When you think of the most masculine and the most classic looks a man can have, the legendary leather jacket climbs near the top of the list. From Marlon Brando and The Terminator rocking the biker jackets to Pete "Maverick" Mitchell and Indiana Jones sporting the bomber jackets, some of our favorite heroes don the leather jacket to give themselves an elevated feel.
Tough, rugged, and stylish, you can't go wrong with this icon of the man's wardrobe. Of course, as usual there are a ton of options for the best leather jackets for men, so we did the deep dive and found these are the best of the best, no matter what you aesthetic is. Choose the right one for you and you can't go wrong.
Choosing the right coat for you
When choosing the right leather jacket for yourself, you should have three things in mind: The color. The style. The price.
The color you want to pick should be the same as your favorite boots. When you're wearing a leather jacket, you will often be wearing it with a casual outfit that includes your favorite rugged boots. If those boots are black, you should opt for a black jacket. Same with brown. When it comes to the style, consider your lifestyle and the aesthetic you are going for.
The most casual of the leather jackets are going to be the biker jackets. The most formal will be any that have a notched lapel. Your cafe racers will be a good in-between. Finally, consider your budget and match them in quality to the boots you wear. If your boots are on the higher end, don't skimp on the coat.
Best overall leather jacket
The Jacket Maker Iconic Leather Jacket
- Made to order eliminates waste
- Classic silhouette keeps it stylish
- MTO takes time
If you’re going to start with one jacket, it should be this one. There are dozens of style options for a leather jacket, but the band collar keeps it low profile and versatile enough to pair with anything you decide to wear. Opt for black or brown, whichever works best for your wardrobe, or whichever color your favorite boots are.
Best value jacket
Overland Sheepskin Memphis Leather Moto
- Snap cuffs and collar keep the wind out
- Warmest on the list
- Not versatile enough to be on the bike in transition months
Overland Sheepskin Co. is well known as the King of the Ski Town due to its ability to keep everyone warm in the coldest sports environment on the planet. When you’re on a bike, even in the mildest weather, you need a little help blocking the wind. And if you want to do it in style and be able to hand it down so your kids and grandkids can do it in style, this is the choice.
Best suede leather
Satchel & Page Montgomery Suede Jacket
- Slim and casual enough for smart casual outfits
- Two exterior hand-warming pockets
- Suede needs more care
Suede became the natural evolution of the leather jacket, and thanks to the likes of Marlon Brando and James Dean, the suede jacket has become the best alternative on the market. It offers depth and character to the classic leather jacket look and a distinct mid-1900s Americana look. This option from Satchel & Page is the top of the game and will elevate your closet immediately.
Best shearling leather jacket
Thursday Boots Bronco Jacket
- Yosemite Spanish Searling
- Removable hood
- Only professional leather cleaners
Very few things make a man look more manly than a shearling-lined jacket. It makes others think of an explorer, a man unburdened by the shackles of everyday life. The man who charges up a mountain just to see what’s at the top. Of course, few people need a coat for that purpose, but this Thursday Boots Bronco jacket (perfect for the explorer) will go wonderfully with even the shackles of everyday life.
Best cafe racer
Vince Leather Cafe Racer Jacker
- 100% soft lambskin leather
- Closeable side pockets
- Needs specialty cleaning
This sleek, minimal design is perfect for the off-duty look. Being super versatile, this jacket can easily pair with a simple T-shirt for a dressed-down look or a textured sweater for a fashion statement.
Best leather bomber
Cockpit USA WWII Government Issue A-2
- Classic throwback style
- Made in USA
- Silhouette makes it less versatile
In the year of the throwback, there’s no better choice than going for a vintage choice. Cockpit USA is the master of the vintage recreation flight jacket, and this WWII Government Issue A-2 is your choice. Just one look at this, and you won’t be able to get images of Indiana Jones out of your head. Fan theory: Dr. Jones was a pilot in WWI and this is a recreation of his very jacket.
Best splurge leather jacket
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Locklear Moto
- Upscale, luxury construction
- Viscose lining
- Cost prohibitive
Ralph Lauren launched Purple Label as the luxury arm of its already high-end brand, and the suits, sweaters, pants, and accessories are top-notch wardrobe pieces. This leather jacket is consistent with the trend, and for the price, it is absolutely a splurge item. Much of the Purple Label is splurge garments, but this is perfect for this list.
Best puffer leather jacket
BUGATCHI Leather and Knit Jacket
- Light enough for layering
- Fisherman knit sleeves and back
- Not the warmest on the market
A puffer jacket is a tough style quandary. There are many ways that a puffer jacket can help you get the function out of your jacket, but there are very few ways to get the style out of it. BUGATCHI took a new approach to the puffer jacket, keeping it subtle on the front and a knit back to get you a sleek and attractive look.
Leather jackets are some of the most classic looks you can have and this is the list of the best of the best to keep yourself in style while embracing some of the most vintage and modern looks simultaneously. Whether you are looking for the bomber jackets of the mid-1900s or something more modern, there is a look on this list for you.
