There’s no time of year as sartorially delightful as leather jacket season. As soon as temperatures start to drop, I am living in my beloved leather jacket. In particular, my Madewell leather biker jacket. It’s chic, timelessly stylish with just a hint of edge.
Like all good leather jackets, it can dress down a fancy dress and heels or dress up even the most casual of looks. The leather is as soft as they come — creamy, buttery and juxtaposed with silver hardware and zipper details that even your coolest friend can’t resist. The only downside to this absolutely delectable leather jacket? Like most real high-quality leather jackets, it’s expensive — but lucky for you, it’s on sale for a limited time as part of the Madewell Insiders event.
In full transparency, I did not pay the original non-sale price of $525. It was a gift from a family member who offered to buy me a leather jacket on a whim, despite having no idea that I had been longing for this exact one for quite some time. Well, dear reader, I am not ashamed to tell you that I immediately took her up on her offer. I am completely besotted with it, even though I freely admit that it’s unlikely I would have treated myself to such an extravagance.
However, numerous reviewers who took the plunge expressed zero regret in doing so. “I’ve been looking to buy a a leather jacket for several years now and have always passed over this one due to its cost,” wrote customer ANAG13. “I finally pulled the trigger on this one due to the brass hardware and let me tell you 100% worth it.” Reviewer Tear wrote, “This jacket is gorgeous. I bought the faded denim color and I am in love. It was expensive but I gifted it to myself for my 60th bday. And I’m so glad I did.”
In general, finding a high-quality leather jacket under $400 isn’t easy — it’s a historically expensive fashion item. That said, there are a few alternatives below the $200 mark that, while still splurge-y and luxurious, won’t do quite as much damage to your checking account. Below, I’ve rounded up some seriously stunning leather jackets at a variety of price points, starting at just $49.99 in both faux and genuine leather. Pick one up while the weather is perfect and enjoy it for seasons to come.
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Quince leather motorcycle jacket
Available in two colors in sizes XS-XL, Quince's genuine leather jacket has an excellent price point. It's made of soft, high-quality leather with interesting details like zippered sleeves, a hem belt, and zippered pockets throughout. It's stylish and has a classic fit that will last for years to come.
Promising review: "Amazing quality, unbeatable price, incredibly soft and comfortable, well made, fits perfectly. Best purchase of the year- absolutely love! No complaints." — Ann S.
Tanming removable hooded faux leather jacket
The occasional downside of a leather jacket is that most of them don't have hoods, meaning they're not ideal to wear in inclement weather. That isn't a problem with this faux leather jacket, which comes with a removable hood. In addition to the hood are four zippered pockets on the front, and a fitted silhouette. You can grab this jacket in eight colors and sizes XS-XXL — generally, reviewers recommend sizing up on this one.
Gap’s oversized vegan leather bomber jacket
Both oversized and cropped, this vegan leather bomber from Gap has a high snap button collar and an elasticized hem, which hits right at the waist. The cuffs also have snap button closures, and the jacket’s overall fit is relaxed and casual. You can get it in sizes XXS-XXL, as well as petite sizes XS-L.
Fahsyee faux leather moto jacket
This faux leather moto jacket looks extremely similar to plenty of others on the market that go for a higher price point, and at first glance, you might not even be able to tell this is an Amazon buy. The jacket has a tailored fit, plenty of zipper details and two front pockets. Get the jacket in sizes S-XXL and a bunch of neutral colors, plus a fun blue or yellow.
Promising review: "This jacket was perfect just what I was looking for. True to size. Got alot of compliments on it. The material was so soft just like real leather after it is broken in. Love IT!! You wont be disappointed." — Chattanooga
A slouchy faux leather jacket that was made for fall weather
This faux leather jacket is as cozy as it gets, with an oversized design and big side pockets for a classic, stylish look that is much more versatile than you might think. One reviewer called it their fall go-to, saying, "It's cute, lightweight, but still keeps me warm. It feels high-quality, and was affordable. Love it." It's available in a wide range of colors in sizes XXS-3XL.
Promising reviews: "This is a nice jacket for early fall weather. The jacket feels like butter-soft leather." E. Rose-Hammond
"This was a super cute buy! It kept me warm but also I did not have to worry about overheating! I’ve gotten a lot of compliments and it is super good quality!" — Ava
Wilsons Leather Miley oversized moto jacket
This moto jacket, which ozzes with effortless cool, is made with 100% leather and features three zippered pockets, a snap collar and a removable belt. And at under $250, it’s a pretty decent price for genuine leather. Get it in sizes XS-XXL. A couple reviewers mention that it can run large, so be sure to check their size chart before ordering.
Levi's classic faux leather moto jacket
For an effortlessly timeless look, pick up this faux leather jacket from Levi's. It will always be in style and has all the essential moto details you know and love, like silver hardware and a zipper front closure and a zip pocket. You can get it in quite a few different colors in sizes XS-4XL.
Promising review: "Wow! I'm very happy with this faux leather jacket. Its soft and subtle texture does not feel like PU. The color is a rich, dark, ripe cherry red. Size is accurate. Definitely mot oversized. Quality made. Zippers are good quality. Great value for the money. I feel great wearing it with jeans and, skirts. I wore it to an album release party with a silk skirt and it was fun wearing it, and I received many compliments on it. I might get another color. It is a warm jacket, not suitable for temps over 60 I would say." — Blue sky
Veda Harrison leather oversized bomber jacket
For an oversized fit with a hint of '80s cool, check out this devastatingly stylish jacket at Reformation. It has a bomber silhouette, zipper front closure and pockets with bold zipper closures that add a ton of visual interest. It's available in three colors in sizes XXS-XL.
A longer faux leather trench by Mango
While cropped jackets appear to be all the rage lately, there’s something to be said for the elegance of a longer trench. This one by Mango, made with faux leather and featuring a belt buckle fastening, has a shirt collar and hits at the knees for a put-together look that could serve you well in winter, too. Bonus: It’s on major sale right now. Get it in sizes XS-XL.
Veda Jayne classic leather jacket
If you have the budget for something top-of-the-line and are looking to support an independent, woman-owned business, look no further than Veda's gorgeous leather jacket. This classic topper from the longtime NYC-based brand features all our favorite classic details like a hem belt, zipper details and more, and is available in sizes XS to 6X.