The 15 Best Leather Jackets for Women to Wear for Any Occasion This Spring

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Updated February 29, 2024: This best leather jackets for women guide was updated with new in-stock product for spring 2024 season, along with additional trend insights, outfit inspiration, and tips on how to care for a leather jacket.

You can never go wrong with a leather jacket. It’s one of those garments that always stays in style and instantly evokes personality, and the best leather jackets of 2024 update the classic piece with modern stylings. “Leather jackets are an iconic and timeless staple, perfect for anyone and everyone’s closet,” says Caroline Huang Maguire, Shopbop Fashion Director. “What makes it such an important piece to own is its versatility.” 

Leather jackets are as reliable as a great pair of women’s jeans, because they go with everything and add polish to any ensemble you pluck from your wardrobe. These days, the fashion industry is blooming with innovative fabrications and advancements in sustainable or vegan leathers, as seen from standout brands like Apparis and Hyer Goods. While specific styles tend to trend from year to year, like big bombers and moto jackets for 2024, there’s a myriad of leather jacket iterations to shop that seamlessly transition through the seasons — whether as a durable winter layer, with thick insulation and shearling trims, or as a springtime topper over short hems on cool nights.

The best part about investing in one of the best leather jackets is that they only get better with age, as the leather breaks in and molds to your body with repeated wear. “A leather jacket stands out for its durability, distinctive texture, and ability to develop a unique patina over time,” says David Mesquita, Vice President of Leather Spa, an artisan leather repair studio based in New York City. “It offers an edgy style that can be dressed up or down, which sets it apart from other jacket styles.” It’s important to invest in a leather jacket that speaks to your needs and expression, because, once you fall in love with the fit, fabrication, and silhouette, it’ll become a go-to piece — like a second-skin. 

Below, we’ve highlighted the most popular leather jacket brands for women, from premium leather to upcycled and faux, including expert picks from Shopbop, such as fan-favorite Acne Studios leather jackets and BlankNYC vegan leather jackets. Since there are so many leather jacket styles to choose from, we created this guide to the best leather jackets for women with expert tips and product picks to kickstart your search.

Leather Jacket and Coat Trends for Winter 2024

Leather jackets continue to evolve with each season, and erupted in new styles and sentiments for spring 2024. At Coach, models walked for the first time in upcycled leather, shaped in wide, oversized silhouettes with classic biker hardware. Stella McCartney, a frontrunner in eco-friendly fabrications, showed cropped jackets made of circular vegan leather — of which last season’s presentation featured a first-of-its-kind plant-based, plastic-free leather alternative, called Mirum, in handbags. Other prominent brands like Hermès and Gucci are also including vegan alternatives to leather in their jackets and beyond.

“Faux leather jackets are trending and make an excellent investment,” notes Maguire. “Agolde and Blank NYC have a great assortment of quality, vegan leather jackets that work well with any wardrobe.” Sustainable and upcycled leather jacket options are also becoming increasingly more shoppable from leather heritage brands like Saint Laurent.

Along with Coach, the oversized jacket reigned supreme across the Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta spring runways, while Acne Studios opted for sleek, longline blazer styles that rested at a midi hem. We also saw leather take new shapes at Chloé, Dion Lee, Jacquemus, and Robert Wun Couture, whether as full-body dresses that created curves through puff sleeves and asymmetrical elements, or as cropped puffer jackets that ballooned in volume above the waist.

When it comes to street style, leather jackets are always in, and offers a treasure trove of styling inspiration. This season, we saw leather lathered all over fashion week attendees, from blazer cuts to billowing trenches. There were several sightings of full-body leather frocks, longline jackets with waist-cinching leather ribbons, and shearling-trimmed aviator styles that held up against the wintry chill. Of course, there was no shortage of biker styles, though they unexpectedly appeared in rich browns and reds, aptly carrying on fall’s prominent deep color trends.

How to Style a Leather Jacket

Off the bat, there’s no “wrong” way to style a leather jacket. Leather, whether real or faux, can look luxe and elevated or relaxed and ultra-cool, but it’s all in the pairings you choose based on the occasion. Of course, different silhouettes lend themselves to different functions, like sleek blazers for work or cropped styles for nights out, but the magic of a classic leather jacket style lies in its boundless versatility. Below, we’ve styled the Editor’s Choice Acne Studios Belted Leather Biker Jacket, which we deem a quintessential style for a range of occasions and preferences, particularly for transitioning from winter to spring.

