Leather Jackets Never Go out of Style – Here Are 33 Picks Worth Buying for Life

Many of us have a leather jacket story. For some, it’s a tale of inheritance from grandma’s wardrobe; for others, one of victory at a second-hand store.

Carlos Mangubat falls into the second camp. The stylist and creative director uncovered a brown, flat-collar style by Balenciaga, dating back to the early 2000s, two years ago in Manila. “Leather jackets were never a wardrobe staple for me until I found this piece,” he says.

Consignment stores, vintage retailers and op shops are a smart place to look for leather pieces. Beyond affordability, old-school leather offers more individuality and longevity than most ready-to-wear stock. “The craftsmanship found in vintage leather outerwear [often] surpasses what you might find from contemporary mass-market brands of today,” says Mangubat.

“There’s also something appealing about a jacket that shows signs of a life well-lived – the creases, patina and subtle imperfections become part of its storytelling. If a jacket has already survived 20 years of wear, there’s a good chance it has another 20 years left in it.”

Ultimately, the search for the perfect second-hand style comes down to luck. Buying new is the more certain, though costlier, route – but it comes with one benefit: you get to start the garment’s story, rather than continue it. So what should you look for to encourage longevity?

“I’d recommend a classic leather jacket in a neutral colour without heavy embellishment, embossing or obvious trend details,” says Mangubat. “It’s the kind of piece that can remain relevant for an entire lifetime.”

Despite leather’s reputation for outliving trends, the fabric isn’t immune to a moment in the spotlight – and right now, it’s having one. “At the Prada SS27 runway show, fitted leather shirts and cropped aviator jackets featured prominently,” says Mangubat. “On a street-style level, the distressed, worn-in jackets by brands like Acne Studios and Diesel have a certain street cred about them, particularly when styled with oversized trousers and a tiny handbag.”

If your wardrobe has a leather-shaped hole in it, we’ve curated a list of investment pieces made to be bought once and worn for good (though we’ve thrown in a few vegan leather styles too). From bombers to trenches, collarless designs to funnel necklines, these are our favourite leather jackets to shop for winter, alongside expert tips on how to style each.

Leather bomber jackets

First introduced in the early 20th century for military pilots, this roomy-shouldered, cinched-waist cut is proof that utility can be timeless. Its subsequent afterlife in streetwear, punk, hip-hop and now high fashion speaks to a further shift from utility to style. This season, look to Saia’s lived-in washes, Scanlan Theodore’s sheen finishes and Courtney Zheng’s brushed suede in a tonal, go-with-everything palette.

Stylist tip: “This is one silhouette where oversized proportions work particularly well,” says Mangubat. “Pair with baggy or barrel-leg trousers, A-line skirts and knee-high boots for a look that feels relaxed yet intentional.”

Leather funnel-neck jackets

Funnel necks have been everywhere since 1980s power-dressing made its comeback earlier this year. A cinched waist is a common pairing for this neckline to add extra dimension, as seen this season by Scanlan Theodore and Christopher Esber. Boxier cuts are available too, with windbreaker-inspired designs from Brisbane label Joaen, winner of the 2026 National Designer Award.

Stylist tip: “A funnel neck naturally lends itself to a more masculine approach to dressing, making proportion an important styling tool,” says Mangubat. “I like these worn with straight-leg denim or tailored trousers to maintain a clean, polished aesthetic.”

Leather collarless jackets

Collar-free outerwear is set to be one of winter’s biggest trends. The silhouette is synonymous with Chanel’s iconic 1920s tweed style, and the recent buzz around the fashion house has reignited excitement around the retro neckline.

Where bombers are traditionally collarless, these styles – by A Emery, St Agni and Sandro – forgo the elasticated waist and sleeves for something more akin to a blazer.

Stylist tip: “I tend to think of collarless jackets as statement shirts rather than traditional outerwear,” says Mangubat. “A more fitted shape works best, styled with tonal separates to create a sleek, cohesive look.”

Leather flat-collar jackets

This is the classic leather jacket – a cut that stays relevant no matter what neckline is trending. Iterations can skew Western or biker through embellishment, but the trick to longevity is committing to a simple design. Proportion is where you can play – look to Banded Together’s cropped cut, Aje’s oversized shirt or Esse’s tailored blazer, straight off the Australian Fashion Week runway.

Stylist tip: “A personal favourite,” says Mangubat. “I generally prefer these in a proportionate or slightly cropped fit rather than oversized. They’re versatile and can be styled with almost anything, but tailoring and denim are always reliable if ever in doubt.”

Leather trench coats

The term “investment piece” gets thrown around a lot, but the trench is a worthy example. There’s a reason the style has transcended its military origins to grace runways and city streets year after year – trench coats are timeless, trans-seasonal and functional, with the extra length doing double duty for winter dressing. Invest in classic black styles by Banded Together and Ena Pelly, or add a hit of texture with Maison Essentiele’s shearling design.

Stylist tip: “The beauty of a leather trench is its versatility,” says Mangubat. “Whether oversized, fitted, worn as a coat or styled almost like a dress, it instantly brings a sense of drama and sophistication. A great coat has the power to transform an entire outfit.”

Vegan leather jackets

Vegan leather has come a long way. What used to be instantly identifiable as such has become a whole lot more convincing, with fabric technology evolving to make increasingly realistic leather lookalikes. Many vegan alternatives to cow hide contain plastic coatings, which raises a different flag from an environmental standpoint. But whether you’re shopping vegan or real leather, the message stays the same: buy with the intention of loving it for years to come.

Stylist tip: “When considering vegan leather, pay close attention to both the design and the weight of the garment,” says Mangubat. “Pieces that feel lightweight and heavily trend-driven can often have a shorter lifespan, making them less worthwhile as long-term purchases.

“It’s also important to consider how the material ages. Unlike genuine leather, which often develops character and patina over time, many vegan leather alternatives can begin to peel or shed with wear. Longevity should be just as much a consideration as aesthetics.”

This story is part of Broadsheet’s annual Fashion Issue, presented by Alfa Romeo.