The leather jacket has become a staple in my closet – a piece that I can’t live without. It’s definitely an investment (especially if it’s real leather) and something you should be able to keep for a long time. There a few things to consider when investing in a leather jacket: the style, leather quality, cut, colour etc. Below are my tips for buying the perfect leather jacket:
1. Style
There is no shortage of available styles in leather: bomber, moto (see my above Mackage Rumer jacket), front zip, front drape, long, cropped, you name it. However, the classic moto is my personal favourite and easily one of the most versatile.
2. Colour
My preference is black since it goes with everything and makes light, floaty dresses look edgier. However, there are some great colorful choices as well: burgundy, brown, tan, forest green. I like a more muted colour in leather as it looks less fake and tends to go with more of the outfits you already own.
3. Fit
This is possibly the single most important factor to consider when investing in a leather jacket. First of all, make sure the jacket fits in the shoulders, that’s critical. The shoulder seam should line up with the edge of your shoulder. Then think about what you’ll be wearing under the jacket – tees, dresses, sweaters? How bulky will they be? Make sure your chunky knits will fit underneath. Note that real leather stretches so size down accordingly (I sized down on this Mackage jacket).
I was thinking of putting together a post on all the outfits you can wear a leather jacket with… is that something you’d be interested in? Let me know in the comments!
PS See below for my top leather jacket picks at various price points.
hi jill
i have tried this exact jacket on numerous times and ultimately the fit wasn’t quite right on me. the sleeves!! they were crazy long on me and looked too sloppy. i am 5’2″ and i just don’t think it was made for someone on the petite side. sizing down didn’t help either. i love this post though and i always try to keep these things in mind. for me the hunt for the perfect leather moto continues!
Author
Aw I’m sorry to hear that! I will definitely keep my eye out for you 🙂
xx Jill
I would have different styles of leather jackets and in different colours! This type of jacket is so daily use, and full of style. Thanks for this post! Have a nice day!
Author
Thanks love!
xx Jill
Yes, would love to see “outfits with leather jackets” post! Love this classic, chic look!
Author
Thanks! Will do 🙂
xx Jill
Yes, I agree it would be great to see the different outfits you put together with a leather jacket. It would provide some inspiration on how to make a leather moto jacket more versatile. Tips on how to work a leather jacket into a more formal outfit would be especially helpful!
Author
Awesome, thanks for the feedback!
xx Jill
Would love a post on different leather jacket outfits!
Author
It’s in the works! 🙂
xx Jill
Hi!
I am debating between all of the Mackage leather jackets right now. I am wondering what size you ended up going with?
Thanks!
Author
Hi Jaclyn! I went smaller for sure, because the leather will stretch out some. I went with an XXS because I also don’t tend to wear bulky sweaters underneath it anyway. Hope that’s helpful 🙂
xx Jill
Thank you! I was thinking of that size just wasn’t sure if you went smaller. I’m still torn between that leather jacket and the new cropped bayana one Aritzia just came out with. Love the pebbled leather on you. Thanks for responding. Love your page.
Hey Jill,
I am looking in to getting this jacket (Mackage Rumer) and am struggling with sizing. Do you happen to remember your measurements around this time? I am 5’3″, 120lbs and 34B bust and am wondering if I should go XS (usual) or XXS (sizing down).
Thanks!
Jay
Author
Hi! I think it depends what you want to wear underneath it – if you want to layer sweaters and hoodies, go with XS!
xx Jill
Where is that white shirt from?
Author
It’s from Carven, from last year!
xx Jill
Hi Jill! Do you still love your Rumer? I’m torn between it and the Florica (smooth leather)! (Buying used as sadly Aritzia has discontinued them, sad face). Would love to know your thoughts on the pebbled vs smooth leather over the long term. Thanks girl!
Author
I do still love my Rumer a lot – I like the texture, it makes it a bit different and it wears better since smooth leather will show any imperfections a lot, so that’s my vote!
xx Jill
Leather jacket is really useful for me because i am using on bike and your blog is the right information share. It’s a very helpful information. Thanks for sharing.
Hi. Reading the comments, I see that you sized down and went with the size XXS. Just wondering, what size do you normally wear at Aritzia? Also, do you own the Mackage Kenya jacket? If yes, what size did you get. Thank you