Best leather jackets for women to buy online in Australia
This “soft and luxurious” leather jacket is one of the brand’s best selling pieces for good reason.
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James Dean. Sandy and Danny flying off into the sunset. When it comes to the wardrobe choices of cool kids and rock stars the world over, there’s no single item more iconic than the leather jacket.
Truly an investment piece, a good quality leather jacket is something you’ll be able to hang onto for years (even decades!) to come. A staple garment with undeniable versatility, it’s ready to pair perfectly with any outfit you throw at it. Slip one on to dress up jeans and a tee, or throw it over a frilly gown to tone things down.
For those who prefer their outerwear on the animal-friendly side, designers are now creating top-notch faux and vegan options. These alternatives are usually made from polyurethane (AKA plastic) which will wear quicker than leather, but keep an eye out for brands that specialise in sustainable manufacturing. Their fabrics are more likely to be made from recycled materials, thus making a more positive impact on the environment.
With many of us trying to be a little more considered when it comes to our clothes-buying, this eternally cool staple makes a great starting point for any capsule wardrobe.
Here’s where to find the best real and faux leather options to fit every personal style and budget.
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST LEATHER JACKETS
Ena Pelly Classic Biker Jacket, $599 at The Iconic
We couldn’t do a roundup of the best leather jackets without including Melbourne-born brand Ena Pelly (several times actually).
The Classic Biker Jacket has been the fashion brand’s best-selling style for years, and for good reason. Made from New Zealand lamb leather, the jacket has a notched lapel collar, ribbed shoulder detailing, three zipped pockets and stylish brushed silver hardware.
Five star reviewers say it is “the perfect leather jacket” as it has a “soft and luxurious” feel that goes with everything.
“A timeless piece that can be paired causally with jeans and T-shirt or worn over a dress,” one five star review reads.
Eastern Counties Leather Womens Ella Cropped Sheepskin Flying Jacket, $379.53 at OZSALE
Something different to your usual black leather jacket is this gorgeous chestnut brown style from Eastern Countries Leather.
It’s a slightly cropped shape with centre zip fastening and side buckle detailing to give off that old-school, vintage feel. Crafted from real sheepskin, the finish is super smooth and soft to ensure a comfortable fit that’s going to last in your closet for years to come.
BEST OVERSIZED LEATHER JACKETS
For those days when you just want to throw on a jacket and run out the door, the oversized leather jacket is set to easily become a go-to in your wardrobe.
Aere Oversized Leather Bomber Jacket, $580 at The Iconic
Bomber-style jackets have hit a major resurgence this season and we’re loving this leather version from Australian brand Aere. The oversized silhouette combined with the oversized collar and pockets makes this an absolute must-have. Plus, it’s made from genuine lamb leather.
BEST CROPPED AND FITTED LEATHER JACKETS
A perfect match for high-waisted garments, cropped and fitted leather jackets add interest to your look without drowning it.
Piper Leather Biker Jacket in Black, $170 (down from $289.95) at Myer
It’s not easy finding a good quality cropped leather jacket but this one from Piper is an elevated version of a timeless classic. The leather jacket still offers an oversized fit, but the cropped cut allows you to show off the rest of your outfit and ensures the jacket doesn’t swallow your figure. This is the kind of leather jacket you can easily take from day to night.
Belle & Bloom Just Friends Leather Jacket, $419.95 at The Iconic
This cute cropped leather jacket will never go out of style. Made from 100 per cent sheep leather, the jacket has silver-toned hardware throughout as well as notched lapels, a zip-through front and zipped cuffs.
Muubaa cropped leather biker jacket in black, $366 (down from $875) at ASOS
Named the “best leather jacket” by five-star rating customers, alongside being described as “brilliant” and made from a “soft leather”, this leather jacket from ASOS is one to test out.
It’s crafted from a smooth matte real leather, offers a regular fit – of course you can size up if you like – a cropped length and asymmetric zip fastening.
BEST BIKER-STYLE LEATHER JACKETS
The icon. A classic and enduring leather jacket style, the biker suits every body, all of the time.
Ena Pelly Essential Biker Jacket, $549 at The Iconic
Essential by name, essential by nature, Ena Pelly’s Essential Biker Jacket is the one you won’t be able to live without. Shorter and more fitted than the brand’s Classic Biker, this easy-to-wear number will pair with literally anything in your wardrobe. With an asymmetric front zip, shoulder seam detail and front pockets, this 100 per cent leather jacket adds extra cool to floral wrap dresses, check mini skirts and wide leg pants in an instant.
