Words by Tony Wilkes
When it comes to wardrobe icons, few can compete with a men’s leather jacket. Call one to mind and you’ll likely picture a certain outfit: a black leather biker jacket, a plain T-shirt and a pair of belted jeans. That ensemble was worn by Marlon Brando in The Wild One (1953), the film that established him – and his jacket – as icons of youthful rebellion. Although this attitude has never been lost, the reason for its endurance is something much simpler: versatility. Below, we’ve outlined five ways to style a leather jacket, from everyday casual to a smart evening look.
This is the modern-day equivalent to Brando’s timeless get up. Today’s leather jackets are largely free from ornamentation, giving them a clean look that works easily with other wardrobe essentials. Pair one with a simple tank top or tee, a pair of wide-leg jeans and matching leather boots and bag. The result gives you attitude – without looking like you're trying too hard.
The key to any spring outfit? Layering. For a cool streetwear look, style your leather jacket with a sporty hoodie (Willy Chavarria and Represent 247 have some of our favourites right now), or a jersey or track jacket from the latest football capsules released by Amiri and Rhude. Just make sure your jacket is sized to accommodate the layers underneath – to avoid looking cramped, it’s sometimes best to take a size up.
While leather jackets are mostly worn casually, they can be easily dressed up too. Simply upgrade your trousers for a sharper, tailored pair. These will work well with a smart button-down shirt or roll-neck. And for added polish? Opt for a pair of leather loafers and a well-chosen belt – Elliot Rhodes, a new arrival, makes some of the best in the business.
“The art of appreciating classic codes while remixing them with equal parts polish and playfulness is what new preppy is all about,” writes Navaz Batliwalla in the spring issue of Harrods Man magazine. One of our men’s trends to know for SS26, preppy can also be remixed with a great leather jacket. Style it with modern preppy classics like rugby shirts, polos and loafers from Wales Bonner, Ami Paris and, of course, Polo Ralph Lauren.
Here, you’re essentially swapping your blazer for a jacket. Think of the usual components of a suit: the best shirts, ties, formal trousers, loafers or Oxford shoes. It’s best to keep your choice of leather jacket as sleek as possible: no logos or bold ornamentation here. Luckily, some of the finest tailoring houses also make leather jackets: TOM FORD, Corneliani and Brioni are three noteworthy options.
When choosing a men’s leather jacket, your first consideration is the quality of the leather. The finest examples feel buttery soft and wrinkle slightly when pressed – it’s these leathers that will develop a rich patina over time. Next, check its construction. The best examples are made up of as few panels as possible, since larger pieces require higher-quality hides.
Founded as an artisanal leather workshop in 1849, Loewe has a mastery of leatherworking that remains largely unrivalled. Milan-based Valstar is another heritage label to have on your radar, having specialised in outerwear since its founding in 1911. Meanwhile, TOM FORD, Saint Laurent and Polo Ralph Lauren continue to deliver first-class leather jackets too.
Today’s leather jackets have a clean, minimalist look that makes them easy to style. In terms of colour, the styles stocked at Harrods largely stick to classic neutrals – think black, brown and beige – which coordinate well with a timeless capsule wardrobe. The modern fit is also on the larger side, giving you plenty of room to layer underneath.
When it comes to styling a leather jacket for everyday wear, the blueprint remains a simple T-shirt and a pair of relaxed jeans. Alternatively, leather jackets layer nicely with sporty pieces such as hoodies, jerseys and track jackets, as well as classic preppy staples for a smarter, trending look.
“It’s so difficult to find a really good shirt,” says 100Hands co-founder Varvara Maslova. Discover our world-class edit from Eton, Polo Ralph Lauren and more.
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