20 Best Leather Jackets for Women 2023

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You can never go wrong with a women’s leather jacket. It’s one of those garments that stands the test of time and always stays in style, and the best leather jackets of 2023 modernize the classic with fresh trends.

From its biker origins of the ‘20s, James Dean’s coolness of the ‘50s, and its rock and roll and grunge iterations in the successive decades, the leather jacket is a style statement that instantly evokes personality. “Leather jackets are an iconic and timeless staple, perfect for anyone and everyone’s closet,” said Shopbop Fashion Director, Caroline Huang Maguire. “What makes it such an important piece to own is its versatility.”

Today, leather jackets for women are as reliable as a great pair of women’s jeans, because they go with everything and add polish to any outfit. According to MarketWatch.com, shoppers can’t get enough of leather jackets, and the fashion industry is blooming with innovative fabrications and advancements in sustainable vegan leathers, as seen from brands like Desserto and Mirum. While there’s an infinite amount of new leather jacket and coat iterations to shop each season, it’s a classic style that lends itself to be worn as a fall jacket or a springtime topper. Plus, leather jackets only look better with age, as the leather breaks in and molds to your body with repeated wear. It’s important to invest in a leather jacket that speaks to your needs and expression, because, when once you fall in love with the fit, fabrication, and silhouette of one, it’ll become a go-to piece, like a second-skin.

We’re highlighting some of the most popular leather jacket brands for women, from premium leather to upcycled and faux. We’re also including expert picks from Shopbop, where Maguire says they’re seeing popularity amongst fan-favorite Acne Studios leather jackets, as well as BlankNYC’s vegan leather jackets. Since there are so many leather jacket style variations and new trends to choose from, we created this guide to the best leather jackets for women with expert tips and product picks to kickstart your search.

Best Sustainable Leather Jacket

If you like to shop sustainably without sacrificing on style, look to Agolde’s Charli Jacket made from recycled leather. It’s made with a mixture of recycled cowhide and faux leather, so the leather isn’t as heavy as a traditional leather jacket while still being non-stretch. It buttons up to a point collar and can be worn open for a slouchy feel. “This recycled leather jacket from Agolde is incredibly soft and luxe,” says Maguire. “The best part is the jacket’s silhouette is oversized, making it great for layering with sweaters, hoodies, and more.”

Courtesy of Agolde

Agolde Recycled Leather Charli Jacket In Detox $598 Buy Now at Saks Fifth Avenue

Agolde Recycled Leather Charli Jacket In Detox $598 Buy Now at Shopbop

Best Brown Leather Jacket

This distressed brown leather jacket from Grlfrnd gives a lived-in, oversized vibe. Its bomber silhouette allows room for year-round layer, with unique zipper cuffs as an added style touch and functional side pockets. The jacket comes in high-quality genuine leather, which makes it supple yet firm for an ideal vintage feel. Classic brown leather look gets a cool, downtown personality with this piece, making it a stylish staple for day-to-night occasions.

Courtesy of Revolve

Grlfrnd Alek Distressed Leather Jacket $615 Buy Now At Revolve

Grlfrnd Alek Distressed Leather Jacket $615 Buy Now At FWRD

Best Leather Jacket For Brunch

A brunch date calls for something playful and feminine, which is an unexpected attitude in the context of a classic leather jacket. But Cami NYC’s Beta Puff-Sleeve Leather Jacket turns the style on its head, in a whimsical fresh fusing of a moto jacket with blouse-like details. The staple asymmetrical zip silhouette with shiny hardware and a notched collar is adorned with puff sleeves and ruffle shoulders for a modern twist on a classic. Move over, bikers — this leather jacket is for the ladies who lunch.

Courtesy of Cami NYC

Cami NYC Beta Puff-Sleeve Leather Jacket $595 $238 Buy Now at Saks Fifth Avenue

Best Leather Jacket for Travel

This Faux Shearling moto jacket is the perfect leather jacket for travel because it’s equipped with tons of secure zipper pockets, adjustable features, and will keep you covered in harsh climates. No matter where you’re jet-setting, you’ll be cozy from the plane to your destination with its super soft faux shearling lining. The smooth black finish of the genuine black leather gives an edge to any dressed-up or dressed-down look, whether you’re layering with a sweater or tossing over your favorite pair of jeans.

What reviewers say: “Beautiful coat!! Looks and feels like expensive Italian leather. The fur is thick and plush. I’m so glad I was able to find such a beautiful substitute for leather.”

