To wear one of the greatest leather biker jackets for guys, you don’t need a motorcycle or even a motorcycle licence. A superb leather moto is something that everyone should own at least once in their lives, because no other piece of apparel can boost your confidence and charm quite like one. The leather biker jacket has an atmosphere of gasoline-soaked boldness that you can’t get anyplace else, from the skintight downtown cool of the Ramones to the steely grit of Arnold in The Terminator.
What distinguishes the greatest leather biker jackets from the rest of the pack, though? It all boils down to the quality of the material. You don’t want to be the guy in the squeaky, cheapo leather—you want a jacket that’s so well-made and instantly recognisable as luxury that it seems like it’ll outlast you. You want full-grain leathers, the most luxurious suedes, and vegan leather replacements that aren’t worse for the environment than the real thing. On this list, you’ll find just that. We’ve got 21 of the best leather biker jackets for guys right here, ready for the taking, whether you’re looking for a Brando-esque classic, a far-out spin, or something in between.
Original Pick for the Real-Deal
This is the jacket that comes to mind when you hear the words “motorcycle jacket.” Schott designed the leather motorcycle jacket in 1928, just as the modern motorcycle was gaining popularity, and has been producing the classic form ever since. The asymmetrical zip allows for one-handed use while riding; the collar snaps keep them from flapping in the wind; the angled chest pocket is large enough to hold a map; the cuff zippers and waist belt keep the elements out; and the bi-swing shoulders allow for a full range of motion.
The Holy Grail of the Modern Era
Hedi Slimane totally nailed the designer biker jacket in his very first collection for Saint Laurent in 2013. His modernised version of Schott’s Perfecto design was slick, streamlined, and opulent, and it quickly drew legions of celebrity followers, including Daft Punk and Jeff Goldblum. Slimane took over Celine in 2018 and refined the silhouette even more: the cut is a little more relaxed and traditional, the calfskin is rich and luxurious, and the hardware is shining and heavyweight and strong as all hell.
The Outlaw’s Choice
We’ve already reported about this iconic jacket’s badass credentials, including how the American Motorcyclist Association nearly banned it from contests and how it went on to directly influence Supreme and Kapital. But it’s the bones, ahem, that make it genuinely unique. In its Fall River, Massachusetts workshop, Vanson still sews on each complex element of the skeleton by hand, which means a highly experienced craftsperson sews on each intricate detail of the skeleton with exacting precision. It takes a lot of time and effort to appear as evil as this.
The Best Value for Money Option
Buck Mason’s Bruiser jacket may look tough, but its soft, lightweight lambskin covering makes it one of the most comfortable to break in and wear on the list. This reasonably priced banger has been deliberately tanned and coloured to improve with age: beneath the black top layer, a rich brown patina will gradually emerge itself over time. The shape is inspired by old favourites like the Schott Perfecto, but it’s a touch longer for a more modern fit.
