How to Style a Leather Jacket
Like plenty of garments, the leather jacket became a fashion item after the war. Pilots and bomber crews had relied on them to stay warm in their unpressurised planes, and got used to the practicality and ruggedness of the material. Bikers saw the same benefits and wore them religiously, so it was only a matter of time before they percolated into wider youth culture, especially for people who wanted an edgy, rebellious look. Marlon Brando and his gang wearing leathers in The Wild One cemented the reputation.
Over time, the leather jacket would become more refined, and along with its suede counterpart, it gained a degree of respectability. The modern leather jacket is an expression of that change, as much a part of street culture as it is high fashion. In this article, we’ll be looking at how the leather is being worn by contemporary gentlemen.
Smart Casual
Since the leather jacket can’t really be worn over a suit, it’s always going to walk on the more casual side of the street. But that doesn’t have to mean sacrificing touches of smartness and elan that’ll show the LJ in a fresh light.
For example, in the city you can pair it with a button-down shirt and chinos, with a pair of loafers for a distinctly urban interpretation. A classic biker jacket can work wonders here, as they’re actually pretty minimalistic garments – not the tasselled, hardware-clanking versions you might associate with the gangs.
Alternatively, go for a roll-neck jumper under a smooth tan jacket, with dark jeans or canvas pants and your smartest pair of trainers. It’s the perfect combo for a trip to the pub or a Sunday drive out into the countryside (if you’ve got an open-top car, there’s nothing we can add to this ensemble).
The rugged look
Leather jackets come pre-packed with a roguish charm that’s just waiting to be unlocked. A cool look is narrow or straight jeans, a plain white T-shirt, a pair of biker boots and your favourite waist-length leather. You’re sure to make an entrance wherever you go in polite society dressed like this – switch on the disarming charm and you’re away.
Layering Leather
Layering is the key to setting the desired tone of your leather jacket. As we mentioned above, a shirt softens the look, and has an air of the unexpected, which is always a plus in fashion. Knitwear has a similar effect, giving off rural undertones, perfect for cooler days.
The classic T-shirt or sweatshirt are par for the course under a leather jacket. With a plain jacket, try a printed top, be it a band tee or some other cultural motif. If the jacket’s a little busier, with stripes or conspicuous metal, go for a plain T-shirt. A hoodie brings a youthful, urban twist to the ensemble, draped over a lapelled leather jacket for maximum effect.
Seasonal Adjustments
As seasons change, so do your colour and weight needs. Autumn and winter will always favour browns, black and dark greys, while spring and summer are perfect for beige, white and light tan leather jackets.
In the bite of winter, a fur collar on your leather has the look and practicality – you can Cantona it when the wind’s blowing down your neck. Or just go for a heavier reefer jacket and layer up underneath. Come the summer months, it’s all about lightness and minimalism, which means a slim-fitting classic biker jacket to wear over a T-shirt.
Colour Coordination
Leather jackets tend to have enough details to keep them interesting, so it’s usually the choice of colour that’ll make your other clothing stand out. Go with your instinct here, and you’ll probably nail it. Black jackets match with black or white tops, while brown works well with a black, blue, burgundy or lighter brown underneath. Greys are your invitation to wear brighter colours, so you can bring out your vivid yellow, red or green T-shirts. Hooped tees work well with grey, too.
Accessorising
Don’t forget those finishing touches to your ensemble. They’re what will make you stand out and display a little personal flair. Think scarves and hats in winter – why not go with a black tweed newsboy hat? It will pair with any style of leather jacket.
A boldly buckled belt will complement the hardware on the jacket, but try to keep the belt and the jacket the same colour, especially if it’s a leather belt. With a subtle lapel badge, your smartest watch and those indispensable aviators in your top pocket, you’re ready to rock your leather with a modern, stylish twist.