Courtesy of Amazon

Ly Varey Lin Faux Shearling Moto Jacket $69 Buy Now At Amazon

Best Leather Jacket for Work

The Bardot Faux Leather Belted Jacket from Lblc The Label gives a sleek and sophisticated look to a variety of office-appropriate ensembles. It has a detachable waist tie that layers over a center button, so you can style it in different ways for multiple days of the work week. Its smooth, taupe leather looks chic with all colors, and offers a minimalist approach to leather layering. The jacket’s soft shoulders and longline hem reimagine the “power suit” sentiment, making way for pairings with turtlenecks, t-shirts, mini skirts, and trousers. Wear this number from your commute to your desk, and to after work drinks, too.

Courtesy of Revovle

Bardot Faux Leather Belted Jacket $240 $168 Buy Now At Revolve

Best Long Leather Coat

There’s nothing like the feeling of strutting around in a long black leather trench coat. It’s a powerful silhouette that carries an outfit by itself and is a foolproof layering statement that blocks out a frigid breeze. This buttoned-up option from the leather jacket experts at BlankNYC has a streamlined fit, which makes room for layering cozy sweater dresses or flowy frocks underneath — and wouldn’t it look so cute with a pair of matching black knee-high boots? Wear it closed for extra warmth, with your favorite belt to accentuate the waist, or undone as a long blazer style.

Courtesy of Revolve

BlankNYC Leather Coat $118 Buy Now At Revolve

Best Leather Blazer

Steve Madden’s Imaan Leather Blazer is luxe-looking and professional, making it great for wearing to the office or for dressing up a casual ensemble. It comes in clean black and rich cognac color options, with a waist-cinching front button and functional flap pockets. Its padded shoulders will add authoritative structure to anything you layer underneath, whether it be a simple tee, turtleneck sweater, or flattering bodysuit.

Courtesy of Revolve

Steve Madden Imaan Faux Leather Blazer $99 Buy Now At Revolve

Steve Madden Imaan Faux Leather Blazer $98.95 Buy Now At Zappos

Best Everyday Leather Jacket for Women

This Vela Leather Biker Jacket from AllSaints is a great go-to option for everyday wear. It includes signature motorcycle jacket elements while remaining minimal in its design with clean cuts. It’s a slim-fit, lightweight leather jacket that will polish an outfit without overwhelming it. Its soft lambskin leather will look better with wear, so you can never wear it too many times. The gold hardware adds a luxe touch to the streamlined jacket along the cuff, along with a chic asymmetrical zip.

What reviewers say: “This leather jacket is buttery-soft and feels nice to the skin and touch. This is an investment piece that you will wear any time you feel like rocking a jacket, a leather one at that. This leather jacket makes you look put-together and I love that it elevates my simple style.”

Courtesy of Nordstrom

AllSaints Vela Leather Biker Jacket $499 Buy Now at Nordstrom

AllSaints Vela Leather Biker Jacket $499 Buy Now at AllSaints

Best Leather Motorcycle Women’s Jacket

Look to Acne Studios for the ultimate leather biker jacket, which is Maguire-approved. “This piece is classic, versatile, and made with high-quality leather, allowing it to be worn season after season,” she explains. It’s made with heavyweight, non-stretch leather, making it a great option for chilly days in transitioning seasons, along with its long zippered sleeves and high asymmetrical zip. The patchwork front pockets and interior pockets provide functional storage for essentials for daytime adventures or nighttime concerts.

Courtesy of Acne Studios

Acne Studios Leather Biker Jacket $1,700 Buy Now at ShopBop

Best Oversized Leather Jacket

Topshop’s Oversize Faux Leather Biker Jacket has a roomy fit for throwing on over everyday outfits. Its voluminous biker silhouette, worn-in texturing, and classic notched collar give an effortlessly rocker-chic look. The oversized silhouette allows for layering in all climates, whether with cute hoodies, easy crop tops, or even mini dresses. Choose from soft sage green, distressed brown, or bold black, with silver hardware and functional pockets on the sleeves.

What reviewers say: ” So comfortable and easy to wear with anything. It can be styled up or down.”

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Topshop Oversize Faux Leather Biker Jacket $111 Buy Now At Nordstrom

Topshop Oversize Faux Leather Biker Jacket $116 Buy Now At Asos

Best Leather Bomber Jacket for Women

The Faux Leather Bomber Jacket from Levi’s is the quintessential black leather bomber every closet needs. The sporty style is made edgy with sleek and soft faux leather, with silver zippers and a stretchy knit rib hem. The traditionally baggy style is ideal for layering with thick hoodies or sweaters or can frame a low-profile top like a classic leather jacket when left unzipped. Pair this one with your favorite pair of Levi’s blue jeans or play into the city-girl feel with a mini skirt or dress.

What reviewers say: “Obsessed with this jacket, great for dressing up and down! Definitely a must have,” to which another reviewer agreed, “The best asset to my closet, definitely worth the money!”

