The Best Leather Motorcycle Jackets in 2024 – By Experts

Leather jackets make such flattering motorcycle apparel. They reflect class, fine taste, and uniqueness when put in the right place and matched with the right clothing. 

While searching for the best leather motorcycle jacket, the chief concern you’ll encounter is the endless models on the market. What’s even more challenging is that if it weren’t for the labels, you’d barely tell some of these models apart.

As confusing as this can be, we want you to consider things from another perspective. If only you could put your fingers on the key features that each of these models offers, you’ll hardly have an issue with deciding which is best for you. 

Well, lucky for you, we’ve stumbled upon the best models. Hence, we decided to review them with a detailed guide on the different aspects to appraise whenever you’re buying a jacket for your motorcycle.

So, if you’re stirred up already, check out the coming reviews.

Our Top Picks:

Preview	Jacket	Rating	Price
Most Versatile	Milwaukee Leather SH1011	Rating: 4.6/5	View On Amazon
Best Overall for Men	Men’s Track Biker	Rating: 4.2/5	View On Amazon
Most Variable Sizes	FLAVOR Jacket	Rating: 4.5/5	View On Amazon
Best Police-style Leather Jacket	Event Biker Leather	Rating: 4.3/5	View On Amazon
Best Faux Leather Jacket for Men	Heihuohua Leather Jacket	Rating: 4.6/5	View On Amazon
Best Retro-style Leather Jacket	Men’s Brotherhood Biker Jacket S	Rating: 3.9/5	View On Amazon
Most Affordable for Men	Diamond Plate Rock Jacket	Rating: 3.4/5	View On Amazon
Best for Winter	Hot Leathers JKM1011	Rating: 4.5/5	View On Amazon
Best Overall for Women	Viking Cycle Classic Cruise Jacket	Rating: 4.2/5	View On Amazon
Most Color Variety	Lock and Love Women’s Jacket	Rating: 4.3/5	View On Amazon
Best Faux Leather Jacket	Tanming Women’s Biker Jacket	Rating: 4.4/5	View On Amazon
Budget Choice	Bellivera Women’s Jacket	Rating: 4.4/5	View On Amazon

Why Wear a Leather Motorcycle Jacket? 

The beauty of leather jackets -in terms of motorcycling- is often camouflaged by the excessive marking of mesh-featuring jackets. However, if you check out the coming section, you won’t need to speculate whether these leather jackets are fit for motorcycling or not. The short would be that they certainly are. But, of course, we have to hammer out why.

Protection 

Leather jackets provide adequate protection, especially the designs that feature back, shoulders, and elbows armors. The principle goal is to have a sort of isolation that minimizes friction if you fell off your bike. It’s essential to protect your vertebral column and the previously mentioned joints as well, particularly because these parts of the body are rather fragile, and if injured, they can cause permanent disabilities. 

Rainproofing 

Leather jackets are one of the best options for riding on rainy days. Typically, leather isn’t waterproof, but it naturally repels water and prevents it from getting to whatever lies beneath. The trick here is that some fabric jackets come in waterproof designs by utilizing an external coating. However, these coatings add to the expenses of the jacket, so I’d say that saving your money and getting a constitutional water-repellent is a better bargain.  

Blocking Out Wind 

Because leather jackets usually come in a slim fit design, they do a great job keeping the wind out. Additionally, they often come with zippered cuffs and waists that you can adjust in the most appropriate way and still get some balance between comfort and wind-resistance. 

Ventilation 

The majority think that leather jackets are only suitable for winter. It’s pretty understandable given that they’re known to be both rain and wind-resistant; not to mention, they’re usually pretty heavy. 

However, some leather jackets feature optional vents that allow air into the chest and underarms area. These vents make such jackets suitable to wear during summer as well as colder weather.

Durability 

Without a doubt, Leather jackets are the most durable option to go to, whether you’re buying a jacket, bag, or even pants. With the right care, they can last a lifetime, looking as good as new. This, of course, entails genuine leather. Faux or vegan leather is less durable. 

Style 

Perhaps the most obvious reason someone would consider getting a leather jacket is that they’ll never go out of style. If you want to stay on the fashionable side of the road, you won’t find a better way to go.

