Walk into any wardrobe conversation about outerwear and the leather jacket comes up sooner or later. But "leather jacket" covers a lot of ground. A rugged asymmetric biker has almost nothing in common with a sleek café racer or a warm shearling flight jacket, apart from the hide it is cut from. If you are planning to buy (or have one custom made), knowing the main styles makes the decision far easier.
This guide walks through the classic leather jacket styles, what makes each one different, who it suits, and how to wear it. Wherever you see a style you like, you can jump straight into our collections and pick your size from XS to 4XL, for men and women.
1. The Biker (Motorcycle) Jacket
The biker jacket is the style most people picture first. It was designed in the 1920s and 30s for riders who needed protection from wind and road, and its features still reflect that purpose.
Key features
- Asymmetric front zip that keeps wind out when the jacket is closed
- Wide notched lapels that snap down
- Belted waist or side buckles for a snug fit
- Zipped cuffs and several zip pockets
Who it suits
The biker is bold and a little rebellious. It works best on people who like a sharp, structured silhouette, and it is cut short so it sits at the hip. Black is the classic choice, but brown, oxblood and even green versions look great. A good example is our Queen Latifah Black Leather Biker Jacket, or the more daring Seth Rollins Green Biker Jacket.
How to wear it
Pair it with a plain white or black tee, dark slim jeans and boots for the timeless look. Women often style a biker over a slip dress or with high-waisted trousers to balance its toughness.
2. The Café Racer
The café racer came out of 1960s British motorcycle culture, when young riders raced between roadside cafés. They wanted something cleaner and more streamlined than the bulky biker.
Key features
- Straight centre zip and a small band or snap-tab collar
- No lapels and minimal hardware
- Slim, close fit that sits at the waist
- Sometimes racing stripes on the chest or sleeves
Who it suits
If you like a minimal, modern look, the café racer is probably your jacket. It is easy to dress up or down and works in an office-casual setting where a biker might feel too loud. Try the Men's Black Café Racer Striped Leather Jacket if you want a classic racing touch.
How to wear it
A café racer looks sharp over a fine-knit sweater or a crisp shirt. Chinos and clean leather sneakers or Chelsea boots finish the look.
3. The Leather Bomber
Bomber jackets started as flight jackets for military pilots. Today the leather bomber is a relaxed, everyday piece that feels a little softer than the motorcycle styles.
Key features
- Ribbed knit collar, cuffs and waistband
- Roomier body that gathers at the hips
- Centre zip and slanted side pockets
Who it suits
The bomber suits almost every body type because the gathered waist adds shape without being tight. It is a great first leather jacket if you are not sure which style to pick. Browse our full Bomber Jackets collection, or look at the Men's Striped Rib Knit Collar Black Leather Bomber and the Women's Red & Black Leather Bomber.
How to wear it
Wear it with a hoodie underneath for streetwear, or over a turtleneck for something smarter. It also pairs nicely with joggers or cargo trousers.
4. The Shearling (Aviator) Jacket
When the temperature drops, nothing beats a shearling jacket. Originally worn by WWII bomber crews flying at high altitude, the aviator is lined with soft sheepskin or faux shearling for serious warmth.
Key features
- Thick shearling lining and a large fold-over collar
- Buckle straps at the collar and sometimes the waist
- Heavier, chunkier build than other styles
Who it suits
The shearling is ideal for cold climates and for anyone who wants a statement winter coat. It adds bulk, so a fitted pair of trousers keeps the overall look balanced. See the Arlo Shearling Leather Jacket or the Cody Rhodes Brown Shearling Leather Jacket.
How to wear it
Keep the rest of the outfit simple: a knit sweater, dark denim and lace-up boots. Let the collar do the talking.
5. The Leather Trench and Longline Coat
For a more elegant look, a long leather coat gives you all the character of leather with the polish of tailoring. It is a favourite for evenings out and colder city days.
Key features
- Knee or mid-calf length
- Belted waist, storm flaps and double-breasted fronts on trench styles
- Clean, simple front on longline coats
Who it suits
Long coats flatter taller frames but also lengthen shorter ones when worn with a belt. They are especially popular in women's fashion. Take a look at the Courtney Hope Leather Trench Coat and the Tracey Ullman Black Longline Leather Coat, or browse our Coats & Blazer collection.
How to wear it
Wear a trench over a suit for work, or over a knit dress and ankle boots for the weekend.
6. The Leather Varsity Jacket
Varsity jackets usually combine a wool body with leather sleeves, though all-leather versions exist too. They come from American college sports and are now a streetwear staple.
Look for snap buttons, a ribbed collar and cuffs, and chenille or embroidered patches. They are relaxed, fun and easy to personalise with initials or numbers. Explore our large Varsity Jackets collection for hundreds of designs.
7. Fringe and Western Jackets
Western leather jackets, often in suede, feature fringe along the sleeves, chest or back. They bring a bohemian, country feel and are perfect for festivals or a statement casual look. The Brynn Godenir Suede Fringed Leather Jacket is a beautiful example.
How to Choose the Right Style for You
Still unsure? Ask yourself three quick questions:
- Where will you wear it most? For everyday casual wear, a bomber or café racer is the most versatile. For nights out, a biker or long coat makes more of an impression.
- What is your climate like? In mild weather an unlined café racer is enough. In real winter, go for shearling or a lined long coat.
- What silhouette do you prefer? Short and structured means biker or café racer. Relaxed means bomber or varsity. Long and elegant means trench.
Once you have picked a style, getting the fit right matters just as much. Our guide to choosing a custom leather jacket and sizing explains how to measure yourself, and our leather jacket care guide will help it last for years.
Why Go Custom?
Every jacket in our store is made to order, which means it is cut for you rather than pulled from a warehouse shelf. You can choose men's or women's fits in sizes XS to 4XL, and we ship free to the USA and internationally, with delivery in about 3 to 6 business days. If something is not right, you have 30 days to return it, and refunds are processed within 7 days.
Ready to find your style? Start with our Men's Leather Jackets and Women's Leather Jackets, or browse the Celebrity Jackets collection to get the exact look worn on screen.
