Black Leather Jackets

What is more iconic than a black leather jacket? It can be worn with nearly anything, for nearly any occasion – and when they’re well-made, black leather jackets carry just the right mix of rugged and smooth. 

Take our Rebel Bomber black leather jacket, for example. It’s a leather jacket as rugged and iconic as the battle-tested captains of the sky. We pair classic aviator style with first-class craftsmanship, using full grain cow leather and including features like a concealed full-length zipper and snug cotton detailing at the neck, wrists, and waist. 

Or, consider our Thompson black leather motorcycle jacket. Crafted with black, full grain lambskin leather for its exceptional wearability, this jacket gives a nod to the classics, but with modern versatility. We’ve included a zip front closure, four exterior zippered pockets, a snap-over band collar, and zippered cuffs for even more style and function.

Want to compliment your black leather jacket with a few essential accessories? View our collections of men’s apparel and rugged leather bags to find vintage finishes with timeless style. 

EXPLORE OUR FULL COLLECTION OF LEATHER JACKETS

We offer leather jackets in many different styles (including leather puffer jackets, leather bomber jackets, and leather motorcycle jackets) and many types of leather (including cow leather, bison leather, sheepskin leather, and lambskin leather). 

Not sure where to start? Check out this article on Types of Leather Jackets: Which Style are You? Or, brush up on your knowledge of leather types with this article about soft leather and this one about cow leather vs bison leather.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR BLACK LEATHER JACKET

To get the most out of your leather jacket, you’ll need to dedicate some attention to proper upkeep. This is key to preserving and extending the life of your jacket. Be sure to review our articles for details on how to care for wet or stained leather. You can also shop our leather care products for our premium, easy-to-use cleaner and conditioner. Check out these 5 basic steps to cleaning your black leather jacket:

*Always spot-check each step before proceeding with the full jacket!

• Lightly dust.Gently wipe away any dust or oil buildup using a soft cloth in a light circular motion.

• Prepare cleaning solution.  *If your jacket isn't excessively dirty, skip to step 4.  Mix two teaspoons of mild liquid detergent with warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution that can be used on your leather jacket without causing abrasions or other damage.

• Gently clean.  Soak a soft sponge or cloth in your mild soap solution until it is saturated, then wring it out so it’s damp, but not soaking wet. The key to this cleaning approach is to use as little moisture as possible.  Lightly blot the leather to avoid leaving watermarks, and remember to feather your blots. Do not rub or scrub!

• Wipe down.  Remove soap residue by wiping down with a clean cloth saturated with a small amount of clean water. (Remember to use the smallest amount of moisture needed.) Then, pat the leather with a soft, dry towel, and hang the jacket somewhere cool until it is completely dry. Do not use direct heat (like a hair dryer or direct sunlight) to try to speed up the drying time.

• Remember the inside!  The soap solution used for cleaning the outside of your leather jacket can also be used to clean the inside. Remember that cleaning the inside of your jacket is as important as preserving the outside; sweat on the interior of the jacket can eventually break down the lining and compromise the leather.  To clean the inside, turn the jacket inside-out, and use a soft sponge or cloth and the same mild soap solution. Pay close attention to the cuffs, collar, and underarms, and then hang the jacket to dry in a cool, dry area. (Do not use direct heat.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do you store leather jackets?

You probably won’t be storing your black leather jacket a whole lot because you’ll be wearing it everywhere! But seasonally, it’s normal to store it for a while. (Storing it properly will help keep the leather healthy and the jacket in good shape.)

• Clean it first. (Simply follow the steps outlined above.)
• Stuff the insides of your leather jacket with acid-free paper. Stuffing the jacket helps to keep its shape, and the acid-free paper helps create a barrier for dust, dirt, and moisture.
• Wrap your jacket in a breathable fabric. Do not wrap a leather jacket in plastic, and avoid folding it when you wrap it.
• If you have the space, hang the jacket on a wide cedar or padded hanger. (These types of hangers can properly support the shoulders and weight of a leather jacket so that it doesn’t droop during storage. Do not use thin wired or plastic hangers.).  If you don’t have space to properly hang your jacket, you can place it in a wooden (preferably cedar) trunk or even a suitcase. Just like when you are wrapping the jacket, be sure to lay it flat without folds or creases. Additionally, make sure that air can pass in and out of the container. Do not store leather in a plastic container – plastic containers will not allow the leather to breathe.
• Protect your leather jacket by storing it in a dry, cool area away from direct sunlight. Exposing a black leather jacket to too much light or warmth can cause the leather to discolor, expand, dry out, or crack. Moisture is also a major cause for concern as it can cause mildew and mold to grow. This means it is extremely important that the place where you store your jacket is not humid. Placing silica gel packets in the jacket pockets can help absorb moisture. And, if you need to store it for an extended period of time (say, longer than 6 months), be sure to air it out occasionally.

2. How should you style a black leather jacket?

Really, however you want. But, here are 3 of our favorite black leather jacket outfits:

• Jeans + Tee Shirt:  What is more timeless than a black leather jacket with a black or white tee and a pair of jeans?
• Sweater  A sweater with a black leather jacket looks dressed up but not stuffy. 
• Plaid Button Down:  This combo is a sure winner. You can’t go wrong with black leather and plaid.  (Check out this article for more ideas.)

3. How do you break in a leather jacket?

Here are 3 easy tips to get you started:

• Wear it.  The best way to break in a leather jacket is the old fashioned way – just keep on wearing it.
• Roll it into a ball.  Simply use your hands to tightly crunch your leather jacket up into a ball. Release and repeat.
• Move and flex in it.  Repeat simple moves like arm circles and pushups to accelerate the “wearing” effect.  (Check out this article for a few more tricks.)