I remember picking up my first leather jacket. It’s a bit of a stretch, right?
For some of us, it feels like a bold move. You have to rock a leather jacket with confidence. Otherwise it just doesn’t work. They’re too cool for that.
Well, I’m glad we’ve all gotten over that hump and we can just bask in the glory of leather jackets all fall and winter long.
To honor this style icon, we put together a list of our favorite leather jackets so you can pick the right piece and get on with your bad self.
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11 Best Leather Jackets for Men
Best Under $300: The Jacket Maker Dean
The Jacket Maker is a start-up, direct-to-consumer leather jacket brand that’s put affordability at their core without sacrificing quality.
You’ll find them a few times on this list because they offer an excellent value. The Dean is made with full grain cow-hide leather with reinforced seams, a snap collar, and YKK zippers.
For only $30 extra, you can order a made-to-measure size, which is unique—especially at this price point.
What I Like
The full grain leather feels rich, smooth, and has a pleasing matte texture.
First-rate hardware like YKK zippers and snap button closures help with durability.
A made-to-measure option right around $200 is unheard of.
What I Don’t Like
The Dean’s pattern has a little more stitching and complication than I’d normally go for, but it still looks great.
What Other Reviewers Say
Over 80 reviewers on Trustpilot rate The Jacket Maker a 4.5 out of 5. Excellent customer service and fit are common comments in the reviews of the brand as a whole, and the reviews for the Dean reflect more positivity than a meditation retreat drum circle.
It surprises many reviewers how thick the leather is considering the price.
The Verdict
For a classic, all-round leather jacket—the Dean by The Jacket Maker is the go. With a lightly tapered fit, thick full grain leather, and tailored fit options, the Dean is surprisingly affordable under $300.
This crispy moto-jacket comes in several varieties of leather. If you want bang for your buck, this is where you go.
Best Suede: 7 For All Mankind Suede Trucker
A suede jacket is a bold move, and I love it. In fact, I love it so much I made this video on our YouTube channel showcasing four ways you can rock the suede leather jacket style:
This style is perfect for fall and early winter so long as the weather doesn’t drop too low.
The 7 For All Mankind Suede Trucker jacket is a slim fit, buttery-smooth beauty. With a button closure and large pocket front, this coat has a bit of 60s/70s flair with a more contemporary fit.
What I Like
The suede is oh-so buttery-smooth.
It has a flattering slim fit.
This trucker jacket has a unique pattern that’s distinctive and refined.
What I Don’t Like
The cost is quite high and the piece isn’t as versatile as other leather jackets.
What Other Reviewers Say
There’s only one review for this jacket online and the person is basically screaming praises. As for the brand, reviewers are happy with their customer service and quick shipping.
The Verdict
Suede leather jackets are statement pieces. And if you’re going to make a statement, go all out. The 7 For All Mankind Suede Trucker jacket has a delicate balance of 60s era style blended with a contemporary slim fit for a standout piece.
Bring back a little of the 60s flair with this beautiful suede jacket. This fashion forward piece has a flattering slim fit that's great fall through spring.
Best Motorcycle: The Jacket Maker Noah
Punk rockers and bikers can at least agree on this: moto-jackets look badass. The Noah from The Jacket Maker is a hallmark example of the style.
This sheepskin leather jacket with a quilted viscose liner is affordable, stylish, and comfortable. Like The Jacket Maker’s other coats, you can order the Noah made-to-measure for a precise fit.
What I Like
The offset zipper is secure and allows for more protection along the chest.
It’s easy to get custom sizing.
There’s a brown color option with nice brass hardware, too.
What I Don’t Like
There aren’t many internal pockets, which is usually where I keep my phone, keys, etc.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Noah has 10 reviews online, all of them at 5 stars. A few reviewers mention this was their second or third jacket from The Jacket Maker, which is always a good sign. Another reviewer pointed out that this made-to-measure coat costs just as much as most other off-the-rack options. Which begs the question: why would you go off-the-rack if you can get tailor made?
