Before I start making my case for them being a necessary addition to any outerwear rotation, let's get one thing straight: leather jackets have always been cool. In pretty much every decade since the mid-1900s, the leather jacket has had a pop culture moment that keeps it in the fashion zeitgeist.
The earliest rendition of the jacket was made for the airforce: sheepskin-collared, military patch-sporting, Tom Cruise in Top Gun-types that have remained grails. And from then, you have biker jackets, introduced by Schott as the first modern casual leather jacket, which really started fashion's love affair with the style.
In subcultures, leather jackets have become part of the uniform for everyone from American rockabilly greasers, to punks, to 90s hip-hop culture. In cinema, you had James Dean and Marlon Brando provide an early co-sign in the 50s followed by Grease (1978), The Matrix (1999), and Training Day (2001) — just to mention a few.
And in fashion, it became the off-duty uniform of supermodels in the 90s, a time when you had everything from Posh and Becks in full leathers to Dennis Rodman's sheer vest and leather shirt on The Tonight Show.
Now, in the 21st century, the leather jacket might be having its latest big moment — and all of the styles worn above are on the table.
While the aforementioned history has put leather jackets deep into "classic fashion staple" territory, we haven't seen them this much since the early 2000s (I know, no matter what we do, we can't seem to escape Y2K style).
A flick through the current menswear shows and you'll see everyone from the big fish (Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dior, etc.) to the indie labels (Winnie NY, Marine Serre, and AT.KOLLEKTIVE) showing at the very least a couple of leather jackets on the runway — and it was the same for the AW23 season.
Not to mention streetwear collections from the likes of MENACE, Cole Buxton, and Stüssy or celebrity style moments such as A$AP Rocky's Bottega blazer, Kylie Jenner as a Biker Girl, and Irina Shayk's long trench.
So, with everything from bombers to biker jackets to Matrix-style trenches doing the rounds, we've picked out some of the best leather jackets on the market right now. Check them out below.
Scroll down to shop our favorite leather jackets
Acne Studios Distressed Leather Jacket
Slightly distressed but still retaining its original texture, this timeless piece by Acne Studios is surely worth the investment. This particular style is crafted for folks that want to add a bit of an edge to their look that will be in their wardrobe for seasons to come.
Séfr Francis Jacket
Not quite leather, but faux leather is more than ideal for those you that prefer a lightweight alternative. If you're looking to channel your inner Denzel from Training Day with a tonal brown hue, this is the jacket for you.
Andersson Bell Paneled Leather Jacket
An easy way to stand out once school is back in session is with this moto-inspired jacket by Andersson Bell. Executed with paneled detailing throughout the body and cozy quilted lining, you'll surely be the center of attention wherever you're at.
Highsnobiety Leather Jacket
Contrary to popular opinion, fall is a great time to embrace lively colors as the season transitions to winter. This striking leather jacket is crafted entirely from smooth lamb leather with a baby blue colorway that's sure to liven up your environment.
Raf Simons Leather Bomber Jacket
You can never go wrong with a classic leather bomber jacket as it contains an essence of cool that easily projects to others like rays from the sun. In all seriousness though, heading out to any function with Raf Simons draped over your body is always a good look.
Levi's Vintage Menlo Jacket
Famously worn by Albert Einstein himself, the Menlo silhouette is a classic jacket for the contemporary era. Showing up to school or work with this staple jacket by Levi's is a flex in all on its own.
Our Legacy Buta Leather Jacket
Our Legacy gives a new meaning to butter soft with this grained calfskin jacket that's ideal for anyone looking to make a statement once the weather switches up.
Celine HOMME Chain-Embellished Fringed Brushed-Suede Jacket
Although it's not quite the same jacket that A$AP Rocky was spotted wearing earlier this summer, Celine is making a case for some of the most interesting leather jackets for fall.
Diesel L-Hudson Jacket
Crafted for those of you that can appreciate versatile silhouettes and lambskin leather, the L-Hudson Jacket is a testament to timeless style and practicality.
Trussardi Jacket Faux Leather
Just because you're vegan doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to a natty leather jacket. This bomber-styled leather jacket is entirely leather-free, and features a ribbed knit collar along with a reinforced lining.
Guess USA Distressed Leather Letterman Jacket
Unless you're an athlete or a huge fan of your school, chances are you won't be caught outside in letterman jacket, but this offering from Guess with intricate distressed detailing my change your mind.
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