Western Leather Jackets & Vests

A western leather jacket is defined by its yoke: the shaped panel of leather across the shoulders and upper back, cut in a point or a curve and usually set off in a second color. Add snap closures, chest pockets and a hem that stops at the belt, and you have the cut ranch hands have worn for well over a century. The Elkhorn and Jackson pieces in this collection are built on that pattern, in sheepskin leather or cotton canvas with antique brass hardware, and the Jackson leather pieces are fully lined in Turkish shearling. Alongside them are our shearling leather bombers, the warm-collared winter jacket you see on ranches across cold country. We have designed them in Matthews, North Carolina since 2009. Prices run from $219.95 to $899.95, with 30-day returns and free return shipping on exchanges.

Which Western Piece Fits How You Live

Prices as of October 2026. Each product page shows the current price and stock.

What Makes a Jacket Western

• The yoke. A separate panel across the shoulders and back, pointed or curved, often in a contrasting tone. It gives the shoulders structure and became the signature of the cut. The Elkhorn and Jackson both carry a two-tone yoke.
• Snaps. Snaps became standard in western wear because they pull open instead of ripping when something catches. The Elkhorn uses snap-flap chest pockets and snap cuffs. The Jackson pieces pair a brass zipper with a snap placket that seals out the wind.
• Chest pockets. Pockets high on the chest stay reachable in the saddle and out of the way of a belt. The Elkhorn has two snap chest pockets plus zippered hand pockets.
• Length and shoulder line. A western jacket stops at the belt so it does not bunch when you sit a horse or a truck seat. The shoulder sits square and close, not dropped.
• The vest. The western vest is its own tradition: warmth for the body, arms left free for roping, fencing or splitting wood. The Jackson Leather Shearling Vest follows it, with adjustable side snaps to fit over a shirt or a sweater.

Not sure if you want western, moto or trucker? Our guide to moto vs. trucker silhouettes and our styles of leather jackets walk through the differences, and our guide to what makes a leather jacket western covers the cut in detail.

How to Choose

• By warmth. The Elkhorn is a three-season jacket. One owner wore it at 37°F with a vest underneath and was comfortable. For hard winter, choose the Jackson Shearling Jacket or a Shearling Leather Bomber.
• By work. If your arms need to move, a vest keeps your core warm and leaves your shoulders free. The Jackson Leather Shearling Vest is the warm one. The cotton Jackson Vest w/ Sherpa Collar is the everyday work vest you will not worry about getting dirty.
• By look. Distressed Brown & Chestnut is the quieter Elkhorn. Copper & Whiskey is the one people ask about.
• By fit. If you are between sizes, size up, especially for the Jackson pieces, which you will want to wear over a flannel. Check the size chart on each product page, and read our fit guide and sizing guide before you order.

What Owners Say

“If you want a unique western inspired leather jacket this is it. I'm 6'2", 220 lbs and the XL fit perfectly.”
Reed I., verified buyer · Western Elkhorn Leather Jacket

“I get more people asking me about where I got this jacket than any other jacket that I wear.”
Scott, verified buyer · Western Elkhorn Leather Jacket

“Has a rugged country look and feel to it. It's also warm without being too heavy. The medium fits me very well. I'm 5-7 and 173lbs.”
Michael A., verified buyer · Jackson Shearling Leather Jacket

“Really love the vest. Rugged but also refined. Right amount of warmth.”
Ben M., verified buyer · Jackson Leather Shearling Vest

Know Your Leather Before You Buy

• Western leather, and what makes it western
• Moto or trucker: two leather jacket silhouettes for everyday wear
• Styles of leather jackets for men
• How to wear a vest: leather, down and sherpa
• Shearling vs. sherpa: what's the difference?
• How to choose the right shearling jacket
• How to care for a shearling jacket
• How should a leather jacket fit?
• How to break in a leather jacket

Shop More Leather

Men's leather jackets · Shearling jackets · Leather vests · Brown leather jackets · All outerwear · Leather care

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes a leather jacket western?
   The yoke: a shaped panel across the shoulders and upper back, usually pointed or curved and often in a second color. Western jackets also tend to have snap closures, chest pockets and a hem that stops at the belt. Our western leather guide explains each detail.
2. What is the difference between a western jacket and a trucker jacket?
   Both are short and stop at the belt. A trucker has straight, squared seams and button-flap chest pockets. A western jacket has a shaped yoke, often pointed, and usually uses snaps. Our moto vs. trucker guide covers the other common cuts.
3. What leather are these western jackets and vests made from?
   The Elkhorn is sheepskin leather with an easy-clean nylon lining. The Jackson leather jacket and vest are sheepskin with a full lining of Turkish shearling. The Shearling Leather Bomber is full-grain leather with Turkish merino shearling. The Jackson Vest w/ Sherpa Collar is cotton canvas with corduroy trim.
4. Is a western leather jacket warm enough for winter?
   The Elkhorn is a three-season jacket that layers well over a vest or sweater. For real winter, choose the Jackson Shearling Leather Jacket or the Shearling Leather Bomber, both fully lined in shearling.
5. How should a western jacket fit?
   Close through the shoulders, with the seam at or just past your shoulder bone, and the hem at your belt line. You should be able to close it over a flannel shirt. If you are between sizes, size up.
6. How do I wear a western vest without looking like I'm in costume?
   Keep everything else plain. A flannel or chambray shirt, dark jeans and work boots are enough. Skip the bolo tie and the big buckle unless that is how you already dress. See how to wear a vest.
7. What is the difference between shearling and sherpa?
   Shearling is sheepskin tanned with the wool still attached, so the leather and the warmth are one piece. Sherpa is a polyester fleece made to look like it. The Jackson Shearling pieces use real Turkish shearling. More in our shearling vs. sherpa guide.
8. How do I care for a sheepskin or shearling jacket?
   Wipe off dust with a soft cloth, condition the leather once or twice a year, hang it on a wide hanger, and let it dry naturally if it gets wet. Never use direct heat. Our shearling care guide covers cleaning.
9. What is your return policy?
   Returns within 30 days, in new and unused condition, get a full refund less original shipping. Exchanges ship back free.
10. Where are Buffalo Jackson western jackets designed and made?
    Every piece is designed in our office in Matthews, North Carolina, and handcrafted by artisans around the world. The shearling on the Jackson leather pieces and the bombers is Turkish sheepskin.

Updated October 2026. Product details, prices, and links on this page are reviewed by the Buffalo Jackson team.