14 Best Leather Jackets for Women in 2022

When shopping for a new leather jacket, there are many considerations to take into account before making your purchase. GH fiber scientists teamed up with Schrieber to provide insider shopping tips. However, it’s most important that you actually like the jacket: it needs to be comfortable and something you see yourself wearing regularly!

✔️Silhouette: Leather jackets are available in a variety of different styles, including the classic biker or moto shape. Today, there are tons of stylish silhouettes like sherpa-lined flight jackets, chic blazers and long and cropped styles too, so everyone can find a leather jacket that fits their personal aesthetic.

✔️ Material: Before purchasing, check the jacket’s fiber content to ensure you know if it’s real leather or a faux leather alternative. The site listing should say “100{362bf5cdc35eddfb2532d3c23e83b41deb229c4410d15cb1127c60150cbd4488} real leather” or “genuine leather” if it’s truly a high quality leather material. Leather tends to be rigid and stiff at first, but will mold to your body shape with use. For faux leather styles, most are made with polyurethane or another plastic-based finish.

While faux leather styles are vegan, it doesn’t mean it’s a sustainable buy as producing these faux leather alternatives has an extensive environmental impact. On the other hand, real leather production involves the harsh treatment of animals and excessive greenhouse gas emissions from raising livestock.

✔️ Hardware: Luxury jackets use high quality hardware that gives it an extra edge. When shopping, make sure to note the look and color of the hardware to ensure you like its look as some leather jackets feature bulky zippers or extra snaps for an edgier look.

Comfort is key! When trying it on, make sure to lift your arms up and move around to ensure it’s comfy to wear in all positions. Leather does mold to your body, so the fit can actually improve with time. Schreiber says, “I order one or two sizes up because I prefer the baggy look.” Most testers agreed and went with a jacket one size up. Make sure to try the jacket with different tops on, including a sweater, to make sure you truly like the fit. Schreiber says she has a few leather jackets with different fits so there’s a jacket that goes perfectly with every outfit.

When it comes to deep cleaning a genuine leather jacket, GH cleaning pros recommend leaving it to a professional leather cleaner. Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab Executive Director, recommends using this Leather Care Kit for spot cleaning at home. Check out our full guide on how to clean your leather jacket at home for more cleaning tips, and for faux leather jackets, you may be able to machine wash the jacket, but always follow the care label closely for the best results.

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab where she has tested all types of apparel items like denim, workout leggings, jackets, sneakers and more for the past four years. She tested over a dozen different leather jackets in Lab and reviewed nearly a hundred online before making these selections. Liv Schreiber ​​is a fashion stylist and lifestyle influencer most known for her TikTok videos.