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What to Wear With a Leather Jacket: Men’s Style Guide
The short answer
Keep it simple underneath and let the jacket lead. The classic is a plain tee or henley, dark jeans, and leather boots. In fall, wear it over a flannel or a crewneck sweater. To dress it up, wear it over an oxford shirt with chinos, or even a shirt and tie.
Match your boots and belt to the tone of the jacket, keep patterns to one piece at most, and pick a jacket style that fits how you live.
Anyone can look and feel good in a leather jacket, and when you’re confident about what to wear with a leather jacket, it shows. Today’s best leather jackets gather inspiration from the past, with modern sensibilities. When you’ve chosen a quality leather jacket, it (and you) will look and feel even better the more you wear it; care for it properly, and it will last forever.
Types of Leather Jackets for Men
There are many different types of men’s leather jackets and different ways to style each. Here, we’ve kept it simple and chosen our 5 favorite types of leather jackets for men. To be honest, we really think there is one answer to “what to wear with a leather jacket.” (That answer begins with “what” and ends with “ever you damn well please.”) But we realize that roadmaps can be helpful, so we’ve also offered some fail-proof outfit suggestions to point you in the right direction.
Leather Trucker Jackets
Originally made iconic in denim, you can pick out a trucker jacket by the waist-length cut, button front closure, and buttons on the sleeve cuffs and front chest pockets—and don’t forget the trademark vertical seams that run from the front chest pockets to the waist.
In theirDriggs Leather Jacket, Buffalo Jackson uses soft, full-grain goat leather and a cotton-lined interior to craft a leather trucker jacket that feels like a broken-in favorite from day one.
LEATHER MOTO JACKETS
Leather moto jackets or racer jackets are perfect if you like the idea of a classic leather biker jacket, but want something a bit more clean cut and versatile than the traditional wide flap collar and diagonal zip.
Buffalo Jackson has designed a stylish leather moto jacket that features soft lambskin leather, zip front closure, front zip pockets, side pockets, and a snap-over band collar. Shown here, their Thomas Leather Moto Jacket is available in a classic black,rich brown, or whiskey tan.
Leather Bomber Jackets
The original leather jacket style is the bomber jacket (or flight jacket). Originally designed for WWI pilots who needed to stay warm at high altitudes, its traditional, classic details include a relaxed fit, shoulder epaulets, standup collar, front slit or flap pockets on the chest, and side zip pockets. There are many variations of this classic, taking cues from different iterations of the original.
Here, Buffalo Jackson highlights vintage flight jacket style in theirLegacy Leather Jacket, crafted of premium, 100% full grain leather with a straight waist, stand up collar, zip front closure, and zippered sleeves.
In theirMaverick brown leather bomber jacket, Buffalo Jackson embraces another iconic bomber jacket style, this time in genuine lambskin with ribbed cuffs and waist, zip front closure, and detachable sherpa collar.
Leather field jacket
Field jackets harken back to the old days of rough-riding hunters and trackers. A classic slim fit with plenty of pockets give this type of leather jacket a vintage look with all the practicality intact.
Leather DOWn JACKETS
A leather down jacket offers a unique combination of ruggedness and comfort. Make sure to find a leather down jacket made with soft leather, though. No one wants a stiff puffy coat.
For theirBridger Leather Down Jacket, Buffalo Jackson has used soft, genuine lambskin leather that feels broken in right from the start, and a slim fit keeps the jacket from looking too bulky.
Like the leather down jacket, the leather down vest levels up on the classic puffer vest style with the premium comfort and timeless quality of soft, lambskin leather.
Still not sure which jacket to choose? Check out our article on leather jacket styles based on your personality.
Leather Jacket Outfits for Men
LAYERED OVER A HOODIE.
This look works best with a bomber jacket, trucker jacket, or leather down jacket.
T-SHIRT & JEANS.
This is a classic leather jacket outfit and works great with a moto jacket or flight jacket. You can dress up this look with slim fit jeans in a dark wash, or dress it down with distressed jeans or a lighter wash.
BUTTOn-UP SHIRT & PANTS.
SHIRT & TIE.
Yes, even a shirt and tie. For this outfit, choose a sleek flight jacket with minimal embellishments, if any.
Over a flannel shirt.
This is the fall uniform. A brown leather jacket over a plaid flannel shirt, dark denim, and leather boots works from the tailgate to a weekend dinner. Let the flannel carry the pattern and keep everything else solid.
Over a crewneck sweater.
When the temperature drops, a wool crewneck sweater under a leather jacket adds warmth without bulk. Stick to earthy colors like charcoal, oatmeal, or olive so the leather stays the focus. If you plan to wear sweaters often, check how your jacket should fit so there is room for the layer.
Matching colors and leather.
Keep your leathers in the same family. A brown jacket looks best with brown boots and a brown belt; a black jacket pairs with black or dark brown. You do not need an exact match, just a close tone.
When you’re ready to invest in a leather jacket, choose one with fine craftsmanship and timeless style—and care for it well. Buy it now. Wear it forever. Pass it down.
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear under a leather jacket?
A plain tee, henley, flannel shirt, oxford shirt, or thin crewneck sweater. Solid colors and simple layers work best because they keep the attention on the leather.
Can you wear a leather jacket with jeans?
Yes. Dark denim and a leather jacket is the most classic pairing there is. Pick a slim or straight leg in a dark wash and finish with boots.
What shoes go with a leather jacket?
Leather boots are the natural choice: work boots, chukkas, or Chelsea boots. Clean leather sneakers work for a more casual look. Match the leather tone to your jacket when you can.
Can you wear a hoodie under a leather jacket?
Yes, as long as the jacket has room for it. A thin, plain hoodie under a moto or trucker jacket is a relaxed, weekend look. Keep the hoodie a neutral color.
Can you wear a leather jacket with a shirt and tie?
Yes. A slim leather jacket over a collared shirt and a knit or wool tie is a sharp alternative to a sport coat for dinners and casual offices.
What color leather jacket is the most versatile?
Brown and black. Brown works with more colors and feels more rugged and relaxed. Black is sharper and a little dressier. If you only own one, brown is the easier jacket to wear every day.
Should your shoes and belt match your leather jacket?
They should be in the same color family. Brown jacket, brown boots and belt; black jacket, black or dark brown. A close tone looks intentional without being too matched.
Can you wear a leather jacket year round?
In most climates, from fall through spring. A lighter lambskin jacket over a tee works on cool summer evenings. See our guide on wearing a leather jacket year-round.
Xan Hood founded Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. in 2009. He designs our leather jackets and outerwear in Matthews, North Carolina.