The Verdict
A great motorcycle jacket needs to hit certain style requirements, and the Noah from The Jacket Maker ticks all the boxes.
Made with robust sheepskin leather and customizable sizing options, TJM hit a home run.
This classic biker jacket has all the hallmarks of punk and rock and roll style. It's an iconic cut made with solid leather and the price is right.
Highest Quality: Schott 594
The Schott 594 isn’t cheap, but it’s an heirloom quality piece made in the USA. An NYC staple, Schott has been doling out leather coats and high quality goods since 1913 and they’re still going strong.
The 594 is all about the details—from the quilted nylon lining to the detachable sheepskin collar, this is as refined as leather jackets get.
What I Like
The lining and collar are super soft.
The leather ages and patinas really well.
A bi-swing back helps with mobility and comfort.
What I Don’t Like
It fits a touch on the bulky side—great for winter, but a little warm for early fall.
What Other Reviewers Say
Schott is one of those brands that has people reminiscing on the 40+ years they’ve owned a single jacket. One reviewer remembers watching the first moon landing wearing the Schott 594. And he still wears it every winter. What else needs to be said?
The Verdict
Schott’s been making high-quality leather jackets through many of America’s finest moments. With over 100 years of experience, the brand has seen their fair share of customers start at age 16 and wear a Schott until they are too old to go outside. And we all know the only way to build that kind of reputation is through quality.
Made with thick cowhide and a shearling collar: this is as good as leather jackets get. Sure, it costs a pretty penny, but consider it an investment.
Best Under $100: Flavor Suede Trucker
After getting all patriotic and teary-eyed talking about Schott, it’s a bit of an abrupt transition to the Flavor Suede Trucker jacket. But if you want a genuine leather jacket under $100, this is your best option.
Pigskin is decent, and it looks nice with suede texturing. Don’t expect any fancy treatment with Flavor—they’re a Chinese Amazon brand. But the price is right and the quality is better than anything else you’ll find in the same range.
What I Like
Flavor offers four different color options—all of which look great.
It’s lightweight, which is excellent for the fall (though not as good for winter).
Classic billowing arms and waist.
What I Don’t Like
It comes packed into a small mailer, so you might need to let it sit for a few days to let the wrinkles relax.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Flavor Suede Trucker has nearly 200 reviews on Amazon averaging to a 4.3 out of 5. Several reviewers mentioned how it’s an excellent value-pick and the fit is better than expected.
A few folks noticed marks and spots on the leather straight out of the packaging, so make sure you give it a good look-over when you open it up so you can make an exchange if you need to.
The Verdict
For those of us balling on a budget, leather jackets are still an option. If you can’t possibly spare more than $100, the Flavor Suede Trucker is a solid pickup.
Pigskin suede keeps this inexpensive but still looks and feels nice. While I recommend pinching your pennies for a little while longer and getting something on the next rung up, I also get it: sometimes you need a leather jacket now and you’ve only got one bill.
This bad boy cuts cost with its pigskin shell. It's one of the few genuine leather jackets under $100 you'll find. And the fit is solid, too.
Best Italian Made: Reiss Ranch Jacket
The Reiss Ranch Jacket is made entirely with Italian shearling leather, which means it still has the wool attached to the leather. It’s some of the warmest, finest leather you can find, and when you make a whole jacket out of it, it’s pure luxury.
What I Like
Italian shearling is some of the finest in the world.
The simple black leather with silver hardware contrast is very modern and cool.
This jacket is super warm—a contender for the warmest on our list.
What I Don’t Like
Reiss is decent with customer service but they don’t offer free shipping and returns.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviews across the board went something like this: if you got your order right the first time, it was a great experience. If you need to exchange your jacket for any reason, it’s an expensive, annoying headache.
