Once the armor of a rebellious few, the leather jacket — faux leather, pleather, whatever — has gradually transcended “v. exclusive” and is now officially “essential AF.” Perhaps there's been a paradigmatic shift in what is badass and our acceptance of it; maybe we all feel like Nicholas Cage playing Sailor Ripley in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart when he screams, “This here jacket represents a symbol of my individuality, and my belief in personal freedom!” (Note that the jacket of which Ripley screams is made of a gloriously disco yellow snakeskin.)
More likely, though, it’s because rocking a leather jacket you love is a great way to say, “I’m cool, confident, and ready to take on the world...but first, coffee.” That’s why we’ve ordered the best leather jackets across all budgets, from embroidered bombers to brightly hued bikers, to get in formation. Click through to find one that makes your heart go wild.
A softer alternative to black, don’t say “maybe,” say “yes!” to navy.
Forever 21 Faux Leather Jacket in Navy, $37.80, available at Forever 21.
Crop it like it’s hot.
Nasty Gal Rock the Moto Cropped Jacket, $98.00, available at Nasty Gal.
Olive green: unexpectedly neutral and surprisingly versatile.
Ganni Passion Biker Jacket in Olive Green, $545, available at Otte.
What’s that saying? Two reds are better than one?
Express Red Color Block (Minus The) Leather Jacket, $148 $80.99, available at Express.
Cara Delevingne has rocked these one-of-a-kind, vintage-inspired recycled leather jackets. We want one, too.
Amarcord Recycled Leather Moto, $275, available at Amarcord.
Try pairing this shiny jacket with your favorite party dress...or jeans and patent-leather shoes.
Jolie by Edward Spiers Leather Blazer in Crocodile Print, $371, available at Lyst.
When you wish upon a mod metallic jacket, magical things happen.
Nasty Gal You Should Be Dancing Metallic Leather Jacket, $198 $138.60, available at NastyGal.
Embroidered florals are the bomb(er). This collarless leather jacket is the perfect pop to throw on with your favorite jeans, tee, and the shoe of the season: the babouche.
Tanya Taylor Embroidered Leather Bomber, $1,695, available at Saks.
Sky blue's the limit in this pleather topper. Perfect for pairing with all that denim, and crisp spring whites.
Zara Faux Leather Jacket in Sky Blue, $69.90, available at Zara.
Simply put, this playful little number is the bee's knees with a cherry on top. #ClichesOnCliches.
Red Valentino Zip-up, $1,750, available at Red Valentino.
This looks like something Nico from the Velvet Underground would have worn, which makes it extra rad.
Story of Lola Leather Look Biker Jacket in Metallic, $111.00, available at ASOS.
This classic moto could be #BetterThanBrando’s.
Who What Wear for Target Minimal Moto Jacket Plus, $49.99, available at Target.
With due deference to Miranda Priestly’s sarcasm, when florals are printed all over a moto jacket, they kind of are groundbreaking.
Coach Chiffon Floral Biker Jacket, $796, available at Coach.
Nothing beats a sleek basic that you can throw on over anything.
Veda Leroy Leather Jacket, $495, available at Veda.
Tough style, soft color, can’t lose.
Acne Light Pink Moto, $1,590, available at SSENSE.
The black badge of Courrèges. And behind the bad pun you’ll discover that this '60s revival is a collectible classic.
Courrèges Black Vinyl Jacket, $1,130, available at Courrèges.
A strong medium brown is perfect for offsetting all your basic blacks.
Silence + Noise Vegan Scuba Moto Jacket, $149, available at Urban Outfitters.
A jacket you can share with your girlfriends and boyfriends; maybe split the cost and do a time-share sitch?
The Arrivals Unisex Moto, $645, available at The Arrivals.
One that does all the wearing-in work for you.
Topshop Distressed Belted Leather Jacket, $360, available at Topshop.
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