Where to Buy a Quality Leather Jacket

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I don’t need to explain to anyone that leather jackets look cool. They’ve been iconic since Schott introduced the first motorcycle jackets in the 1920s, and bad boys and girls of every era, from Elvis and James Dean in the ’50s to Madonna and Debbie Harry in the ’80s, have made a leather jacket a part of their uniform.

These days pretty much everyone has (or wants) one in their closet, rebel or not. Accordingly, most fashion brands make their own version, but that doesn’t mean all are created equally. Here, I’ve outlined brands in a bunch of different price ranges that make great leather jackets. Since you know the classic shape won’t go out of style and you want this thing to last years, it’s definitely an article of clothing you could consider investing in. But since everybody’s budgets are different, we’re starting the range at under $100 (for faux leather) and capping it at just over a grand. Whatever you’re willing to spend, you can definitely find the perfect moto jacket on this list.

Zara

If you don’t have a huge budget (from a style perspective, at least), the fast-fashion retailer makes some of the best faux leather jackets on the market. Season after season, you can expect a range of classic and super trendy options; we’ve also gotten tips that they hold up after years of wear. Zara now makes “premium” real leather jackets, too, that start at $169, if you feel comfortable buying leather from them.

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LTH JKT

Aside from scoping out designer sales, this newcomer is probably the best place to buy a leather jacket for less than $600 (they start at $450). There are a handful of classic cuts and colors available, most made from super-soft lamb leather. The factory that makes the jackets is a part-owner of the brand, which is why it’s able to offer such a premium product for so cheap.

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Wilsons Leather

Wilsons is one of those brands that was everywhere in the ’90s, so you’ll always see it in vintage stores. As such, some of their many styles can feel a bit outdated, but the moto jackets are a classic, and you won’t find better plus-size options anywhere (especially in the $150–$300 price range).

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Veda

If you have a bit more money to spend, this NYC-based independent designer makes gorgeous leather jackets that are classic while also being very 2017 (see: the removable millennial pink fur princess collar and square front pockets on the Freeman Jacket, plus this deep hunter green moto jacket).

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AllSaints

The British contemporary fashion label is known for its leather jackets for a reason. AllSaints consistently offers a ton of classic and trend-driven options every season, with most priced around $600. This is the place to go IRL if you want to try on a bunch of options before picking one out.

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The Arrivals

Here’s another option for those who can spend a bit more, especially if you’re into harder details (the brand’s signature look includes heavy horizontal channelling on the arms, so you’ll look extra badass). Prices start at $695 and run up to $1,195.

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The Cast

This small boutique in New York City’s Lower East Side is the place to go if you want an authentic punk moto jacket. The brand makes a number of off-the-rack versions that start at $395 and run up to more than $1,300. If you really want something special, the husband-and-wife team behind the label will make you a custom jacket in any color or type of leather (check out this page for inspiration).