Leather jackets are one of those wardrobe staples that never go out of style. At Forbes Vetted, we spend a lot of time reviewing and testing men’s fashion, including outerwear. To compile this guide, we focused on options from brands like Todd Snyder, Belstaff and Cole Haan, which are known for their high level of craftsmanship and specialty in leather goods. After extensive research and considering more than 20 different styles, we gaveSchott’s Waxed Natural Pebbled Cowhide Cafe Leather Jacket the top spot thanks to its high-quality construction and clean lines. For an everyday option, you can’t go wrong with Nordstrom’s Stand Collar Leather Bomber Jacket.
The best leather jackets for men are stylish, rugged and made to last.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Good quality leather can come at a cost, so you’ll want to find options that are genuinely worth the spend in terms of style, durability, comfort and versatility. To make our final selections, we analyzed the materials, style, fit, size range, and special features or embellishments before narrowing down our list of winners. From classic bomber jackets to sleek racer styles, here are the best leather jackets for men in 2025.
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: Brown, Black | Materials: 100% cowhide leather
What’s notable: This coat is constructed with a high quality leather that has a soft, not-stiff feel.
What could be better: It can run small due to its slimmer fit.
Schott NYC began designing leather jackets back in 1913 with an emphasis on functional, rugged styles. Most notably, the brand was the first to put zippers on jackets. Its Waxed Cowhide Cafe Leather Jacket has clean lines, a durable cowhide construction and smart details (including a flannel lining, three outside zippered pockets and zipper sleeve cuffs). Given the attention to detail, the price for this leather jacket is reasonable as well.
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Best Value Leather Jacket For Men
Lived-In Look With Plenty Of Pockets
Quince
Quince 100% Leather Moto Jacket
Sizes: S to XXL | Color: Black | Materials: 100% sheep leather
What’s notable: Reviewers rave about the quality and softness of this jacket along with the affordable price.
What could be better: The fit is on the relaxed side, so you should consider sizing down for a more snug fit.
Quince’s take on a leather motorcycle jacket stays true to the original style with an asymmetrical front zipper, side pockets with zippers, zippered sleeve gussets, notch lapels and a slightly cropped body. It’s made from sheepskin, which has a soft feel—plus, it’s created in a Leather Working Group-certified tannery, which promotes sustainable business practices. Pair this jacket with a plain tee and jeans, or layer it over a crewneck sweater during the colder months.
Best Slim-Fit Leather Jacket For Men
Modern, Updated Collar Gives This a Dressy Vibe
Nordstrom
Nordstrom Stand Collar Leather Bomber Jacket
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Colors: Black, Brown Bean | Materials: 100% leather
What’s notable: This jacket has clean lines and a slim fit—which together give it an elevated look.
What could be better: The leather is on the lighter side, so if you’re looking for something extremely warm you may want to consider a different option.
Nordstrom’s Stand Collar Leather Bomber Jacket is a 100% leather jacket that’s ideal for all seasons. It features lined welt pockets and seam detailing, which is both flattering and stylish. The stand collar gives it an elevated feel, making it a great option for wearing over a thin knit sweater or tee, paired with a five-pocket pant or dark denim. The zippers and metal hardware are not as high-quality as our best overall pick, but they’re functional.
Best High-End Leather Jacket For Men
Excellent Leather And A Dressier Style
Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder Italian Leather Cafe Jacket
Sizes: XS to XXL | Color: Black | Materials: 100% lambskin
What’s notable: The workmanship is top-notch, and it has a relaxed, comfortable fit.
What could be better: This style is unlined, so you might need to add layers for warmth.
This luxurious leather jacket is an ideal outer layer when the temperatures start to drop. The uncluttered silhouette has has four front buttons and two external pockets and a straight, blazer-like silhouette. Because it has a relaxed fit, there’s plenty of room for layering.
Best Leather Bomber Jacket For Men
An Iconic Design With Fresh Details
J.Crew
J.Crew Flight Jacket
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: Classic Brown, Broken In Classic Brown | Materials: 100% Italian leather
What’s notable: This is a weighty leather jacket—it has a quilted interior—and it also has cuffs at the wrists and waist to keep out wind gusts.
