The Ultimate Guide to Leather Jackets: Styles, Fit, Care & Best Brands (UK & USA)

A leather jacket is more than just a wardrobe staple—it’s a lasting investment, a personal statement, and a symbol of enduring style. But with so many styles, cuts, and types of leather to choose from, selecting the perfect one can feel overwhelming.

This definitive guide breaks down everything you need to know: from leather types to body fit, seasonal tips, styling advice, and top high street and designer brands in the UK and USA.

1. Types of Leather Used in Jackets

The type of leather directly affects the texture, comfort, weight, and longevity of the jacket.

🐄 Cowhide

Durable, stiff initially, softens over time.
Best for classic biker jackets.
Offers excellent abrasion resistance.
Brands: Schott NYC, AllSaints.

🐐 Goatskin

Lighter and more flexible than cowhide.
Slightly pebbled texture.
Good for bomber and aviator styles.

🐑 Sheepskin / Lambskin

Exceptionally soft and lightweight.
Drapes well—ideal for fitted or fashion-forward cuts.
Less durable than cowhide but more comfortable.
Brands: Reiss, Maje, The Kooples.

Exotic Leathers

Suede, nubuck, or even embossed crocodile effects.
Require more delicate care.
Usually found in luxury brands like Balmain or Rick Owens.

2. Leather Jacket Styles Explained

Each cut offers a different aesthetic, fit, and versatility.

🏍 Biker Jacket (Asymmetric Zip)

Classic rebellious silhouette.
Features: diagonal zip, lapels, belted waist.
Best for: Rectangle, athletic, and hourglass figures.

✈️ Bomber Jacket (Flight/Military)

Ribbed cuffs, zip-up front, rounded shape.
Suits most body types.
Great for casual layering.
Brands: Alpha Industries, Zara, Whistles.

👔 Racer Jacket (Café Racer)

Clean, minimalist, band collar, zip front.
Slim fit, flattering for straight figures.
Ideal for a smart-casual look.

🛫 Aviator Jacket (Shearling)

Heavy sheepskin lining, wide collar.
Designed for winter warmth.
Works well on broader shoulders or inverted triangle shapes.

🧥 Oversized / Trench / Belted Leather

Longline, fashion-forward.
Often seen in women’s collections by Ganni, Joseph, or Massimo Dutti.
Ideal for layering in colder climates.

3. Choosing the Right Fit by Body Shape

The fit can make or break a leather jacket. Here's what flatters each body type:

Hourglass:

Choose belted or peplum styles that highlight the waist.
Cropped or fitted biker jackets enhance proportion.

Pear:

A-line styles or bomber jackets that draw attention to the upper half.
Avoid cropped styles that cut across the widest part of the hips.

Apple:

Go for streamlined styles like the racer or longline trench.
Avoid bulky shearling collars or belted cuts.

Rectangle:

Create shape with oversized aviator or belted trench styles.
Look for jackets with shoulder structure.

Petite:

Opt for cropped or shrunken silhouettes.
Avoid heavy oversized cuts that overwhelm your frame.

Tall:

Embrace longline trenches or dramatic oversized jackets.
You can pull off bold shapes and lengths.

4. Seasonal Considerations

Spring/Summer:

Lightweight lambskin or goatskin.
Racer or cropped styles in neutral shades (stone, camel, cream).
Suede or nubuck adds a soft seasonal texture.

Autumn/Winter:

Shearling aviators, heavy cowhide, or lined bombers.
Darker hues (black, chocolate, deep green).
Opt for roomy cuts to layer underneath.

5. How to Style a Leather Jacket

A leather jacket can dress up or down depending on how it's styled.

Casual

Pair a black biker with straight jeans and a white tee.
Add trainers or ankle boots.
Great for both men and women.

Smart Casual

A lambskin racer jacket over a knit and tailored trousers.
Works well for dinner dates or casual work settings.

Elevated Street Style

Oversized trench-style leather over wide-leg trousers or a fitted dress.
Accessorise with statement boots or a mini crossbody.

6. Best Leather Jacket Brands (UK & USA)

High Street

AllSaints – Signature biker silhouettes, especially Dalby and Balfern styles.
Whistles – Chic, slimline women’s styles.
Zara – Trend-led at accessible prices.
Massimo Dutti – Minimalist, premium finishes for less.
Reiss – Elegant, tailored options.

Mid-Range

The Kooples – Rock-chic, Parisian edge.
Maje – French leather, feminine fits.
Belstaff – Motorcycle heritage brand with luxury finishes.
Scotch & Soda – Good bomber and suede options.

Designer

Acne Studios – Clean cuts with Scandi precision.
Rick Owens – Avant-garde sculptural designs.
Saint Laurent – Iconic investment biker jackets.
Isabel Marant – Feminine takes on classic silhouettes.
Schott NYC – Timeless American-made biker jackets.

7. How to Care for Your Leather Jacket

Basic Rules:

Avoid water – Use a leather protectant spray before wear.
Never machine wash – Spot clean with damp cloth, or take to a leather specialist.
Store properly – Use padded hanger and avoid plastic covers.
Condition the leather – Apply leather balm every 6–12 months to avoid cracking.

For Suede:

Use a dedicated suede brush.
Avoid moisture and treat with suede protectant.
Spot clean with white vinegar or a suede eraser.

8. Leather Jacket Sizing: Why It’s Tricky

Leather jackets stretch slightly over time, but sizing varies hugely across brands:

Some brands run small (The Kooples, Acne).
Some run large to allow layering (Belstaff, Zara Men).
Most size guides don’t factor in bust, waist, or hip ratios—leading to poor fits.

That’s why Tellar.co.uk is the smartest way to find your perfect leather jacket size across brands.

9. Tellar.co.uk: Your Body Matched to Every Brand, Instantly

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool that matches your exact body measurements to over 1,500+ brands, including AllSaints, Reiss, Zara, and more.

Here’s how it works:

Measure your bust, waist, hips or use your best-fitting brand as a reference.
Tellar shows your exact jacket size in any store.
No app needed—it’s browser-based and completely free.

🔍 Try it now:

No more trial and error. No more misfitting leathers. Just sizing accuracy you can trust.

10. The Tellar Fashion Hub: 1000s of Free Posts

Once you've nailed the size, explore the Tellar Fashion Hub for more:

11. Follow Tellar for Fit Advice, Styling, and More

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing

Final Thought

A leather jacket should last years—if not decades. The right fit, leather type, and style can elevate your wardrobe season after season. Use this guide to shop smart and use Tellar.co.uk to shop accurately.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.