Women’s Leather Jacket Outfit Idea for Daytime

A classic biker leather jacket is the ultimate throw-on-and-go piece, and dresses up even the most casual outfits. This daytime leather jacket outfit will take you from an errand run to brunch, and features a simple outfit formula of an easy white t-shirt and essential baggy jeans. This base allows you to play with any combination of fun accessories, so we leaned into a western-inspired feel with a burst of red cowboy boots and a low-profile Gucci Horsebit Bag — which matches the jacket in silver hardware. Speaking of hardware, select more minimalist jewelry that won’t compete with its shine, like these sweet Balenciaga heart earrings.

Agolde Low Slung Baggy Jeans

Women’s Leather Jacket Outfit Idea for Work

Office attire has evolved in recent years to welcome more personality and comfort, though your work ensemble shouldn’t stray too far from refined. Wearing a leather jacket in professional environments may seem far-fetched, but it can actually serve the purpose of a blazer when styled correctly. Start with a dressy midi skirt and then choose a neckline that means business, like a solid turtleneck or crisp button-down. For long days at the office, you can opt for a heel, an ankle boot, or a smart loafer, but we chose an elegant flat to offer comfort and support for bustling commutes. Each piece brings a softer feel to the harsh leather jacket, while leveraging its luxe leather material as a polish point. As for a designer work bag, go for a contrasting texture or color to break up monochromatic ensembles.

Women’s Leather Jacket Outfit Idea for a Night Out

Similar to a black leather jacket, the best part about nightime is that it serves as a backdrop to play with textures and colors that you wouldn’t otherwise grab for in the day. For this look, we opted for a trendy silver frock to allow the jacket’s hardware to pop — plus, you can never go wrong with the ease, comfort, and timeless polish of slip dress. Considering that the dress and jacket will command all the shine, we kept the details subdued, with a classic pair of leather kitten heels, perfect for dancing or walking on pavement, and small silver huggie earrings. But don’t be afraid to add a punchy pop of color with a mini bag — silver is a neutral, as far as we’re concerned.

Rotate Birger Christensen Sidney Metallic Stretch-Satin Mini Dress

Jennifer Fisher Samira 10K Gold-Plated Micro Huggie Earrings

Coachtopia Mini Wavy Dinky Bag in Crinkled Patent Leather

Sam Edelman Bianca Sling Kitten Heels

The Different Types of Leather Jackets and Coats

On your hunt for your second-skin, there are several different styles to consider, as well as the type of leather you select. Mesquita explains that genuine leather derived from animals is the most natural choice, and comes with a unique texture that develops a soft patina finish over time. “Leather is more breathable, while some faux leather can be less breathable,” he says. “Ultimately, the choice between genuine and faux leather depends on personal preferences, budget, and ethical considerations.”

While Mesquita notes that synthetic leather can be made from various materials such as polyurethane or PVC that can feel artificial in texture, there are also a number of sustainable or vegan leather jackets worth trying for a softer, more organic feel. Brands like Apparis offer 100% cruelty-free vegan leather in a myriad of finishes and colorways, while Hyer Goods creates leather jackets from deadstock that already feels lived-in. You can shop genuine leather from responsible brands like Reformation, or splurge on the most premium quality leather from brands Acne Studios, Allsaints, or Staud, for decades worth of wear — or, opt for reversible two-in-one jackets, which make for sustainable options in the long run.

Motorcycle-Inspired Leather Jackets

The motorcycle leather jacket or biker leather jacket is one of the most common leather jacket styles. It’s been around since 1928 when Schott NYC released the “Perfecto” jacket worn by Harley Davidson and was later revamped in the ‘80s with patches and studs during the rebellious rock and roll era. The moto jacket was designed to be thick and durable for motorcycle riders as protection against the elements and padding for potential injuries. It hugs tight to the torso, often with a belted hem, and is made with thick leather, functional pockets, and tough-looking embellishments. Trends today reimagine the style in oversized and cropped iterations as a sexy statement piece for casual daytime activities or city nights. “Oversized moto styles are a must. They’re timeless and can complement any look,” said Maguire. “I think a classic, oversized moto is the perfect silhouette that can be paired with a number of looks.” Celebs like Irina Shayk, Dua Lipa, and Hailey Bieber have all been seen rocking vintage-inspired motorcycle jackets in their luxe-cool street style this year.

Women’s Leather Blazers

Leather blazers are a clean, sophisticated take on rich leather and are great for wearing from the office to after-work drinks. Like a normal blazer, women’s leather blazers fall at the middle of the hip, cinches in at the waist, and often have a traditional notch lapel. Kaia Gerber’s often seen in relaxed versions, pairing it with straight denim jeans on a coffee run, while Gigi Hadid loves to elevate feminine skirts with a structured leather blazer that tucks in at her waist.