The 12 Best Leather Motorcycle Jackets in 2024

In this part of the article, I’ll review some of the best leather motorcycle jackets that you can currently find. In addition, I’ll explain why each of these jackets is worth buying, and what kind of cyclist will make the most out of it. This way, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and narrow down your options. 

The Best Unisex Leather Motorcycle Jacket

Milwaukee Leather SH1011 – Most Versatile

Police-style leather jackets are becoming trendy, so you’ll certainly look dashy in this jacket. The leather used is premium-quality milled Cowhide leather with a thickness of 1.3mm. A similar design is available for women, and with a wide variety of sizes, it’s indeed the most versatile option on our list.

Opting for the Milwaukee SH1011 jacket guarantees comfort. In addition to how easy it is to find the perfect size, the two side laces and the lower belt will allow you to adjust the jacket according to your personal preference. This gives you a chance to wear the jacket in various ways to go with different outfits. Not to mention, you can still wear it if you gained or lost some weight.

Moreover, there are three zippered pockets, one of which is on the left upper side, and the other two are at the lower part, one on each side. There’s a ticket book snap close pocket on the left side as well. The interior of the jacket contains a dual side, concealed gun and ammo pocket, an electronic media pocket, and a wire feed. 

Unfortunately, the jacket is only available in one color, which is black. Yet, as we all know, black goes with almost every other color. It comes in seven standard sizes and six tall sizes that you will find here. And as I was just saying, the same design is available for women with some measurement tweaks to make it more suitable for female bodies. Click here to check the sizes available for women.

Our Verdict

As versatile as the Milwaukee jacket is, you can match your outfit with your partner or the gang. The adjustable design ensures that you’ll be able to wear the jacket regardless of any changes your body goes through.

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The 7 Best Leather Motorcycle Jackets for Men

1. Men’s Track Biker – Best Overall

This modish leather jacket is ideal for bikers with bulging chest muscles who are looking for jackets that reflect their perfect body shapes. 

It features a five-section removable armor for the back, both elbows, and shoulders. The shoulder and elbow armors are made of molded plastic that’s well-padded with foam to provide extra protection. The back piece, on the other hand, is made of double density foam. 

The Tracker Biker comes with some flattering accessories as well, including two reflective stripes on the chest that make you visible on the road, side waist adjustments, zipper cuffs, and a collar snap button.

The exterior features two ventilation pockets, and there’s a mobile pocket on the inner side. All the zippers are from YKK, indicating premium quality. The jacket is black with two white stripes, and sadly, no other color is available. Also, only four sizes are available, so it’s a bit challenging to find a size that fits.

Our Verdict

Despite the limited size, you’re in luck if you could find a Track Biker motorcycle jacket that fits because it can make anyone look good and fashionable.

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2. FLAVOR Jacket – Most Variable Sizes

FLAVOR offers a stylish motorcycle jacket that is made of 100% genuine leather with a polyester lining and cotton filling. Real leather gives the jacket its classy, expensive look. It also makes it one of the most durable jackets on our list. The jacket is available in thirteen different sizes, so there’s a big chance you can find one that fits.

Regarding the design, you can remove the hood if you’re into casual, stand collar jackets. It also features rib cuffs and hem, not only to keep out the wind when needed but to offer a better fit hence more comfort as well.

On the exterior, there are three chest pockets that offer enough space for the wearer to keep some items close at hand. The other two external pockets are for warming up the hands during cold weather. From the inside, there are two additional pockets with ample space in which you can keep your wallet, phone, and other belongings.

The zippers are all metallic, and I never found any technical difficulties using them. As for the colors, you can get this jacket in brown, black and gray, brown and gray, or dark brown and gray.

These sizes are divided into ten standard ones and three big tall sizes, which come in the same chest and shoulder measurements, but longer length and sleeves. With thirteen different sizes, you’ll definitely find a jacket that suits you, and this is what makes this jacket stand out.

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for a durable, heavy jacket that looks fancy, then the FLAVOR jacket should be on top of your list. Also, you can find very large sizes that aren’t usually available on the market.

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3. Event Biker Leather – Best Police-style Leather Jacket

Event Biker comes in a very popular design that many bikers are familiar with; still, you’ll find some differences that make it more appropriate for some wearers and a few that take out some points.