Reiss ships from UK, so you’ll pay a hefty import fee, and you don’t get that back if you need to return. They also don’t pay return fees.
So only pick this jacket up if you know you’re going to love it.
The Verdict
If you’ve got the steely eyed confidence to shop online for luxury-level pieces, then the Reiss Ranch Jacket is worth looking at. The Italian shearling leather is absolutely beautiful, but if you get the wrong size, you’re in for a lengthy and expensive return process.
Shearling is leather tanned with the wool still intact. The result is the softest, warmest thing you can imagine. It's not cheap to nail this process, but Italian shearling is some of the best.
Best American Made: Schott P663
Schott, again? Of course. But this time they’re back with the most American leather out there.
The Schott P663 is made with Horween Chromexcel leather, an outstanding leather tanned just outside of Chicago that’s also used on some of the USA’s most iconic boots.
What I Like
Horween Chromexcel mixed vegetable and chrome tanning methods for a sturdy and soft leather.
The Schott P663 with age beautifully and last for decades.
What I Don’t Like
It’s an upfront investment.
What Other Reviewers Say
The reviews for the P663 are hilarious. Multiple reviewers compare it to a suit of armor, and someone said they doubt anyone could penetrate the leather with a knife unless they had a running start. The consensus was quality, quality, quality.
The Verdict
Schott is one of those brands that’s been doing incredible work for decades (10 decades, to be specific). You can tell the quality from across the street.
The P663 isn’t a budget jacket, but there’s no doubt that even a modest amount of care will keep this thing humming until you’re old and grey.
Made with beautiful Horween Chromexcel leather, this jacket will continue to look better with age. It's called patina. You want it on everything.
Best Leather Bomber: The Jacket Maker Bomia MA-1
The Bomia MA-1 from The Jacket Maker has all the hallmarks of the bomber jacket style with a little of that extra flair you get from high-quality leather.
There are four different color options, including a light blue, so you can really make a statement with this piece. As with all jackets from The Jacket Maker, you can have this made-to-measure customized for just $30 extra.
What I Like
The sheepskin leather shell is nice and soft and the rib-knit collar and cuffs don’t scratch.
YKK hardware will hold up for years.
Super affordable made to measure option is even better on styles like the bomber.
What I Don’t Like
I would love to see a darker brown color option in this style.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviews on the Bomia highlight the customer service experience. If you’re ordering made-to-measure, The Jacket Maker coaches you through the process, and if they think you’ve gotten a measurement wrong, they’ll email and verify. This brand really wants you to love what you get.
The Verdict
The Jacket Maker hits that balance between quality and affordability. Match that with the made-to-measure option, and they’re hard to beat, especially if you’re looking to get your first nice leather jacket. The Bomia MA-1 is a solid bomber that will serve you well through the fall and winter.
The Bomia is The Jacket Maker's take on the classic bomber style. Just add a little fine leather and you've got yourself a stellar piece for Saturday night.
Best Vegan Leather: Levi’s Faux-Leather Moto Jacket
One benefit of faux-leather is that it’s much less expensive, so if you want the look of leather, but don’t have the savings, check out this vegan Faux-Leather Moto Jacket from Levi’s.
It’s got the classic motorcycle jacket cut, but the shell is made with polyurethane rather than any hide.
What I Like
Because it uses polyurethane instead of leather, it’s less expensive.
It has a classic motorcycle jacket cut.
What I Don’t Like
There’s an odd pocket that sits in the middle when you zip this up.
Polyurethane won’t last much over five years.
What Other Reviewers Say
Over 225 ratings on Amazon give this jacket a 4.5 out of 5. Several reviewers mentioned long sleeves. It’s probably best to order a size smaller than your true size here so the sleeves fall in the right spot.
The Verdict
If real leather isn’t your thing, or if you want to save a few bucks while still getting the same look, check out the Levi’s Faux-Leather Moto Jacket. This sub-$100 coat has a similar style and feel as leather, so it’s a good short term solution if you’re not really sure if a leather jacket is the right style for you.