Women’s Leather Trench Coats

Leather trench coats are a must-have from fall to spring. This style is ideal for chilly-but-not-freezing weather because it sits tight to the body and its length, which can fall from mid-thigh to well past the knee, blocks out strong wind. On a recent trip to Paris, Kim Kardashian wore a long black leather trench to a PSG soccer game, styled with over-the-knee boots. Selena Gomez’s New York City style keeps all kinds of trenches on rotation, and she was spotted this spring in a plum-colored leather tie-waist trench while filming Only Murders In The Building, paired with a pink collared shirt and white Dr. Marten’s boots.

Women’s Leather Bomber Jackets

Leather bomber jackets give weight and high function to the traditional, aviator-inspired jacket and are a great everyday layering piece. They’re often oversized with simple, sporty detailing, so they can be paired with athleisure for a casual lunch look or dressed up with heels for a dinner date or nighttime event. The Loewe Quilted Leather Bomber Jacket has taken over celebs’ Instagram outfit posts in the past couple of months, including Kendall Jenner, Lori Harvey, and Hailey Bieber, and features an ultra-puffy silhouette and buttery-smooth leather finish.

What to Look for in a Leather Jacket

Leather jackets are meant to be lived in and worn over and over, so prioritizing versatility and durability is a must. They’re an investment piece, so it should be a style you adore and feel comfortable in — whether you want to feel too cool for school or sleek and sophisticated.  “I think it all comes down to your budget and style,” says  Mesquita. “When investing in a leather jacket, consider the design, fit, and overall style that aligns with your personal taste and wardrobe.”

Similarly, Maguire recommends factoring in fit, quality, and price before placing a purchase. “You first want to make sure the fit feels right. I tend to go for an oversized look, so I can layer it with knits when the temperature drops” she adds. “When you first buy your leather jacket, I suggest wearing it as much as possible to break it in properly. You want to soften those stiff leathers to achieve that vintage look that we all adore.”

How to Care for a Leather Jacket

How to clean genuine leather jackets: If your leather jacket is in need of a refresh, Mesquita says to use a damp cloth and wipe off dirt and dust. “For deeper cleaning,” he says, “use a leather-specific cleaner recommended for your type of leather.” Many brands offer leather cleaning advice for their own pieces, such as Acne Studios, Hyer Goods, or Reformation. You may even find that the brand of your leather jacket offers its own cleaner, which will ensure the most gentle and effective wash.

How to clean vegan leather jackets: “Vegan leather is often more forgiving than genuine leather, ” says Mesquita. “You can gently hand wash it in cold water with mild soap.” However, to prevent tears or altering its shape, he says to, “avoid vigorous scrubbing or wringing.”

Conditioning: If your genuine leather jacket is feeling stiff, Mesquita recommends applying a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking. It’s natural that a leather jacket will lose its elasticity over long periods of use, as natural oils within the leather fibers can dry out in different weather conditions, so a leather conditioner can restore it to a flexible, comfortable fit. After cleaning your leather jacket, spot test a leather conditioner of choice, and then coat the leather using a microfiber cloth soaked in product. Let the jacket dry for at least 24 hours, and wipe away any remaining residue before wearing.

Storage: No matter the slouchy or fitted style, it’s important to maintain the shape of your jacket to get the most use out of it over time. Mesquita advises to hang your leather jacket on a padded hanger for best structure support, as this will maintain its shape and avoid wrinkles, kinks, and bends. “Keep your jacket away from prolonged exposure to moisture,” adds Mesquita, “as this can damage leather. If it gets wet, let it air dry naturally at room temperature.” He also recommends using a leather protector or waterproofing spray as a shield against stains and moisture — but always make sure to spot test.

Protection and repairs: If you own a vegan leather jacket, Mesquita says that minor repairs like stitching or patching small tears can be done at home with a sewing kit. But, regardless of real or faux leather, if your jacket is seeing significant damage, it’s best to bring it to the professionals, like Leather Spa in New York City.

How We Selected the Best Leather Jackets for Women

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To choose the best leather jackets for women, we interviewed a style industry expert for selections and recommendations, as well as key knowledge on leather jacket styling, long-term care, and popular brands among customers. We curated the best leather jackets for women based on emerging styles, classic designs, and current streetwear trends. We also considered wide research in the outwear market including comparisons of customer review quotes, innovative fabric usage, and our own leather jacket product testing. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Expert

Caroline Huang Maguire is the Fashion Director at Shopbop. She works with fashion buyers and marketing teams to curate current shopping trends. With over 15 years of fashion industry experience under her belt, she’s an expert in shopping trends and emerging brands.

David Mesquita is the Vice President of Leather Spa, an artisan leather repair and care studio based in New York City, and has been working for the family business for over 34 years. His father, Carlos Mesquita, first opened Leather Spa in France, before moving it to New York City in the early 1980s.

Meet the Author

Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. Cigliano updated this leather jacket shopping guide for 2024 with retailer new releases and fresh trends for fall and winter.