What could be better: Some say the leather feels stiff at first and takes time to develop a broken in feel.
Bomber jackets, or flight jackets, were worn during World War I and II to keep pilots warm in an open cockpit. This pick from J.Crew strikes the right balance between cool and functional. The Italian leather is durable and warm, and the knit cuffs and hem (a key design element for bombers) keep you insulated during the winter months. Reviewers note that the material may feel stiff at first, but will soften over time and develop a rich patina.
Best Racer Leather Jacket For Men
Slim, Flattering Cut And Durable Hardware
Belstaff
Belstaff V Racer Jacket
Sizes: 34 to 50 | Color: Black | Materials: 100% lamb leather
What’s notable: Channel stitch shoulder reinforcement detailing adds visual interest and helps maintain the jacket’s durability.
What could be better: We wish this also came in a rich brown option.
One of the most popular silhouettes when it comes to men’s leather jackets, the café racer was originally worn by motorcyclists in the ’50s and ’60s as they drove between cafés. This style from British heritage brand Belstaff is characterized by its slim fit and sleek design. It features a zippered chest pocket, two lower zipper pockets and an internal pocket. Standout details include superior leather quality, durable hardware and flattering fit.
Best Stylish Leather Jacket For Men
Vintage Style With An Updated, Clean-Cut Silhouette
Rag & Bone
Rag & Bone Café Racer Leather Jacket
Sizes: XS to XXL | Color: Black | Materials: 100% deer leather
What’s notable: If you don’t like a lot of extra embellishments on your racer, this minimalist design is for you.
What could be better: It has no interior pockets.
Racer jackets are known for their clean and lean design in addition to their versatility—they look great with chinos and loafers, but can be dressed down with jeans and a plain tee. Rag & Bone’s version is supremely soft and comfortable from the first wear, and the sleeve zippers add some edge.
What’s notable: This slim-through-the-chest-and-sleeves jacket can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile closet staple.
What could be better: There’s an ever so slight taper at the waist, so note that when considering fit.
For a timeless leather jacket that resembles a vintage piece, Billy Reid’s Blake Jacket features zippered sleeve gussets, antique brass zipper pulls throughout and washed leather that ages well over time. (The washing process submerges the fabric in water to soften the feel and color.) There’s also an inner pocket for stashing valuables like a wallet and phone.
How We Chose The Best Leather Jackets For Men
To determine the best leather jackets for men, we began with a broad search before meticulously narrowing our picks based on materials, durability, style, fit, comfort and versatility.
We started by researching brands known for high-quality leather garments, such as Schott, Todd Snyder and Belstaff. Before narrowing down our list of winners, we read hundreds of product reviews to gain insight into real-world performance and how each jacket held up over time.
We incorporated our fashion team’s firsthand experience with several of the brands.
We ultimately chose leather jackets that were top-rated (ideally 4 stars or higher) and received high marks for leather quality, durability, style, comfort and versatility.
We also considered whether the jackets were available in a wide range of sizes and prices, and ensured we included a variety of styles, from motos to racers to bombers.
The products on this list reflect several weeks' worth of in-depth research and vetting.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we've researched, extensively tested and evaluated a wide variety of clothing and accessories to rate the performance, quality and value for your money.
Coauthor and Forbes Vetted commerce editor Katherine Louie has been covering lifestyle commerce content for over seven years. Some of her most recent work includes the best suits for men and the best loafers for men. She owns several leather jackets that she regularly wears year-round.
Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung edited and reviewed all of the picks in this story. She has over two decades of experience reporting on fashion, and heads the vertical for the site.
Some of our favorite brands for leather jackets include Schott, Todd Snyder and Belstaff. However, all of the brands and retailers mentioned in our guide have been thoroughly vetted and offer well-made leather jackets that can be worn season after season.
On average, a high-quality leather jacket costs between $200 and $2,000. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, we recommend Quince, which offers many styles that are under $300.
Anyone can wear a leather jacket, regardless of their age. Leather jackets have a classic, timeless appeal, and leather ages beautifully (it’s normal for jackets to develop a patina, or a distinctive vintage look, when exposed to the elements).
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