Ok, you want to stay warm. This is how you do it. I mean, just look at the thing. This sherpa lined jacket fits well and feels great.
Best for Winter: Alpha Industries B3 Sherpa Lined Jacket
I’m pretty sure Hannibal wore the Alpha Industries B3 Sherpa Lined Jacket as he crossed the Alps with his war elephants to attack Rome.
This shearling jacket is perfect for cold, harsh winters, and it looks incredible, too. Because it’s so thick, I wouldn’t call it versatile by any means, but it’s certainly a statement piece when the temperature goes below freezing.
What I Like
Shearling leather is one of the best materials for blending style and comfort in extreme cold.
Alpha Industries has a reputation for quality, so the high price tag is warranted.
What I Don’t Like
This is only comfortable if it’s freezing. It’s maybe even a little too warm if it’s on 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Other Reviewers Say
While there aren’t any reviews for this jacket specifically, Alpha Industries has been making jackets since before WWII. They started with flight jackets for the military and now they make flight jackets for streetwear enthusiasts with hand tattoos.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for the king of all leather jackets, this might be the one. Decked out with copious amounts of shearling, the Alpha Industries B3 jacket is a beast. I only recommend it for folks in northern states, because unless it’s below freezing, this jacket is too hefty. But if you’re hovering in the negatives, there’s nothing like this bad boy.
Ok, you want to stay warm. This is how you do it. I mean, just look at the thing. This sherpa lined jacket fits well and feels great.
Best Leather Peacoat: The Jacket Maker Mr. Bailey
A leather peacoat? Heck yes.
The Jacket Maker is finishing out our list with the Mr. Bailey leather peacoat. It’s a unique style, and with the affordable price, it’s a nice statement piece addition to any wardrobe.
What I Like
As a longer coat, this offers more protection from draft.
It’s made with smooth and rich full grain leather.
What I Don’t Like
The leather peacoat style isn’t for everyone.
What Other Reviewers Say
There aren’t any reviews for the Mr. Bailey, but The Jacket Maker has over 850 5-star reviews across their coats. Of all these brands, The Jacket Maker nails it with customer service. It’s a young and hungry brand, so we all get to reap the benefits.
The Verdict
If you’re in the market for an unusual leather coat, The Jacket Maker’s Mr. Bailey is an excellent option. You won’t find many others wearing a leather peacoat, so you can rock this distinctive look and stand out from the crowd.
The Jacket Maker blends old world tailoring with modern direct-to-consumer principles. The result is affordable, high-quality leather jackets that look right, fit right, and give your wallet a little vacation.
Make Your Move
Ready for a new leather jacket?
This list has a balance of fit, style, price, and luxury. If leather jackets are truly right for you, hopefully you’ve found the perfect coat.
For the best combination of quality, affordability, and style, check out The Jacket Maker.
The Jacket Maker blends old world tailoring with modern direct-to-consumer principles. The result is affordable, high-quality leather jackets that look right, fit right, and give your wallet a little vacation.
For pure quality (with the associated costs), hit up the American classic Schott. For warmth and style, Alpha Industries and Reiss have you covered.
So what’s it going to be?
FAQs
Should guys wear leather jackets?
Having at least one leather jacket in your wardrobe is always a good idea. Leather jackets are statement pieces, and while I wouldn’t put them in the “essential” category, a well-fitting leather jacket is admirable and stylish.
When should men wear leather jackets?
Fall is the best time for leather jackets. Leather jackets help fight the chill a good amount, but they fall short a little when the weather really dips down below freezing. Leather works well across several styles, from business casual to friday-night casual.
What do you wear under a leather jacket?
Wear something as simple as a t-shirt under a leather jacket. Or you can go business-casual with a dress shirt. My favorite is a waffle knit henley in an earth tone.