Despite having a lot to share with the Milwaukee jacket we mentioned before, including the material and style, the Event Biker is much cheaper. In fact, it’s almost half as cheap as the tall Milwaukee sizes. However, it doesn’t offer the big sizes that its counterpart does. 

The size range is from small (40” at the chest, 25.5” central, and 35.25” Sleeve length) and 3X-large (chest is 50”, center 28, and the sleeves 37.75” each). 

Our Verdict

The Event Biker leather jacket is a good bargain for those looking for the classic police-style leather jacket at a reasonable price.

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4. Heihuohua Leather Jacket – Best Faux Leather Jacket for Men

In spite of the faux leather, the Heihuihua jacket is pretty durable and offers excellent quality. It’s made of 100% polyester, which is known to withstand some mistreatment. Additionally, it’s double-layered to improve durability and offer more water-resistance. 

As for the design, you’ll find multiple pockets, including two zippered chest pockets, two zippered hand pockets, and an internal pocket to keep your phone and wallet from falling while riding. The cuffs and the waist feature a secure fit to keep you warm on windy days.

Unfortunately, there are no colors to choose from, you’ll be restricted to black with this jacket too, and the sizes aren’t as diverse either. Only medium, large, X-large, and XX-large are available. However, it’s true to size, so you can even order your usual size without referring to a size chart, and it’ll fit perfectly.

Our Verdict

Finding a high-quality faux leather jacket is a bit tricky, so you should give the Heihuohua jacket a fair shot if that’s what you’re looking for. 

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5. Men’s Brotherhood Biker Jacket S – Best Retro-style Leather Jacket

What makes the Men’s unique is its vintage design. It comes in a bauwerk black to grey color with metallic YKK zippers. Also, unlike the majority of leather jackets on the market, this one doesn’t come in a slim-fit design. Instead, it comes in a distressed design, so it’s an exquisite option to opt for if you feel more comfortable in easy-fit outfits. 

Other aspects of the design include ventilation zippers on the front and the back make the jacket wearable despite the weather. Moreover, it comes with side waist adjustments, so you can wear this jacket even if you put on some weight.

As regards safety, it comes with five PC removable armors, protective padding on both sleeves, and a removable liner for late-night rides. The sizing isn’t that restricting, but there are no sizes for tall, large bodies, just the regular, standard sizes.

Our Verdict 

If you are into modern retro-style clothing, there’s no better than Men’s Brotherhood Biker S to keep you safe and stylish on every trip. 

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6. Diamond Plate Rock Jacket – Most Affordable for Men

Leather jackets look valuable, merely because they actually are. However, it’s a bit troubling if you’re short on cash. The Diamond Plate Rock Jacket is an outstanding option for anyone who wants to save some money yet get some value. 

At less than $50, you’ll be getting a mix between true and vegan leather. For the most part, it’s genuine leather, but the lining is polyester. The overall construction is pretty strong and durable while the design itself is as simple as it can be. Also, there are side laces to help you adjust the size of the jacket and the closure cuffs are intended to keep out the wind.

Safety is decent, considering the price range. The leather is pretty thick to replace the padding, yet it’s soft. As for the sizes, you can find up to 4X-large, but unfortunately, they’re all black.

Our Verdict

The Diamond Plate is a steal at its price, especially that it does a decent job in comparison to some fairly more expensive options that look cheaper and don’t offer much in terms of functionality. 

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7. Hot Leathers JKM1011 – Best for Winter

If you’re looking for a heavyweight leather that can keep you warm on winter nights, you should opt for no other than the Hot Leather jacket. It’s made of top-grain leather, which is the best leather money could buy as it’s known for its durability and weight.

You probably won’t be surprised with the zipped cuffs anymore; they’re pretty much given with almost all the jackets. Regardless, you’ll be impressed with the quality of this jacket and how weather-resistant it is. Additionally, the stand-up racing collar is padded to provide extra protection from weather elements.

You can choose a size for up to 3X-large, but the sizes are relatively small. It’s better to check the size chart before buying this jacket as it’s a little off when compared to the standard sizes of other manufacturers. 

Our Verdict 

The Hot Leathers JKM1011 offers most details that bikers look for, including pockets, vents, and even design. Despite the fact leather jackets are generally suitable for winter, this one is the most appropriate by fat.

