Find Your Fit: 7 Men’s Fashion Tips for Styling a Leather Jacket

Are you set on buying a new leather jacket but aren't sure how best to style it? If so, here are 7 men's fashion tips to make your jacket work for you.

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Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Steal the Style

There comes a point in every man’s life when he stops being a boy playing grown-up in his dad’s shaving mirror. The moment when he steps into his place in the world, confident in who he is and where he is going. That point is the day he buys his first leather jacket.

A leather jacket is one of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe. They are versatile, timeless, and perfect for almost any occasion. Read on to find some men’s fashion tips for how to style men’s leather jackets.

Why Get a Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is one of the most powerful and versatile pieces you can have in your wardrobe. With the right jacket, you can go from work to a night out on the town. It’s all in how you wear it.

Getting a good leather jacket is worth the investment you’ll make. You don’t want to wind up with something that will fall apart the fifth time you wear it or start peeling in a few years. You should do research into which style of leather jacket you want before you buy, though.

Grunge

If you were around in the 90s, you’ll remember how big the grunge looks was. Well, the 90s are back on the fashion scene, and a good black leather jacket can be the perfect accessory for your grunge look. You’ll want a biker jacket for this look, and the more silver accents it has on it, the better.

Pull out your favorite pair of ripped jeans, in a dark wash or black if you have them. Then get your chunkiest pair of shoes – high-tops, Doc Martins, or skater shoes work well for this. You want something understated and punk underneath your leather jacket, so go for a plain black or white tee or a band tee.

Dockers Men's James Faux Leather Jacket, Black w. Chest Zip, X-Large

Sporty

It’s hard to go wrong with a good sporty outfit, and these days that look can be a status symbol. Sporty luxe has come in style, and men’s leather jackets are a perfect way to strike the balance. You want an outfit that says you’re ready for action, but you also know how to have a good time.

Start this look with a pair of dark wash or black skinny jeans and a plain black or white shirt with a simple logo on it. Just about any leather jacket style can work with this look, so pick your favorite. If your jacket doesn’t have a collar, you may want to put a black hoodie on under it and slap on a baseball cap and some sunglasses to complete the look.

Cbyezy Stand-up collar men's motorcycle leather motorcycle racing suit color-blocking PU simulation leather jacket (Blue, l)

Classy

Sometimes a leather jacket can be the perfect thing to set off a classier outfit. Being able to dress sharply is a powerful skill, and being well-dressed doesn’t always mean wearing a three-piece suit. A leather jacket tells people you meet that you’re someone who should be taken seriously, but isn’t a stuffy bore.

To get this look, pull out your favorite white button down and gray slacks. Pick a classy tie, preferably in a solid jewel tone color, such as navy or crimson. Match your leather jacket to the color of your shoes (Oxfords if you have them), and you’ll have an outfit that gets the attention of everyone you meet.

Dockers Men's The Dylan Faux Leather Racer Jacket, black, Large

International

Our world is getting smaller by the day, and these days there isn’t much excuse for someone not to have some cultural exposure. Being a person who can operate on the international stage is an advantage in every area of life. And with the right leather jacket look, you can tell people that you are a man of the world before you ever open your mouth.

This French-inspired look starts with a dark turtleneck sweater and your favorite pair of light-colored chinos. You want a black belt and derby shoes to complete the trendy, international look. Your leather jacket should be understated, with few visible zippers and snaps.

Practical

When the weather turns chilly, having a good jacket on hand is a great thing. And you may not want to do all the work of dressing up enough to wear a suit jacket. That’s where your leather jacket comes in – it’s nice enough to wear to the office, casual enough to work with any outfit, and warm.

You can wear your leather jacket over almost any workplace outfit you like. But if you’re wanting a specific outfit, put on a turtleneck sweater and a matching vest. Add some chinos, derby shoes, and your favorite classic leather jacket, and you’ll have a look that’s both functional and stylish.

Badass

And, last but never least, we have the badass look. Most of us associate leather jackets with motorcycle-riding, cigarette-smoking, girl-getting man’s men. And while we may not live lives like those guys (cigarettes are deadly, you know), we can certainly dress as well as they do.

The trick here, gentlemen, is to stick with simplicity. You don’t need a lot of bling or patterns complicating your look – remember, you’re a badass; you don’t have time for all that. Get a plain black or white t-shirt, dark pants, steel-toed boots, and a leather jacket that says, “I have a devil-may-care attitude and nothing to lose.”

FLAVOR Men Brown Leather Motorcycle Jacket with Removable Hood (Large (US standard), Brown)

Discover More Men’s Fashion Tips

A leather jacket is one of the most valuable pieces you can have in your wardrobe. It can be dressed up or dressed down, and whether you’re in the board room or on the boardwalk, your leather jacket will keep you looking amazing.

If you’d like to find more men’s fashion tips, check out the rest of our site at Steal the Style. We have the latest on everything from celebrity style to outfit guides. Check out our articles about apparel today for awesome style tips.