Wayne Cooper Leather Biker Jacket in Black, $160 (down from $289.95) at Myer
Dress up your standard leather biker jacket with the chain detailing on this fabulous pick from Wayne Cooper. Perfect for a night out on the town, this leather jacket is unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Barney’s Originals Emma real leather jacket with belt, $220 at ASOS
This Barney’s Originals leather jacket is the perfect pick for that awkward transitional weather where it’s not too cold and not too hot. It’s racked up over 100 five-star ratings on the ASOS website and happy customers have called it a “must buy”, a “new fave” and “great quality for the money”.
BEST COLOURED LEATHER JACKETS
Basic black not really your bag? A luxe leather jacket in another colour will instantly add a smile to your dial.
Leather Biker Jacket, $599.95 at Witchery
Witchery’s popular leather biker jacket now comes in this stunning brown chestnut colour, and it’s perfect for those looking to warm up their winter wardrobe. It’s crafted from 100 per cent leather, made with structured shoulders and an asymmetric zip front closure.
BEST FAUX AND VEGAN LEATHER JACKETS
The animal (and budget) friendly way to get the look you want without compromising who you are.
Rivers Leather Look Biker Jacket, $30.33 (down from $94.99) at OZSALE
We’ve spotted this leather look biker jacket at OZSALE, on sale for a whopping 69 per cent off, only for a limited time.
Priced at just under $30 (which is just a ridiculously good price), this cool-girl leather jacket is the perfect addition to your wardrobe to make those masculine outfits a little more feminine.
It’s available in sizes 8-22, a big tick in our books. Plus, if you’re not a fan of the classic black leather jacket, we are loving this gorgeous baby pink shade that’s sure to be something different for your winter rotation.
Pair with jeans and your fave ankle boots for an instant injection of cool to any outfit.
Faux Leather Oversized Biker Jacket, $50 (down from $129.99) at Cotton On
Nothing embodies cool-girl fashion more than an oversized leather biker jacket. Thankfully this one from Cotton On is made from a faux leather and is lined with a 100 per cent recycled polyester.
Dazie Fashion First PU Blazer, $139.99 at The Iconic
Here’s a great jacket if you’re looking to jump on the leather blazer trend without breaking the bank. It comes in a few different colours, including chocolate brown, dark green and cream.
Atmos & Here Harper PU Biker Jacket, $99.99 at The Iconic
If you don’t want to commit to a real leather jacket just yet – let’s face it, they can be expensive – this from Atmos & Here is a great pick. Priced at just under $100, you’re getting an absolute wardrobe staple and it’s made from a blend of polyurethane and cotton, so it should give you some stretch too.
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT LEATHER JACKET FOR YOU
Liz Roberts, CEO of One Teaspoon, explains that you should always choose quality in construction when looking for a leather jacket.
“A leather jacket is an investment piece that should last and get better with age, so it’s crucial to look for high-quality leather, preferably full-grain, which has not been sanded or buffed to remove imperfections,” she said.
“Full-grain leather retains its natural texture and marks, making it more durable and unique. Also, check the stitching, zippers, and hardware to ensure they are sturdy and well-made.”
HOW DO I STYLE A LEATHER JACKET?
Second only to blue jeans as your go-with-anything wardrobe winner, the choice of what to wear with a leather jacket is really a chance to show off your personal style.
Toughen up floral print dresses, full skirts and billowy blouses with the addition of a black leather biker, while a longer length or belted number looks great with a pleated print skirt or ‘70s style high-waisted pant.
Coloured leather jackets add a touch of visual interest to your standard weekend jeans and Breton tee combo, and chic blazer styles pair perfectly with a peg or drawstring pant for the office.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF A LEATHER JACKET?
Like a good bottle of wine, a “leather jacket is meant to get better with age”, Liz says. But only if you take care of it properly.
She recommends using a leather cleaner and conditioner regularly to keep the leather supple and prevent cracks.
“If you need to clean the jacket, take it to a specialist dry cleaner who has experience with leather garments,” Liz said.
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“Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, heat, or moisture, which can damage the leather.”
And above all else, don’t ever put it in the washing machine!
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