My Colleagues Agree: These 5 Leather-Jacket Styles Will Always Be In Style

If there's one thing my Who What Wear team-mates and I can agree on (we all have very distinct personal styles), it's that a good leather jacket is a must-have in everyone's wardrobe. A leather jacket, when chosen well, can become the backbone of your closet, informing everything from your day-to-day looks, evening attire, and off-duty weekend outfits, too. Don't get me wrong, suede jackets are also stylish, but their leather counterparts have that evergreen, timeless, and all-weather appeal, keeping you looking chic come rain or shine all year round.

You may have multiple pairs of jeans, a stack of basic t-shirts, a rotation of footwear styles and a collection of jewellery you reach for each morning, but arguably, one perfect leather jacket is all you need to finish your looks. When chosen well, it can become synonymous with your personal style, whether that is classic, modern, practical or otherwise.

A well-invested leather jacket is something you can return to frequently, and so you will likely want to invest some care, thought, and time into your shopping process before reaching for the credit card. Available today, there is a real range of affordable high-street buys, vegan faux-leather options, contemporary styles and luxury takes on leather jackets, so there is something for every style and budget.

Not only that, but a great leather jacket will age beautifully, just like a fine wine—a gentle patina and a softness of the leather will develop the more you wear it, and you will be able to slip it on and take comfort in its familiarity and softness, which will become second nature. What I have come to learn myself, as an avid jacket wearer, is that you needn't be too precious about wearing them frequently—they are built for wear and tear. Of course, you can take good care in hanging and storing it, and a once-yearly treatment with a leather conditioner and soft cloth won't go amiss (this will help remove any built-up dirt and give it a fresh sheen), but they are meant to be tough, so feel free to wear yours daily.

May I also bring your attention to 'leather-look', vegan options, which don't have to break the bank. Leather-alternative pieces can be found in nearly every high street store, including our favourites H&M, ASOS, and Mango, which offer great faux-leather choices aside from the classic dreamy designer and high-end luxury pieces at the higher end of the scale.

Now, you may be wondering, how does one wear a leather jacket? The possibilities are truly endless. For starters, want to spice up that party dress? A leather jacket is the answer. Trying to add a little 'je nais se quoi' to your white button-down shirt and boyfriend jeans? Enter the leather jacket. To quote Cady Heron, "the limit does not exist", and you'll look good no matter what the trend climate may dictate. It's the ultimate versatile wardrobe staple. Fact!

Finding The One, like any good relationship, is hard—it's a commitment. But, fear not—we've edited the current options with a meticulous eye, bringing you the greatest leather jackets you can buy right now, which will serve you for the rest of your stylish life. You're in this for the long haul! Our pick of leather jackets are so much more than a line-up of black bikers (however, should a classic moto still make your heart skip a beat, that's entirely acceptable). The leather jackets of today range from vintage-feel, distressed, funnel-necked and in unusual colourways, which offer a fresh departure to classic black.

There really is something for everyone, so scroll down now to shop the crème de la crème of the best leather jackets available at your fingertips today. Happy shopping!

The Best Leather Jackets:

1. Best Trending Style: The Funnel-Neck Leather Jacket

Style notes:
"While I can appreciate a form-fitting jacket or leather blazer style, for me a puffy oversized fit will always be in style. From the viral Acne Studios puffer, to my very own Stand Studio number, there is an innate throw-on-and-go, cool-girl polish that always draws me in. As of late, I've spotted funnel-neck styles everywhere—it feels like this year fashion people are besotted with this iteration of the leather jacket!
When I shop, my ethos is searching for the highest quality products at the very best price, which means I tend to shop around before I decide on The One."
Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, Junior Fashion Editor

Pros:
- Comfortable, oversized fit
- Cooler aesthetic
- Trending style
- Warmer on the neck

Cons:
- High collar can easily get dirty, especially with makeup worn on the face
- High neck can make wearing a scarf more restrictive

Best Funnel-Neck Leather Jacket:

2. Best for Transitional Weather: The Clean Bonded Jacket

Style Notes:
"This bonded leather jacket has become a signature for Whistles, and as such, a signature for me and my wardrobe! Selling out season after season, each year Whistles delivers one (or several) with a slightly tweaked silhouette, colour or shape. I think a bonded style is ever so slightly elevated over other leather styles, especially those bomber shapes or those with distressed leather exteriors. I've had this one for three years, and wear it each autumn with light layers below, then when winter sets in, it's roomy enough to place cosy knits underneath instead. Highly recommend!"
Florrie Alexander, Shopping Editor