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The 4 Best Leather Jackets for Women

1. Viking Cycle Classic Cruise Jacket – Best Overall

Viking offers a 100% Cowhide leather jacket that looks fashionable and provides a perfect fit to compliment any outfit. It comes in a retro design with a slim waist that follows the female contour and curves. In addition, the stretchable waist provides extra comfort, even if you puff up a little. 

The zippered cuffs give the jacket a stylish look and allow you to adjust the diameter of the sleeves. You’ll also find dedicated external and internal pockets that provide enough space to carry all the necessary belongings without feeling uncomfortable while riding.

As comfortable as this jacket is, it comes in nine different sizes depending on your height and weight. This includes some tall and wide sizes for females who have larger bodies.

Our Verdict

The Viking Cruise jacket is for women who appreciate elegance and what to stay in fashion. Honestly, I think this jacket will never go out of style, yet it’s one of the most affordable jackets on our list.

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2. Lock and Love Women’s Jacket – Most Color Variety

If you failed to find the exact color that matches your outfit, you should look for it in this collection of faux leather jackets. With fifteen different colors, there’s a big chance you’ll find the shade you’re looking for. 

Although most people prefer real leather, faux leather has some advantages that still make it good for many people. Moreover, animal activists will certainly find a leather motorcycle jacket that suits their style.

The design of the jacket is very simple; it features two pockets only at the front. The hood is removable, so you can wear the jacket in different weather settings. Additionally, it comes in six standard sizes that fit most women ranging from X-small to XX-large.

It’s important to point out that faux leather shouldn’t be washed in a laundry washing machine. Instead, it should be hand washed. Also, you shouldn’t bleach, line dry, or iron faux leather jackets. 

Our Verdict 

Even though the Lock and Love jacket is made from faux leather, the variety of colors and price range make it such a convenient option for many women. 

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3. Tanming Women’s Biker Jacket – Best Faux Leather Jacket

For ladies who fight for animal rights, we have a great jacket for you that offers optimum quality at a budget-friendly price. The jacket is made of 100% polyurethane with a polyester lining. It comes in a short, above-waist design that most women find appealing.

As usual, feminine designs come in more colors. You can find more than one design for the jacket in black, some in red, wine, yellow, and even patterned options. The color is V-shaped with four rivets to keep it in place while you’re riding through strong winds.

The two zip pockets on the front are for keeping small items like cards, wallets, and phones. On the other hand, you can use the right lower flap pocket for keeping coins and change.

Lastly, this jacket is available in six standard sizes ranging from X-small to 2X-large, starting at 34.65” chest length and 31.50’ waste, ending with 48.03’ for the chest, and 44.88” at the waist.

Our Verdict 

Even if you’re not supporting any animal causes, the Tanming jacket will always be on top of every list as it’s stylish, affordable, and elegant. Don’t forget that faux leather should only be hand washed with cold water, and you shouldn’t iron or bleach it.

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4. Bellivera Women’s Jacket – Budget Choice

If you didn’t like the Tanming jacket we talked about earlier, and you’re still looking for a pocket-friendly jacket, then give the Bellivera jacket a go.

In terms of the design, there are two major differences between both jackets. The first is that the Bellivera utilizes standard adjustment belts, whereas the former utilizes rivets, and the second is that you can find long-cut Bellivera designs.

Furthermore, the patterned models from this jacket are much simpler than the ones offered by Tanming. However, the fabric is the same, and both come in an asymmetrical front zip closure design.

Being a medium weight jacket, you better keep these jackets for spring, autumn, and perhaps some winter rides where the coldness is tolerable, or you wear other heavy clothes under the jacket. Lastly, the available colors are black, pink, brown, wine, mustard, and ginger, and the largest size is 2X-large.   

Our Verdict

Bellivera jackets are simple, affordable, and trendy. With the right care, it would be years before you need to look for an alternative for this jacket. Also, you’ll find different shades of the colors mentioned above, which makes the value of the jacket even more controversial. 

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How to Pick a Motorcycle Jacket

Whether it’s you’re buying your first motorcycle jacket, or you want to replace your old ones, it’s essential to know all the aspects to be taken into consideration before you spend your money. In this part of the article, I’ll be digging into such aspects, thus providing more details and what suits you the most.

