30 best leather jackets for women that will never go out of style

Best leather jackets for women that deliver on shape, fabric and style for a range of budgets

composite image of three models wearing some of the best leather jackets
(Image credit: AllSaints, River Island, Ted Baker)

The best leather jackets are wardrobe staples. They don't bow to trends and unlike most buys in your wardrobe, they only improve with age. Choose wisely and you'll wear yours from fall through to spring, it will become your most steadfast fashion companion. 

When it comes to your capsule wardrobe, a leather jacket is a wardrobe essential. If you've yet to invest in a leather jacket, let us be clear, this is one of the most important investment purchases you will ever make. Select well and you'll spend a lifetime in one another's company. An iconic fashion piece, the leather jacket may have slightly rebellious connotations, but it really is one of the most versatile pieces of outerwear you can buy.

The best leather jackets have the ability to add a fashion-forward edge to any midi dress, toughen up sequins or even add warmth under capes. A leather jacket is a layering styling tool and a stand-alone piece of outerwear all rolled into one. While leather will age the best and last the longest, breaking down and molding to your form with time, faux leather has come on leaps and bounds in the past decade, with many brands now incorporating faux leather into their collections. 

Best leather jackets - as chosen by the fashion team

These are the fashion brands we rely on for the best leather jackets for women. With a mix of leather and faux leather iterations and a range of prices points, invest in one of these 30 leather jackets this season, slot it into your capsule wardrobe and wear it forever. 

Composite image of All Saints leather jacket

(Image credit: All Saints)

1. All Saints

Best for choice

Specifications

RRP from: $365 / £199
Sizes: 0-12 / 4-16

Reasons to buy

+
Biggest choice
+
Real leather
+
Classic styles

Reasons to avoid

-
Small size range

If this is your first foray into leather jackets, British clothing brand All Saints has the biggest range of classic leather jackets for women. From seasonless biker jackets, with all the classic stitch work and hardware detailing, to sleeker iterations with asymmetrical zips and more body-con silhouettes. Although they don't have the largest size range, All Saints are known for making some of the best leather jackets in the business and its styles do take different body shapes into consideration, with different lengths and cropped styles available. If you're thinking of investing in one, for your minimalist capsule wardrobe check out our All Saints leather jacket review.


Model wearing a blue leather biker jacket from belstaff

(Image credit: Belstaff)

2. Belstaff

Best for designer leather jackets

Specifications

RRP from: $525 / £450
Sizes: EU 36-50

Reasons to buy

+
Designer style
+
Iconic leather brand

Reasons to avoid

-
High price points

Made in the UK, Belstaff is a luxury, British heritage brand. Around since 1924, just as Burberry specialized in the Burberry trench coat, Belstaff has a long and wonderful history in producing high-quality, robust outerwear, particularly leather biker jackets. With classic hardware, delicate branding touches, and hand-waxed finishes, these leather jackets are made to last. One of the best designer clothing brands, it is loved by fashion fans and celebrities alike and a perfect edition to a chic over 50s capsule wardrobe


best leather jackets for women Karen Millen

(Image credit: Karen Millen)

3. Karen Millen

Best for fashion-led leather jackets

Specifications

RRP from: $266 / £155
Sizes: US: 2-20 / UK: 6-24 (style dependent)

Reasons to buy

+
Plus and Petite lines
+
Both leather and faux leather
+
Fashion-led styles

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a heritage leather brand

With an emphasis on more luxury pieces, Karen Millen is another much-loved British fashion brand. The place we head to for statement pieces and trend-led iterations of classic silhouettes, Karen Millen has lots of leather pieces to look through. They have an extensive size range and are one of the best plus size clothing brands,  and are one of the few brands to serve up plus size leather pieces. If you're under 5'4 they also sell some of the best petite dresses too.


best leather jackets for women leather biker Maje

(Image credit: Maje)

4. Maje

Best for timeless leather jackets

Specifications

RRP from: $745 / £449
Sizes : US: S-L / UK: 8-12

Reasons to buy

+
Future classics
+
Edgy styling
+
High-quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Small size range

