to be replaced after a short period of time. However, the process of creating products with it is less detrimental to the environment.
Editor-approved faux leather jackets
An affordable blazer: Forever 21 Notched Faux Leather Blazer
- Easy to style
- Versatile
- Needs to be hand washed
Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Polyurethane
"I actually originally bought this jacket to be a part of a costume for a friend’s birthday party, but I loved it so much it became a staple in my fall and winter wardrobe," says commerce editor Emma Stessman. "I’ve worn it for nights out, to nicer dinners and even to the office. The combo of the faux leather material and chic blazer-style design makes it really versatile."
Motorcycle jacket: Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket
- Real-looking faux leather
- May have a scent; air out upon receipt
Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 8 | Material: Polyurethane
When associate social media editor Dani Musacchio wears this jacket, she says she "always gets compliments." The affordable piece boasts a lot of traditional motorcycle jacket features, including a zipper closure, and it has a removable belt.
Belted option: Old Navy Faux-Leather Belted Biker Jacket
- Extended sizing
- Petite, Standard and Tall cuts
- Belt can feel a bit clunky
Sizes: XS-4X | Colors: 2 | Materials: Viscose rayon, polyester
"I bought myself this jacket last season, and it may be the only reason I’m looking forward to fall this year," confesses associate editor Lauren Witonsky. "I love throwing it on over my shoulders as a statement piece, but it’s actually decently warm when all zipped up. The faux leather looks and feels high quality, especially considering the price, and I haven’t had any issues with it peeling as other faux leather jackets have. Consider it a transitional weather must-have!"
Color variety: Bellivera Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket
- Many color options
- May be stiff at first
Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 14 | Material: Polyurethane
Editorial director Adrianna Brach is a fan of this faux leather jacket from Amazon.
“It looks so sleek and nice that people stop me to ask me where I got it... it’s that good!” Brach raves. “It is a really cool but wearable style that I think goes with everything from dressy work clothes to more casual, 'leggings and t-shirts' types of outfits.”
Fringe moment: Nasty Gal Faux Leather Fringe Back Biker Jacket
- Good quality material
- Flattering cut
- Comes in plus sizes XL-2XL
- Best for fall/cooler weather
Sizes: 0 (XS)-18 (2XL) | Color: 1 | Material: Polyurethane
"Despite being all black, this jacket was definitely a risk for me," admits associate editor Kamari Stewart. "I’ve never owned something with so much fringe and was nervous about it but I actually love it. In terms of quality and material, it actually feels heavy duty which I was surprised by. So many brands say their faux leather stuff is high-quality but this is the first time they’ve been right, IMO."
"It balances the line of edginess and cowgirl-chic perfectly for me," Stewart adds. "It also comes in straight sizes! I just got the plus-sized version and I’m glad I did because the cut is perfect."
Editor-approved genuine leather jackets
Cropped suede: Nasty Gal Premium Suede Shearling Cropped Afghan Jacket
- Warm fur trim
- Cropped length
Sizes: 0 (XS)-14 (XL) | Color: 1 | Material: Suede leather and fur
On my personal wishlist is this suede shearling jacket, which production coordinator Camryn Privette picked up from Nasty Gal last fall.
"From the first moment I saw this jacket.... I knew I had to have it! Not only is the suede extremely high-quality, this piece is surprisingly warm with the fur details on the collar and sleeves," Privette says. "It’s absolutely one of those pieces I will have in my wardrobe for years, which justifies the price. Not to mention, suede never goes out of style, IMO."
Custom jacket: The Jacket Maker Colette Leather Jacket
- Made to measure
- Zipper can be stiff at first
- Ships in 5-7 weeks
Sizes: XXS (US 00)-2XL (US 20 — 22) | Colors: 2 | Material: Sheepskin leather
I [Ekman] feel like I hit the leather-jacket-jackpot with this one from The Jacket Maker.
At 5 foot, 1 inch, most of my [Ekman] fit issues come up in the sleeve length, since my arms are pretty short, and in accommodating my D-cup chest. I hate having to bring things to the tailor, which is why this customizable jacket was such a problem-solver for me. I got the made to measure version, so I was able to have it created for my exact measurements — best investment ever! It fits so perfectly. The classic style is really flattering with the cropped, slim fit, it feels super high quality and I'll definitely keep it in my wardrobe forever.