Design

There are several types of jackets in the markets, so it’s necessary to know them before you buy a new one. I’d like to point out that because these types are made for different circumstances, new cyclists will need to buy more than just one jacket. 

Winter Jackets

These jackets are designed to retain heat. Usually, the exterior is made of leather or fabric and covered by a water-resistant material to protect you from moisture. From the inside, these jackets come with thick materials, usually viscose or fur, to provide optimal thermal isolation. 

Summer Jackets

Summer jackets, on the other hand, allow airflow. They’re usually made of mesh to provide maximum ventilation, especially at the axillary area. The front and the back usually come with mesh membranes too so that air can enter from the front and leave at the back. Additionally, these jackets usually feature removable thermal liners to minimize heat retention. 

All-season Jackets

Luckily, you can find some multi-purpose jackets that you can use in different seasons. Although these jackets are not easy to find, they make a great option for occasional cyclists that don’t want to buy multiple jackets. 

As versatile as these jackets are, you can adjust them according to the weather condition so as to make them lighter during summer and heavier during winter.

Tourist Jackets

Tourist jackets are also called adventure jackets. They’re designed for long trips and can handle different environmental conditions. The key feature is comfortability because, supposedly, you’ll be wearing these jackets for many hours. Moreover, they offer high impact protection, and they’re equipped with many pockets to allow the user to carry all their essentials. 

Usually, these jackets are waterproof yet highly breathable. Accordingly, like I was just saying, they can be worn at any time regardless of the weather.

Cruise Jackets

Cruise jackets are designed for bike riding. They’re made of leather and look fashionable. Also, they’re quite comfortable. The main issue you’ll encounter with these jackets is that they’re the most stylish, but they’re heavy. Hence, they’re more appropriate for winter. Recently though, new designs that are made of woven materials are launched into the market. These designs offer better ventilation, and they can be worn during summer. 

Racing Jackets

These jackets are also called sports jackets, and, as the name implies, they’re designed to withstand some mistreatment. More often than not, these jackets feature bright, vivid colors and vigorous designs. 

If you’re looking for more aerodynamics while running at high speeds, you’ll benefit the most from these jackets. The tight and bulky design maximizes safety. Characteristically, these jackets lack pockets and feature narrow openings for the neck, waist, and wrists. 

Motocross Jackets

You guessed it; these jackets are specifically designed for cross-country cyclists. The key feature is being resistant to high-speed impacts. 

In terms of the design, you’ll find a lot of similarities between these jackets and their racing counterparts. However, these jackets offer even more protection as they feature shock-absorbing armors to protect the wearer from falling on rocks or harsh pavements. 

Commuter Jackets

If you want to get a jacket that’s suitable for city life and traffic, then a commuter jacket is the way to go. Such jackets are for cyclists that use their bikes to go to work or school. They’re pretty comfortable, and regardless of their material, they offer optimal protection for the wearer and their clothes while they’re on the road. The best part is these jackets are pretty affordable, and they come to offer ample space owing to the numerous internal and external pockets. 

Comfort

As protective as heavy jackets can be, some of us find them somewhat restricting. This is why you need to find the perfect balance. Another thing that’ll affect how comfortable you feel while you have the jacket on its fit. Some, like myself, prefer tight jackets, others feel more comfortable wearing loose ones. Lucky for you, there are some jackets that feature adjustable straps to allow the wearer to get a perfect fit.

Other Factors

Aspects like the colors, sizes, and the number of pockets, are worth considering as well. Regardless, it’s a matter of personal preference, so they’re not for me to dive into.

Final Thoughts

With all that’s been said, finding the best leather motorcycle jacket should become a piece of cake. As you can see, the list includes everything you could possibly look for, including designs for both men and women, small and large sizes, different color collections, expensive and budget-friendly jackets.

If you ask me though, the Milwaukee Leather SH1011 is the only jacket with the full package. However, men can find even more verisity with the FLAVOR jacket as it offers more sizes and colors than the former.

Meanwhile, the ladies can find some more flattering designs like the  Lock and Love Women’s Jacket or Tanming Women’s Biker Jacket, especially that these two brands offer the widest color collections, including patterned models.