If you love French clothing brands and the high-end finish that French dressing brings, then you need to check out Maje. With an almost Parisian, preppy-like aesthetic, this brand is incredibly stylish, creating lightly trend-led iterations of some of the most classic silhouettes. A favorite with the fashion pack, Maje pieces are beautifully made and will last you for years to come. While the brand doesn't have as extensive a collection of leather jackets as say, All Saints, it always has a few key leather jacket styles to underpin the season. 


best leather jackets for women

(Image credit: Mango)

5. Mango

Best for affordable leather jackets

Specifications

RRP from: $79 / £49.99
Sizes: XXS-4XL (style dependent)

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable real leather jackets
+
Faux leather jackets available

Reasons to avoid

-
Largely faux leather products, so not ideal if you want a real leather jacket

One of the best Spanish clothing brands, Mango is our go-to for seasonless classics and the ultimate wardrobe staples. With a mixture of leather and faux leather styles, there is something for everyone amongst Mango's leather jackets for women. With price points under $80/£50, they also have more affordable styles than most. If you're nervous about investing in a leather jacket until you've taken one for a spin, then this is a good place to start. And if you're wondering how to style a leather jacket, then think of it like you would your best denim jackets or favorite cardigan. Easily layered over almost anything, they're ideal for what to wear to a concert or simply for everyday cool. Although, unlike a double denim jacket, when it comes to how to style leather pants, we suggest giving leather on leather a miss.


best leather jackets for women Me+Em reversible shearling coat

(Image credit: Me+Em)

6. Me + Em

Best for feminine leather jackets

Specifications

RRP from: $795 / £450
Sizes: US: 2-12 / UK: 6-16

Reasons to buy

+
Standout design
+
Different to other places

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a great size range

Me + Em is a wonderful British retailer with a real eye for detail and standout design. While many of the pieces give a nod to the current trends, Me + Em is more about elevated everyday pieces and wardrobe staples that you can wear time and time again. It's a great place to shop for work outfits as well as winter classics that will see you through the season. With a distinctive twist on classic silhouettes, expect the little details to be taken care of. 


flat lay image next to image of a model wearing a brown leather jacket with a white shearling collar

(Image credit: River Island)

7. River Island

Best for faux leather jackets

Specifications

RRP from : $111 / £60
Sizes : US: 0-12 / UK: 4-28 (depending on style)

Reasons to buy

+
Mix of real and faux leather
+
Affordable
+
Good Size range

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a classic heritage leather brand

River Island always has at least one classic biker jacket in its fashion arsenal, so if you're looking for a non-leather version or a slightly cheaper real leather jacket, River Island should be on your fashion hitlist. With plus and petite ranges, they often have styles that will suit a multitude of body types. Team its leather jackets with its best petite jeans for an easy weekend look.


composite image of a model wearing a plain black fitted leather jacket from ted baker

(Image credit: Ted Baker)

8. Ted Baker

Best for variation

Specifications

RRP from: $495 / £295
Sizes : US: 2-12 / UK: 6-16

Reasons to buy

+
Trend-led designs
+
Quirky touches
+
High-quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Small size range

As a cult UK brand, Ted Baker started out making the best shirts, before becoming one of the leading fashion brands in the UK and well-loved all over the world. Offering a refreshing twist on style staples, expect quirky added extras, such as on-trend stitch detailing and reworked silhouettes.

Composite image of a Reiss leather jacket

(Image credit: Reiss)

9. Reiss

Best for Utility Style Looks

Specifications

RRP from: $610 / £328
Sizes: US: 0-14 / UK: 4-18

Reasons to buy

+
Flawless finishes 
+
Modern interpretations of classic looks
+
Tough edge designs 

Reasons to avoid

-
Best on rectangle body shapes

Since 1971, Reiss has cemented its name as a leading UK fashion brand. Its leather jackets reflect the brand's long-standing design signature for sleek silhouettes, paired with sharp finishes and strong attention to detail. Well-loved for its tailoring selection, it is no surprise that Reiss makes excellent leather jackets too. With a smarter finish than your average biker, these Reiss coats will team well for those occasions where you require a little more of a smart casual outfit for added polish.