Showcase the details: The Jacket Maker Alison Black Leather Biker Jacket
- Made to measure
- Six pockets
- Ships in 5-7 weeks
Sizes: XXS (US 00)-2XL (US 20 — 22) | Colors: 2 | Material: Cowhide leather
SEO commerce writer Jannely Espinal names this as her all-time favorite genuine leather jacket.
"While it's heavy, the construction of this leather jacket is first-class," Espinal said. "I love the little details and pocket additions including the coin pocket, inside compartments, side pockets and more. The zippers give it that extra edgy and rough look but what I love the most about this leather piece is the added warmth. I can easily wear this during mid-50s weather and feel comfortable. It's my treasure and I just love all the closures. It's perfection!"
Expert-approved faux and real leather jackets
Vintage-looking: Superdown Steph Faux Leather Moto Jacket
- Zippered pockets
- Distressed look
Sizes: XXS-XL | Color: 1 | Material: Polyurethane
"A fitted leather jacket is the perfect day-to-night look for the fall season," Klum says. "Wear this fitted moto jacket with your favorite pair of denim and kitten heels, and you’ll be ready for anything from a grocery store run to a date night."
Snake-embossed: Silence + Noise Fallon Snake Embossed Faux Leather Jacket
- Machine washable, per website
- No pockets
Sizes: XS-XL | Color: 1 | Material: Polyurethane
"This red snake-embossed leather jacket is your ticket to turning heads and adding a fun twist to any outfit — because who says your wardrobe can’t have a little edge?" muses Klum.
Bomber jacket: Lioness Kenny Bomber Jacket
- Roomy, oversized fit
- Pre-order; ships in September
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 2 | Material: Polyurethane
"With its classic oversized bomber style, this jacket emulates the 'effortless cool girl' look we are loving this season," Klum notes.
Major discount alert: Cole Haan Stand-Collar Leather Moto Coat
- Great value
- Gold-toned hardware
- Runs small, per some reviews
Sizes: XS-L | Color: 1 | Material: Lambskin leather
"With its playful color and timeless silhouette, this jacket is the perfect balance of unique and versatile," Klum says. Plus, it's currently about 70% off.
Distressed jacket: Wilsons Leather Bryn Distressed Brown Moto Jacket
- Great value
- Distressed look
Sizes: XS-XXL | Color: 1 | Material: Leather
“Everyone needs a good moto jacket in their closet, and this one fits the bill,” Klum says. “Choose your size for a fitted look that pairs perfectly with a maxi skirt and sneakers, or size up for an oversized style that’s great with straight-cut jeans and boots.”
Bold print: BlankNYC Snake Print Faux Leather Jacket
- Statement piece
- May have a scent; air out
Sizes: XS-L | Color: 1 | Material: Polyurethane, polyester
"This is a great neutral faux snakeskin to pair with your basics to help elevate and add intrigue to your look," notes Daspin. "The boxy fit and length is chic and stylish."
Classic jacket: Quince 100% Leather Cropped Zip-Front Jacket
- Great value
- Biodegradable leather
- Brass finished hardware
- Selling fast in select sizes
Sizes: XS-XL | Color: 1 | Material: Sheep leather
“If you’re looking for a classic, chic staple, this is your jacket,” promises Klum. “With its minimalist design and flattering cut, this leather jacket is easy to style for any occasion.”
How we chose
Shop TODAY’s recommendations for the best leather jackets came from the advice and guidance of stylists and fashion professionals, as well as the opinions of team editors. While considering materials, quality and value, we selected the best leather jackets for your style and preferences, keeping in mind editors’ recommendations.
Meet the experts
- Philip Pavkov is the founder of the brand ALWRLD, that specializes in sustainable apparel for both men and women.
- Mallory Morris is a stylist based in Los Angeles. Morris also also has a vintage jewelry brand, named Un Autre Tour, where she curates vintage jewelry to sell.
- Halle Klum is a freelance stylist and photographer based out of New York City. Her experience spans womenswear, menswear, children's clothing and beauty campaigns.
- Shea Daspin is a fashion and wardrobe stylist based out of Los Angeles that specializes in color, Gen Z fashion, and maximalism.