Courtesy of Amazon

Levi’s Faux Leather Bomber Jacket $84 $79.99 Buy Now at Nordstrom

Levi’s Faux Leather Bomber Jacket $84 Buy Now at Amazon

Best Women’s White Leather Motorcycle Jacket

If you’re searching for a leather jacket with all the classic elements of a motorcycle jacket but in a nontraditional neutral, check out BlankNYC’s Early Riser Jacket made from faux leather. The bright white color transitions seamlessly for spring and summer and is finished with silver hardware details along the collar and zippers. The non-stretch heavyweight faux leather mimics the texture of genuine leather without being too bulky for the warmer months. “The structure of the jacket is classic, and this crisp bright white vegan leather screams chic,” says Maguire.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

BlankNYC Early Riser Jacket $148 Buy Now at ShopBop

Best Plus Size Leather Jacket

River Island’s Plus Size Biker Jacket is an everyday staple in quality faux leather. The black and silver biker has all the fix-ins for a classic motorcycle jacket, like a notched collar, silver hardware, functional pockets, and statement zippers. The fabric is designed for mid-season layering, so it’s not too heavy or too thin for chilly days between seasons. Style this leather jacket with anything from a vintage tee to a slip dress.

What reviewers say: One customer wrote, “I wanted faux leather but I didn’t want cheap-looking. This jacket is it and more!!” Another said, “It fits perfectly, it’s lined and has a nice gold zip finish. I am very happy and have had some lovely compliments.”

Courtesy of River Island

River Island Plus Faux Leather Biker Jacket in Black $120 Buy Now at ShopBop

Best Leather Racer Jacket for Women

A racer jacket always adds an ultra-cool touch to an outfit and Cole Haan’s Smooth Leather Jacket is a minimal way to pull off the sexy look. Made of super smooth lambskin, this leather racer has ribbing down the torso and back with textured shoulder panels. It has the quintessential single-snap collar with bright gold hardware for rocker-chic contrast. Pair this piece with a mini dress, trousers, or go all-out racer with your favorite black leather pants.

What reviewers say: “So soft. Beautiful jacket. I would definitely size up or be prepared for a true fit to size,” wrote one customer, while another said, “This jacket is amazing! It is buttery soft and fits true to size. It’s very well made and the gold zipper and hardware on it looks expensive. I’ve worn it multiple times and love it more each time. Buy it!”

Courtesy of Cole Haan

Cole Haan Women’s Smooth Leather Jacket $400 $269.99 Buy Now at Nordstrom

Best Leather Jacket for Formal Occasions

For a formal event, look to Norma Kamali’s vegan leather blazer. Its supple, smooth leather falls at the mid-thigh, with simple curved hems and minimal frills. This single-breasted topper has a slightly oversized fit with sharp padded drop shoulders, making it sleek for styling atop detailed blouses or long skirts. With a black, shiny finish, the coat will add a touch of edge to any feminine frock, while the darted waist and belt ensures a flattering fit.

Courtesy of Shopbop

Norma Kamali Oversized Single Breasted Jacket $295 Buy Now At Shopbop

Norma Kamali Oversized Single Breasted Jacket $295 Buy Now At Net-A-Porter

Best Cropped Leather Jacket

There’s a variety of cropped leather jackets on the market to choose from in all the classic leather jacket styles, and the Staten Island Faux Leather Moto Jacket from Lioness embodies a relaxed, too-cool-for-school vibe. It’s subtle slouchy fit falls just below the belly button to expose minimal midriff, and features a belted hem, asymmetric front zip, and entirely monochrome color palette. Toss this over your favorite crop, bra top, two-piece set, or over long shirts to play with proportions.

Courtesy of Bloomingdale’s

Lioness Staten Island Faux Leather Moto Jacket $109 $54.50 Buy Now At Bloomingdale’s

Best Red Leather Jacket for Women

A red leather jacket is an easy statement piece to keep in your wardrobe when you want a pop of color that feels rock-and-roll. Levi’s Faux Leather Moto Jacket is a classic biker style in a red-hot shade, with several other color options to choose from as well. It has insulated lining, making it wearable for a variety of climates, with long zip sleeves, and a high asymmetrical front zip. Its looser fit allows for thick layering underneath and has a semi-satin sheen that looks like real leather.

What reviewers say: One wrote, “If you didn’t know it was faux you would think it was leather. The fit is perfect and the weight is lightweight. It looks great with so many looks, like jeans, dresses, skirts and tops.” Another said, “Fit is great. More than that it is comfortable! Looks great, fits great, feels great…. What more can you ask?”

