The best leather jackets for women—like Madewell’s The Washed Leather Motorcycle Jacket or Reformation’s Veda Marco Leather Oversized Bomber—are comfortable, versatile and add instant coolness to any outfit. While there are many styles to choose from, leather jackets go with virtually everything in your wardrobe and can be worn year-round, making them the ultimate investment piece.
The best leather jackets for women are comfortable, versatile and stylish.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
To compile our list of winners, we spent more than nine hours evaluating each product’s fabric, warmth, durability, versatility, color and size options before finalizing this guide. We also consulted with deputy fashion editor (and in-house style expert) Kari Molvar, who has written extensively about women’s fashion. From a reasonably priced Quince option to J.Crew’s shearling-lined leather jacket, here are the best leather jackets for women in 2024.
Editor’s Picks, At A Glance
Most genuine leather jackets cost several hundred dollars, but Quince’s 100% Washed Leather Biker Jacket is modestly priced and looks good with just about anything. It’s fully lined with poly satin and has a worn-in appearance that makes it feel like you’ve owned it for years. Just note that this style runs small, so you might want to size up.
Madewell’s leather motorcycle jacket stays true to the original style with an asymmetrical front zipper, side pockets, sleeve zips and a slightly cropped body. (Because it’s slightly cropped, reviewers recommend sizing up one to two sizes for the most comfortable fit.) The leather is buttery smooth and comes in four colors.
This bomber jacket is cut from soft sheep leather and has an oversized fit, so you can easily layer other garments underneath. It has two side pockets, a front zippered pocket, and snaps on the cuffs. We also appreciate that it comes in five colors, including Sunset Stripe, which has a bright pop of color.
The AllSaints Sola jacket has elements of a biker jacket—the asymmetric front zipper and zippered cuffs—but it’s lined with cozy shearling for added warmth. It also has an exposed collar and lapel. The chunky leather buckles under the collar and at the hem add to the overall look.
If you prefer a more fitted jacket with minimal hardware, Calvin Klein’s Refined Leather Biker Jacket is a great option. It’s outfitted with high-quality Nappa leather, and the pointed collar and cropped body add instant polish to outfits.
This pick from Mango is another fitted coat that’s sophisticated, modern and well-made. The two-way zipper, which allows you to open or close the zipper from opposite ends, is another nice detail. Note: It’s hip-length and doesn’t have any pockets.
This chic jacket can be layered over anything in your wardrobe, from high-waisted jeans to knit skirts. You can dress it up or down depending on where you’re headed, and the structured shoulders are a nice touch. If you treat it well, this pick should last for years.
Staud’s Leather Marino Jacket resembles a lady jacket with its pointed collar and round front buttons, making it feel more elegant and ladylike. Pair this with the matching Hanover Leather Pant or black wool trousers for a streamlined look.
Buck Mason is known for its high-quality wardrobe basics, and the brand’s Shrunken Motorcycle jacket is one such example. It’s a wearable, classic style that holds up well to repeated wear. Plus, the chrome-dyed sheep leather has a soft hand feel and a slight sheen.
Bomber jackets have existed since World War I and II and have become a popular design worn year-round. This Vince iteration has a cinched bottom hem, cuff snaps and a band collar with snap closure.
Most of the options on our list are made from black leather, but this pick stands out for its dark berry hue. It has a relaxed, oversized fit and three pockets (two exterior and one interior pocket) that are perfect for stashing your phone, wallet and keys.
For days when you want something cool yet polished, the Femme Leather Blazer is the way to go. Frame’s rendition has the right mix of style and materials, with a notched lapel, slit pockets and double button closure, all cut from 100% lamb leather.
Similar to the AllSaints Sola Oversized Biker Jacket, but with a cropped silhouette, this limited edition jacket is finished with a cozy shearling lining to keep you warm throughout the fall and winter. The exaggerated moto belt and silver snaps add a bit of extra interest to this pick.
With its slightly longer length, oversized buttons and shearling collar in a contrasting hue, this Rag & Bone jacket makes a strong style statement. The longer length effectively blocks the wind and cold, and the relaxed fit lends itself to easy layering throughout the season.
The trench coat is another style of jacket that dates back to World War I, but it’s typically made from a thick, woven fabric that repels water. Favorite Daughter reimagined the silhouette in smooth lamb leather with a slightly cropped, boxy body. The adjustable waist belt helps give it some extra shape.
With a removable hood and plenty of pockets, this Free People option is cool and laidback for transitional wear. The heavyweight leather is slightly faded and features stud detailing throughout. And with six different colors to choose from, you can find a shade that complements your wardrobe.
This jacket is full of subtle details that make it a truly unique piece, from the Heritage C Plaque to the gold snap buttons to the sharp collar. It’s hip-length with slip pockets, and customers say it fits true to size.
St. Agni is an Australian brand known for its elevated, minimalist pieces, and the Cocoon Leather Jacket is no exception. It has clean lines and concealed magnetic buttons that give the front an ultra-sleek look. Choose from Chocolate, a rich brown hue, or Black.
This article was overseen by deputy editor (and in-house style expert) Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering fashion and lifestyle topics.
This article is regularly updated to ensure all of the above brands and products continue to meet our criteria for the best leather jackets.
How We Chose The Best Leather Jackets For Women
To find the best leather jackets, we considered several factors, such as fabric, style, size range, comfort, versatility and price.
Our fashion editorial team focused on top-rated brands and retailers such as Madewell, Reformation, AllSaints and more.
We read through hundreds of customer reviews for standout product traits and essential details and only featured brands with straightforward return and exchange policies, should you need to make any returns or exchanges.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by our fashion editorial team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Can You Tell A Good Quality Leather Jacket?
A high-quality leather jacket should feel soft, supple and have a nice weight. It shouldn’t be cracked or feel flimsy. Also, uneven stitching, loose threads and fraying indicate a jacket is not well-made. If you’re unsure if the coat is made from genuine leather, look at the interior label, which should indicate the materials used. Polyester, synthetic and PVC are common leather alternatives that have become increasingly popular due to their lower cost. (Vegan leather can sometimes have a strong chemical or plastic odor, a telltale sign that it’s not real.)
What Is The Best Grade Of Leather For Jackets?
There are five primary “grades” of leather: top-grain, full-grain, split-grain, genuine and bonded. Top-grain and full-grain are generally considered to be the best as they’re durable, soft to the touch and develop a nice patina over time. Genuine leather is slightly thinner but still an excellent option for jackets, handbags and other accessories.
Is An Expensive Leather Jacket Worth It?
If you can spend a bit more on a leather jacket, it’s an excellent investment piece that should last for many years. These jackets pair well with virtually anything in your wardrobe, from jeans to dresses to skirts, and can be worn year-round. Leather also ages beautifully and develops a unique patina over time, which is a natural part of the aging process and adds character to your garment.