Pros:
- Seamless exterior for cleaner silhouette
- More spacious, great for layering knits below
- Large pockets

Cons:
- Pockets are large, but if you put anything too big inside (although it fits), it will appear bulky
- Scratches easily

Best Clean Bonded Leather Jacket:

3. Best for Casual Looks: The Distressed Leather Jacket

Style Notes:
"Many would say a leather jacket is a capsule wardrobe staple, but for me it really depends on the leather jacket in question. I'm not such a fan of neat, fitted biker jackets, but a distressed, oversized bomber style? Sign me up. When browsing for these, I will usually only buy real leather. The only exception I'd make is if it's a sustainable brand who has found an alternative option from recycled materials. I really like distressed leather, something that will age well and looks casual and cool. As much as I love vintage for this, this ASOS one caught my eye earlier this year and I've worn it at least weekly ever since—I love its zipped pockets, worn-in aesthetic and free-size fit."
Rebecca Rhys-Evans, Acting Deputy Editor

Pros:
- Multiple zips for essentials
- Longer and more oversized fit

Cons:
- Distressed leather can further damage more easily

Best Distressed Leather Jacket:

4. Best for Evening Looks Wear: Leather Biker Jacket

Style Notes:
"Ever since I was 17 years old, I've had an oversized biker jacket of some variety in my wardrobe. I am yet to come across an outfit that can't be improved by throwing a biker jacket on over the top. Over the years, I've worn the style with the skinniest of jeans, thrown over the Topshop tea dresses of the 00s, draped over my shoulders over slinky evening slips and, most notably in 2025, paired with some form of athleisure. Right now, I'm pairing my beloved M&S faux leather biker jacket with Adidas shorts and striped tracksuit bottoms. There's something about it that just works, even though it very much shouldn't."
Shannon Lawlor, Beauty Director

Pros:
- Timeless, classic style
- Supple and soft faux leather

Cons:
- Faux leather tends not to be as long-lasting

Best Leather Biker Jacket:

5. Best for Everyday Wear: The Vintage Leather Jacket

Style Notes:
"I'm an avid secondhand shopper, and there is perhaps no better item to buy pre-loved than a leather jacket. Only getting better with age, the leather softens and gets even more comfortable the more you wear it. It goes without saying the best thing about vintage, is that it's (usually) a fraction of the cost of new pieces with the same quality or brand name. My tip is to check the measurements if buying online and are worried about fit, ask for plenty of pictures to show any marks or aging (just so you know exactly what you're buying), and search for brands that were reputable in the '80s, '90s or early '00s."
Natalie Munro, News Writer

Pros:
- Buying pre-loved is more affordable
- More sustainable way to shop

Cons:
- There's an element of surprise with secondhand, you can't rely you'll find exactly what you're looking for

Best Vintage Leather Bomber Jacket:

SHOP MORE LEATHER JACKETS

What to Look for in a Leather Jacket?

The right leather jacket should feel like it was made for you. Start with the cut: do you prefer something sharp and structured, like a blazer, or do you lean towards the relaxed, lived-in vibe of a bomber or biker? Fabric is another key detail. Genuine leather will soften beautifully over time, whilst modern faux leathers can look impressively luxe without the higher price tag. Pay attention to the hardware, too—zips, buttons and stitching should feel solid and well-made, not flimsy. And most importantly, think about how it fits into your wardrobe. The best leather jackets are the ones that go with everything, so you'll find yourself reaching for them on repeat, and they'll prove to be truly worth your money.

How We Chose the Best Leather Jackets

When we pulled this list together, we didn't just pick the first jackets we saw online. We considered what fashion insiders are wearing, which styles keep showing up on our feeds and in our favourite stores, and how versatile each piece will be in a real wardrobe. We looked at quality—whether that's buttery-soft real leather or standout vegan alternatives—and how much wear you're realistically likely to get out of each jacket. And of course, value played a big role. Leather is an investment, but we've only highlighted jackets that we believe earn their price tag in terms of design, cut and longevity.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.