Buying a leather jacket sounds simple, until you start looking properly. There are biker jackets, bomber jackets, aviator styles, sheepskin jackets, longer coats, different colours, linings and fits, and each one gives a slightly different look.
The best place to start is with how you typically dress. It is easy to be drawn to the jacket that stands out most in a photo, but the right one is usually the style that fits naturally with the clothes you already own. That is the jacket you will reach for without having to think too much about it.
A good leather jacket should feel comfortable, suit your everyday style and work across more than one outfit. If it only looks right with one very specific look, it may not be the best choice. The easiest jackets to wear are the ones that feel like part of your wardrobe straight away.
At TruClothing, our men’s and women’s leather collections focus on real leather pieces from Infinity Leather, with a choice of classic styles, warmer lined options and more current designs. A leather jacket is an investment, so it is worth choosing one you will still be glad to own in years to come.
Start with your normal style
Before you choose a leather jacket, think about what you wear most often.
If you live in jeans, boots and plain T-shirts, a biker jacket or classic zipped leather jacket will probably fit in easily. If your style is more relaxed, a bomber jacket may feel more natural. If you usually dress smarter, a cleaner cut jacket or longer leather coat might suit you better.
This is where people often go wrong. They buy a jacket because it looks good on someone else, then hardly wear it because it does not feel like them. The best leather jacket should make your usual outfits look better, not make you feel like you are dressing as someone else.
Choose a style that suits your wardrobe
There is no one leather jacket style that works for everyone. Some feel sharper, some are warmer, and some are easier to wear every day.
Biker jackets
A biker jacket is one of the most recognisable leather jacket styles. It usually has a shorter cut, zip fastening and a stronger shape, often with extra details such as a cross-zip, belt or metal hardware. It’s a good choice if you want something with a bit more attitude. It works well with jeans, boots, T-shirts, checked shirts and knitwear.
Motorcycle jackets
Motorcycle jackets usually have a practical, structured look. They are often cleaner than a traditional biker jacket, which makes them easier to wear if you want something casual but still smart. They are a good middle ground if you want a leather jacket that feels classic without looking too heavy.
Bomber jackets
A leather bomber jacket is one of the easiest styles to wear. It usually has a softer shape, often with ribbed cuffs or a ribbed hem, and feels more relaxed than a biker jacket. It works well with jeans, chinos, casual shirts, trainers and boots. If you want a leather jacket for everyday use, this is a good place to start.
Aviator and sheepskin jackets
Aviator, sheepskin and shearling-lined jackets are better for colder weather. They feel warmer and more substantial than lighter leather jackets, so they work well with denim, boots, roll necks and thicker jumpers. If you want a jacket for autumn and winter, this type of style is worth looking at.
Leather coats
A longer leather coat gives a smarter look and can sit well over shirts, knitwear and more polished outfits. If a short biker jacket feels too casual for your wardrobe, a leather coat may be a better option.
Pick a colour you will wear often
Colour is one of the biggest things to get right.
· Black is usually the easiest choice because it works with dark denim, black jeans, boots and simple shirts.
· Brown has a softer, more casual feel and looks good with blue jeans, cream knitwear, checked shirts and earthy tones.
· Tan leather can work well if you prefer lighter outfits, especially in spring and autumn.
· Burgundy or oxblood is a good option if you want something different without going too bold.
Get the fit right
Fit makes a big difference with leather. The shoulders should sit properly, the jacket should fasten without pulling, and you should be able to move your arms comfortably. Sleeves should usually finish around the wrist. Too long can make the jacket look too big, while too short can feel awkward over jumpers. Leather can soften with wear, but it should not feel uncomfortable when you first try it on. A little firm is fine. Too tight is not.
Also think about what you will wear underneath. If you want to layer it over knitwear, allow a bit more room. If you want a sharper look over T-shirts and shirts, a closer fit may work better.
Think about when you will wear it
Not every leather jacket is right for every season. For spring and autumn, a biker jacket, bomber jacket or classic zipped jacket is usually enough over T-shirts, shirts and lighter jumpers.
For colder months, look at aviator jackets, sheepskin jackets, shearling-lined styles or longer leather coats. These give you more warmth and work better with heavier outfits.
If you want one jacket you can wear for most of the year, choose something midweight. That gives you more flexibility without feeling too light or too bulky.
Look at the small details
Small details can change how easy a leather jacket is to wear. A clean zipped jacket is usually easier to style than one with lots of hardware. A cross-zip biker jacket has more character, but it may not work as well with smarter outfits. A hooded leather jacket feels more casual, while a leather coat gives a more polished finish.
Look at the pockets, lining, collar shape, zip style and length. These details might seem minor, but they affect how often you will actually choose to wear the jacket.
Easy ways to wear a leather jacket
A leather jacket does not need a complicated outfit. For everyday wear, try a black leather jacket with a plain T-shirt, dark jeans and boots. For something smarter, wear a brown leather jacket with a button-down shirt, chinos and Chelsea boots.
On colder days, an aviator or sheepskin jacket works well over a roll neck or chunky jumper. For an evening outfit, keep it simple with a clean leather jacket, black jeans and a fine knit.
The jacket is already the main part of the outfit, so the rest does not need to work too hard.
Ask yourself these questions before buying
Before you choose a leather jacket, ask yourself:
· Will I wear it with clothes I already own?
· Can I wear it for more than one season?
· Does it feel like my style?
· Is it comfortable enough to wear for a full day?
· Will I still like it next year?
If the answer is yes, you are probably looking at the right jacket for you.
Find your next leather jacket at TruClothing
Once you know which style suits you best, choosing the right leather jacket becomes much easier. TruClothing stocks a wide range of Infinity Leather jackets, with options for everyday wear, colder weather and smarter outfits.
A good leather jacket should feel right when you put it on, but it should also get better with age. Leather softens over time, shapes around you and starts to feel more personal the longer you own it. It does not need to stay in immaculate condition to look good. In many cases, it looks better once it has been worn in.
Take your time, check the fit and choose the jacket that feels closest to how you already dress. That is usually the one you will get the most use out of.