Composite image of a Jigsaw Leather Jacket

(Image credit: Jigsaw)

10. Jigsaw

Best for Innovative Designs

Specifications

RRP from: £320 (international shipping available)
Sizes: 6-16

Reasons to buy

+
High-quality design
+
Interesting fabric mixes
+
Timeless silhouettes

Reasons to avoid

-
UK only

Priding themselves on designs that are "timeless, independent-minded and fun", this is mirrored in Jigsaw's leather jacket collection, boasting innovative designs to create pieces that will be show-stoppers in your wardrobe. Jigsaw's intention to source their fabrics responsibly is crucial when working with leather which is a natural material made from the hide of certain animals. Consciously aware and innovative are just two traits that make this a reputable, well-trusted brand, we also love the variety of their designs. 


Why some of the best leather jackets aren't made from leather

Leather is a natural fabric made mostly from the hides of cows (but sometimes sheep, lambs, and goats, too) and is by its very nature both soft and durable. Hence why it’s such a popular choice for designer handbags. It can vary in color depending on the tanning process it has undergone and marks relatively easily - but don’t let that put you off. The potential for scuffs and marks is no bad thing, as it will only add character to your jacket. Leather also becomes more buttery the more you wear it. 

But not everyone is comfortable wearing leather, which is why we’ve also scouted out some equally stylish and hard-wearing faux versions. They’re so convincing in appearance and texture that you’ll need a keen eye to distinguish between them and the real deal. Faux leather is far cheaper than real leather to produce, making it a more purse-friendly option. Simply put, they're ideal for smart events and everyday wear.


How to make your leather jacket last

To keep your jacket looking gorgeous follow these five tips: 

  1. Apply leather protector: Treat your jacket with a spray-on formula that will repel water and prevent stains. Reapply it at least once a year, but more often if you live in an area that's very cold, wet or windy. 
  2. Don't overfill pockets: Never cram lots of items or carry heavy things in your pockets because it will stretch the leather. That's what your bag is for!
  3. Put on beauty products before your jacket: Do not apply hairspray or similar products and fragrances while wearing your leather coat. They can stain the leather. Use the products before and ensure they are completely dry before putting on your leather jacket.
  4. Don't accessorize: Never attach brooches, pins, badges, tape, or stick-on labels to your jacket. They will spoil the leather and leave holes.
  5. Use professionals for alterations: Stitching into leather leaves permanent holes that are very obvious. So holes caused by incorrect stitching are impossible to remove. If you need your jacket tailoring or want to add embroidery or badges, then have a professional do it to reduce the risk of damage. 

How do you pick a good leather jacket for women?

The fashion crowd love their leather jackets, and fashion editor and stylist Antonia Kraskowski believes you should invest in your jacket for the best result. 

"Buying a leather jacket is a serious investment, so look for the best possible leather you can afford. The smaller the grain of the leather is, the softer the leather will become over time. It will slowly mold to your body shape and age beautifully over time, meaning that it will become a wardrobe staple. While the initial investment may be daunting, the cost per wear will make it worth it!

Look for a classic shape such as a biker style that finishes at the hip. This length means you can wear the jacket all year round, it will look equally great with jeans and skirts as it will when thrown over a dress."

Jess Beech

Jess Beech is an experienced fashion and beauty editor, with more than eight years experience in the publishing industry. She has written for woman&home, GoodtoKnow, Now, Woman, Woman’s Weekly, Woman’s Own and Chat, and is a former Deputy Fashion & Beauty Editor at Future PLC. A beauty obsessive, Jess has tried everything from cryotherapy to chemical peels (minus the Samantha in Sex and The City-worthy redness) and interviewed experts including Jo Malone and Trinny Woodall.

With contributions from