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If you’ve recently come across leather jackets, they aren’t just available in simple designs; there’s a whole variety of leather jackets that suit everybody’s style taste, from quilted, shearling jackets, stylish biker jackets, leather coats, vintage style peplum leather jacket with each type of leather jacket have a different fit, details like zippers, buckles, waistbands belts and unique design for different personalities.
Some leather jacket types like coats, leather blazers, and leather trench coats will make you look formal and professional, while the famous chic leather jackets like bomber jackets, hoodie leather jackets, trucker leather jackets, and others are especially popular for giving a rebellious and youthful look since the 1950s.
Whether you already own a leather jacket or are looking to buy a new one. Here are some of the excessively popular inspiring leather jackets you can shop today to style yourself in a trendy way.
1. Classic Leather Jackets
Leather Bomber Jackets:
Your friends will drop their jaws when you wear a leather bomber jacket because it styles you perfectly, whether paired with a t-shirt, sweatshirt, dress, or formal shirt. The bomber jacket was first introduced in 1917 during World War I to keep pilots warm in the cold, high-altitude conditions of open-cockpit flights.
Since the 1950s, it has become one of the most popular leather jackets, influenced by Hollywood celebrities like Marlon Brando, Brad Pitt, and James Dean, as well as musicians like Elvis Presley and Joan Jett, and even politicians like John F. Kennedy.
Modern leather bomber jackets retain that timeless design but now come in a variety of finishes and colors to suit different tastes. They offer the perfect blend of understated style and practicality, stylish without being flashy and versatile enough to fit into almost any outfit.
Aviator Leather Jackets:
The aviator jacket, also called a flight jacket, has a history in aviation. From World War 1, aviator jackets often included a shearling collar for additional warmth and a distinctive look. On the other hand, the bomber jacket typically has a flat collar and is designed for a more casual, minimalist look.
Aviator jackets are available in a range of shades, from classic brown and black to more contemporary colors like navy and olive green. The choice of color can influence the overall style and versatility of the jacket and allow wearers to express their personal tastes.
Trucker Leather Jackets:
If you want to get the rebellious, trendy look of the 1980s, then the trucker leather jacket is fantastic. The trucker jacket was first a workwear jacket made of denim in the 1880s worn by farmers, laborers, and drivers.
In 1930, they appeared in a leather variant and became increasingly popular, starting from the 1950s when movie stars started popularising leather jackets. If you like tougher vintage and old-style leather jackets, you can wear them for work, too; the leather trucker jacket is an amazing choice.
2. Fringe Leather Jackets
Cowboy and vintage outfit lovers or women who love fringe hairstyles will find Fringe leather jackets appealing and edgy. Fringe leather jackets are known for their unique fringe detailing along the sleeves, chest, and back. They give a new, stylish look.
Fringe leather jackets are traditionally available in brown and black; modern versions also come in bold colors like red and blue. They are inspired by Native American designs for functionality, which cowboys later embraced, and fringe became a staple of Western fashion and counterculture style.
These jackets are for everyone but are especially popular among women and commonly worn with jeans. Fringe leather jackets have more flexibility and variety, and fringe styling comes in suede leather jackets, biker leather jackets, collar leather jackets, and even leather vests.
3. Coat-style and Vest Leather Jackets
Duffle Coat:
If you’re looking for an elegant-looking coat that can be layered for both formal occasions and casual wear, the Duffle coat is an excellent choice. The Duffle coat was first created in the 1850s using a coarse wool fabric known as ‘duffel,’ named after the Belgian town of Duffel but today, they’re also available in leather variation. The Duffle coat has a boxy silhouette with wooden toggles for fastening, large patch pockets, and an oversized hood.
Leather Trench Coat:
Trench coats are stylish long coats that typically reach mid-calf or knee length, featuring storm flaps, waist belts, and wide lapels that create a formal and polished appearance.
However, these coats were interestingly designed for British and French soldiers in World War I, and the name “trench” came from the soldiers who used them during combat. It was originally made from gabardine fabric and was turned into leather in the 1960s and 1970s.
Whether you’re heading to the office or out for a night on the town, a leather trench coat can easily transition between formal and casual settings. They’re available in both single-breasted and double-breasted designs and give a sleek, professional look with a hint of edginess.
Leather Vests:
Leather vests are a sleek way to bring leather into your style without the bulk of a jacket. They’re sleeveless, lightweight, and perfect for layering. They range from minimalist designs to more rugged, biker-inspired styles featuring lacing and metal studs.
Their history dates back to the late 1800s when ranchers, cowboys, and outdoor laborers began wearing them. These vests are suitable for layering over shirts, providing an additional layer without causing overheating during warmer seasons.
Leather Blazer:
Leather blazers combine the structure of a classic blazer with the sleek texture of leather, offering a unique blend of sophistication and edge. Unlike traditional leather jackets, a leather blazer has a tailored fit and polished look, creating a sophisticated silhouette for formal events like business meetings or weddings.
