Buying a leather jacket can be nerve wracking. Behind a well made suit, there’s no other more cost-prohibitive item of clothing than a leather or suede piece of outerwear, and that comes down to two factors: material cost, and difficulty to produce. Hides are a unique material in that they’re a) very finite and take years to grow, b) are susceptible natural imperfections like scarring, and c) are shaped like the 2D flat of whatever animal they came from. Unlike a woven cloth which can be woven to lengths of hundreds of yards, each hide is limited to the size of the animal it came from. And this isn’t the only area where hides separate themselves from woven cloth, leather can be a more demanding material to work with and shape into a garment. Being a thicker and heartier material, leather requires special machines, tools, and skills to work with.
While the world of leather outerwear is vast and nerdy beyond comprehension, today I want to provide an entry-point for anyone looking to tip their toe in and get themselves a leather jacket. First, I’ll discuss a bit about the different material options which may be available to you in the new and vintage market. Then we’ll dive into 18 different leather and suede jackets I’d recommend, ranging from more fashionable options to true-blue nerdy shit (Shinki tea-core and all that jazz, for you fedora lounge freaks). Finally, we’ll end off with some sage advice for you vintage shoppers out there. Good luck!
Very durable and resistant to abrasion. Develops a natural patina over time. Relatively thick and stiff initially, but breaks in nicely. Good weather resistance. Middle-of-the-road pricing. Classic choice for motorcycle jackets.
Exceptionally durable with high tensile strength. Dense fiber structure makes it highly water-resistant. Develops a beautiful glossy finish with age. More rigid initially, needs substantial break-in time. Tends to be more expensive than steerhide.
Highest strength-to-weight ratio of any leather. Extremely lightweight yet remarkably strong. Superior abrasion resistance. More supple and flexible than other tough leathers. Very comfortable against skin. Premium pricing due to limited availability.
Thick and rugged with natural grain patterns. Excellent wind protection. Develops unique character and patina. Heavier than most other leathers. Good durability for rough use. Mid-to-high price range.
Exceptionally soft and pliable. Breathable and comfortable in various temperatures. Distinctive suede-like texture. Less water-resistant than other leathers. Requires more frequent care. Higher maintenance needs.
Incredibly soft and supple from first wear. Lightweight and comfortable. Luxurious feel against the skin. Less durable than thicker leathers. Limited weather protection. Premium pricing for high-quality pieces. Popular for fashion-forward designs.
I have an earlier version of this jacket and the fit is dead on. I love this new leather finish, great jacket.
Easy type-two-esque cropped rancher jacket.