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Levi’s Women’s Faux Leather Moto Jacket $89 Buy Now at Nordstrom

Best Pink Leather Jacket

This Barbie is a biker. If the bubblegum pink hue on this classic moto jacket isn’t enough convincing for you slam “add to cart,” it also features a trendy croc-embossed texture. Go full-out doll with a cute mini skirt or lean into the edge with a pair of leather pants — and why not top off the look with a pop of pink lipstick on the lips?

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Naked Wardrobe Faux Leather Moto Jacket $180 Buy Now At Nordstrom

Best Blue Leather Jacket for Women

If blue’s your color, the Faux Leather Biker Jacket from Ly Varey Lin comes in a sweet periwinkle shade that’s perfect for spring and summer. It’s a classic moto-style leather jacket, with silver hardware, front pockets, and a belted hem. It lays short, just below the waist, and it can be styled with high-waisted pants or skirts. It’s also water-repellent and windproof so that it can brighten even the dreariest weather days.

What reviews say: One customer said, “It’s super. Who doesn’t want a baby blue motorcycle jacket? This was a sentimental and lovely choice for me. Being vegetarian I appreciated this non-animal option.” Another wrote, “The jacket fits perfectly and is everything I wanted! Five stars!”

Courtesy of Amazon

Ly Varey Lin Faux Leather Biker Jacket $43.99 Buy Now at Amazon

Best Women’s Quilted Leather Jacket

This Faux Leather Quilted Jacket from Calvin Klein is a must-have for transitioning seasons and as a chic winter coat for women. The streamlined silhouette is made warm with trendy puff quilting for an effortlessly stylish look. It has chest pockets and a point collar for a shirt-like feel, falling below the waist in a dip hem for added insulation in frigid winds. Layer this jacket with sweaters, blouses, or even throw it on over activewear as a casual yet put-together look.

What reviewers say: “The longer length is perfect and although pretty warm it’s not so heavy,” wrote a customer. Another said, “Very warm and love the fact that it covers my butt. Love the quilt pattern. Buy it, you need it in your jacket rotation.”

Courtesy of Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Women’s Faux Leather Quilted Jacket $63.73 Buy Now at Amazon

Related: Best Puffer Jackets for Women

Leather jackets continue to evolve with each season, featuring new styles and sentiments. More designers are incorporating leather alternatives in their designs, from bags to jackets: Just this year, faux-leather frontrunner Stella McCartney was one of a select few brands to partner with Natural Fiber Welding in developing a plastic-free alternative to animal leather, called Mirum. Stella McCartney’s fall 2023 show debuted the first handbag crafted with the material. 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,” noted 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.

Leather trench coats are also trending: Spring 2023 runways featured the silhouette in a variety of colors and textures. Models walked in a leather palette of muted earth tones at Saint Laurent, rich browns colored Bottega Veneta, and chic snakeskin embossing was a major motif at 16Arlington. During the fall 2023 shows, the trends translated to street style looks in long leather trenches with wide lapels and tie-belt waists, where they performed as a complete outfit statement, rather than supplemental outerwear, draping far past the knee.

Biker jackets took over the spring 2023 runways in more feminine sentiments for the lighter months. At Isabel Marant, sleek moto jackets in white and light brown variations drew inspiration from the dichotomy of fragility and essential toughness of the modern city woman. Khaite presented an assortment of black leather with bold silver hardware in motos, trenches, and bombers, while Dion Lee and Chloé played with red leather, contrast detailing, and oversized silhouettes. Fall 2023 shows saw more leather statements at Heron Preston, Simkhai, and Victor Virgile, each featuring grungy, cropped leather jackets that cut just above the waistline.

Leather jackets are always in when it comes to street style, which is where Maguire likes to find inspiration. “Most recently, I loved Rihanna’s off the shoulder Alaïa look and Zendaya’s take on the moto style at Louis Vuitton’s after-party during Paris Fashion Week.”

Left to right: A guest is seen wearing a maroon leather trench coat and a cream head scarf outside the Akris show during Paris Fashion Week F/W 2023 on March 05, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images). A guest wears a white turtleneck, denim maxi dress and brown leather jacket, outside Victoria/Tomas, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall Winter 2023 2024, on February 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images). Phoebe Dynevor gold earrings, a gold large chain necklace from Louis Vuitton, a black high neck short tube dress and a black shiny leather oversized long coat outside Louis Vuitton, during Paris Fashion Week on March 06, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“There are three things I’d factor in when shopping for a leather jacket: fit, quality, and price,” said Maguire. “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.” Maguire 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. Once a year, you should dry clean your jacket and always hang it to keep the shape intact.”

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.

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.

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 in 2023 with retailer new releases and fresh trends for fall and winter.

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