It’s available in single-breasted and double-breasted designs. They add refinement to any outfit, making them a stylish choice for both formal and semi-casual occasions.
4. Modern Leather Jackets
Oversized Leather Jackets:
The oversized and baggy versions of leather jackets became trendy in the late 1970s and continued through the 1980s and 1990s as the baggy and oversized design trended in those days, and it’s also very trendy nowadays.
It’s not just about their roomy design for a relaxed fit; this silhouette is very casual and gives a great, effortless look. They are commonly paired with jeans, t-shirts, and sweatshirts for a casual and chic look but it might not be suitable for formal occasions.
Leather Jackets with Hoods (Leather Hoodies)
Hooded leather jackets began to gain traction in the late 1990s and became particularly popular in the 2000s. Most hooded leather jackets feature detachable hoods. Leather bomber jackets with hoods look casual and give an effortless, laid-back vibe, while leather trench coats with hoods can exude sophistication or casual elegance, depending on how they are styled.
5. Biker Leather Jackets
If you are a biker and love to race, do you really look like a pro biker? The original biker jacket, first made by Schott NYC in 1928 for a Harley-Davidson distributor, was more than just a piece of gear. It was designed to protect riders from the elements and potential falls while also providing a tough, commanding appearance.
These jackets quickly became iconic, and bikers couldn’t get enough of them. They didn’t just ride in style; they became symbols of rebellion and confidence, turning heads wherever they went and looking even better with the helmets.
Fast forward to today, and the biker jacket remains a must-have item. It’s no longer just for riding. It has become a fashion statement with numerous varieties available.
Double Rider Jackets:
“Double Rider” gives an idea of what a biker jacket is all about. The jacket features a leather shell with an off-center front zipper that effectively reduces draught when riding, enhanced by epaulets, a belted waist, zipper cuffs, and multiple pockets.
As we have seen, this style is ideal for achieving an unbelievably casual but punkish appearance at the same time.
Cafe Racer Jackets:
If you’re looking for something more minimalist but equally stylish, the Cafe Racer jacket is a sleeker, more streamlined version of the biker jacket. Motorcyclists in 1960s England popularized this jacket, which features a simple design with a stand collar, front zipper, and minimal embellishments, often including quilted panels on the shoulders or elbows.
It’s named after the young riders who would race between cafes, showing off their custom motorcycles and leather gear. Café Racer jackets offer a more understated, versatile look that can be worn with both casual and semi-formal outfits.
It’s a lighter-weight version of a biker jacket, typically designed without extensive padding on the shoulders. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking the biker aesthetic while riding in urban environments.
6. Other Types of Leather Jackets
Faux leather jackets:
Faux leather jackets—also known as vegan leather—have gained popularity in recent years as a cruelty-free alternative to real leather. While they may not always match the longevity or supple feel of genuine leather, a high-quality faux leather jacket is a stylish, affordable, and eco-friendly choice.
Faux leather jackets come in a wide range of colors and styles, mimicking the look of real leather while addressing some of the ethical concerns associated with animal products.
However, it’s important to consider that some faux leathers are made from synthetic materials, which can also have environmental impacts. They are ideal for those who want to make a fashion statement without the high price tag of real leather.
Field Leather Jackets (M65):
The M-65 field jacket, introduced by the U.S. Army in 1965, was made from a durable nylon/cotton blend known as NYCO. It has a stand-up collar with a hidden hood, four roomy front pockets, and a front zipper with a snap-closure storm flap, and was widely used by troops during the Vietnam War.
While the original M-65 was made from fabric, leather versions have been created for civilian fashion that retains the original’s practical features while offering fashion lovers a different aesthetic and potentially longer-lasting wear.
Leather M-65 jackets come in various colors, including classic black, brown, and sometimes olive, which reflect the original military design. Its classic and versatile style suits men and women of various ages, from teens to those in their 30s and beyond. The leather M-65 jacket combines a professional look with a chic, rebellious edge. Its thoughtful design allows for both formal and casual looks depending on your outfit.
Puffer Leather Jacket:
The puffer jacket, also known as a quilted jacket, is particularly designed to keep the wearer warm in winter. Unlike conventional puffer jackets made from synthetic materials, leather puffer jackets have a leather exterior that combines durability with style, often filled with down or synthetic insulation for warmth. This jacket pairs perfectly with joggers or jeans and sneakers and is an ideal choice for a sporty urban winter outfit.
Choose The One According To Your Style
Each type of leather jacket gives a different style and suits different personality; the biker ones are suitable for bikers and casual wearers, while puffer leather jackets are designed to keep you warm in colder weather; bomber jackets are also great for an effortless look, and leather coats and blazers are great for a formal look.
