7 Things You Should Know Before Choosing a Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is one of the most enduring wardrobe investments you can make. A good one lasts decades, improves with age and works with almost everything in your wardrobe. But buying the wrong one wastes hundreds of pounds. Here are seven things to know before you choose yours.

1. Real Leather vs Faux Leather: The Honest Comparison

Genuine leather costs more upfront but lasts 10-20 years or longer with basic care. It develops a patina over time that makes it look better, not worse. Faux leather costs less initially but typically peels, cracks and deteriorates within two to five years, meaning you end up spending more in the long run on replacements.

If budget is tight, buy a good second-hand genuine leather jacket rather than a new faux one. eBay, Depop and vintage shops often have excellent quality leather jackets for £50-100 that will outlast a £200 high street faux leather option.

If you prefer not to wear animal products, the best faux leather options come from brands like Deadwood (recycled leather), Matt and Nat, and ALLSAINTS’ vegan range. These use higher quality synthetics that last longer than budget alternatives.

2. Know Your Leather Types

Lambskin

Soft, lightweight and drapes beautifully. The most comfortable to wear immediately as it requires less breaking in. However, it is thinner and less durable than cowhide, so it scratches more easily. Best for fashion-forward styles worn in urban settings.

Cowhide

Heavier, stiffer and extremely durable. Cowhide needs a breaking-in period of a few weeks but becomes more comfortable over time while maintaining its structure. This is the classic biker jacket leather and the best choice if you want something that ages well over many years.

Goatskin

A middle ground between lamb and cowhide. Goatskin has a distinctive pebbled texture, good durability and moderate softness. It is less common than the other two but worth considering, particularly for casual styles.

3. Fit Is Everything

A leather jacket should fit snugly in the shoulders with sleeves hitting at the wrist bone. There should be enough room to zip it up over a thin jumper but not so much that it looks boxy when worn open over a t-shirt. The hem should sit at your hip – anything longer starts looking like a coat, anything shorter can look like a crop.

Try it on with what you will actually wear underneath. If you plan to layer it over hoodies, you need a slightly larger size than if you wear it over t-shirts. Unlike fabric jackets, leather does not stretch much in the shoulders, so get the shoulder fit right first and everything else follows.

4. Classic Styles That Never Date

The biker jacket (asymmetric zip, belted waist) is the most iconic and versatile style. The bomber (ribbed cuffs and hem, front zip) is more casual and relaxed. The racer (clean front, minimal hardware) is the most understated and works in smart-casual settings. Choose one of these three and you cannot go wrong.

5. Budget Expectations for Quality

A genuinely good leather jacket costs £200-500 from brands like ALLSAINTS, Schott NYC, Reiss and Belstaff. Under £200, quality drops noticeably. Premium options from Acne Studios, The Kooples and designer labels run £500-1,500 but the quality difference above £500 becomes marginal for most people.

6. Breaking In Your Jacket

A new leather jacket will feel stiff. Wear it around the house, move your arms, sit in it. Most jackets need 10-20 wears to break in properly. Resist the urge to use conditioner too early – let the leather soften naturally first. After a month, a light application of leather conditioner keeps it supple.

7. Care and Maintenance

Hang on a wide, padded hanger (never a wire one). Keep away from direct heat and sunlight when storing. Condition once or twice a year with a quality leather balm. If it gets wet, let it dry naturally at room temperature. Never put leather near a radiator or hairdryer. A properly cared-for leather jacket will still look exceptional in twenty years. For more style advice, see our spring colour trends and our linen dresses guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you spend on a leather jacket?

For genuine leather that will last years, budget £200-500. ALLSAINTS, Schott NYC and Reiss offer excellent quality in this range. Spending more than £500 brings diminishing returns for most buyers.

Is a leather jacket worth the investment?

Yes, a quality leather jacket is one of the best wardrobe investments because it lasts 10-20 years, works across seasons and improves with age. The cost per wear makes it cheaper than most fast fashion items over time.

How do you know if a leather jacket fits properly?

The shoulders should fit snugly without pulling, sleeves should hit at the wrist bone, and you should be able to zip it comfortably over a thin layer. The hem should sit at hip level. Try it on with what you will actually wear underneath.