The Best Black Leather Jackets for Women

Buying Guide for Black Leather Jackets

Why buy a black leather jacket?

There are two great reasons to buy a black leather jacket. First and foremost, leather jackets are timeless. Whether you opt for vegan leather or the real deal, this is a staple piece for your wardrobe that falls into the form and function categories. Plus, black is a neutral color that goes with virtually anything, making them easy to match with a wide range of other garments—ensuring you get better bang for your buck. They’re also long-lasting, easy to clean, come in a surprisingly wide range of styles, and conceal stains well.

What should you consider when shopping for a black leather jacket?

• Material: These days, “leather” can mean many things. If you prefer the real thing, look for options made from genuine leather. In most cases, this is usually from cow or goat/lamb skins. These hides tend to be the most common and affordable. However, if money is no object, you can find more exotic (but legal) skins if you prefer. However, if you’re not a fan of wearing real leather, vegan leather has come a long way from the days of cheap, shiny plastic look-alikes. These days, you can find some gorgeous faux leather alternatives with a nice hand-feel that would make you assume they’re real leather.
• Design: Leather jackets simply mean that a jacket was made from leather (or faux leather) material. However, designs can range widely from full-length trench coats, pea coats, and more traditional motorcycle jackets. Consider how you plan on wearing this jacket and plan accordingly. If you’re simply using it as a traditional piece of outerwear, then any style will work for you. However, suppose you want a jacket that can also be paired with softer looks like floral dresses or sleek jumpsuits. In that case, modern motorcycle jacket styles are often your best option as they provide the most versatility.
• Fit: While the fit might seem the same as the design, they’re technically different. Design refers to how the jacket looks, while fit determines how close to the body it sits. Think about the types of clothing that you plan on wearing with your jacket. If you want to wear bulkier sweaters or multiple layers, then a more relaxed fit or opting to go up a size or two makes sense so that the jacket can be worn over the clothing and you can also comfortably move your arms.

Is black the only option for leather jackets?

Of course not. While black is a classic option, you can always choose to buy a colorful leather jacket if you prefer. However, black is a good starting point if you’re purchasing your first leather jacket, as black tends to be the most versatile. Not only can it pair well with a wider range of outfit options, but the dark color allows it to easily transition between seasons and settings. And, as mentioned, black conceals stains well, better than almost any other color.

Our Picks for the Best Black Leather Jackets for Women

Pros: Whether you’re adding to your leather jacket collection or just getting started, you can’t go wrong with a modern moto style. The fitted design, low-luster finish, and cool panels make this a solid option that can be dressed up or down. Along with zippered pockets, you also get a removable hood.

Cons: You’ll most likely want to go up a size or two. If you want to pair this with thicker clothing, opting to go up two sizes is smart. However, just for general ease and comfort, go up one size so you can comfortably bend your arms.

Bottom Line: For the fashion-forward, this trendy moto jacket is a must-have. It comes with a removable hood and has a sleek finish that looks great with jeans or with a cute flowing midi dress. However, for comfort, be sure to go up at least one size.

 

Pros: For those seeking a leather jacket that is truly timeless, this traditional, fitted style is a smart option. It’s made from faux leather and is machine washable. The slim cut lends itself well to being paired with fun outfits. And you’ll love the asymmetrical zipper and wider collar.

Cons: As is common with fitted leather jacket styles, you most likely won’t be able to order your true size if you want to pair this with anything more than a thin t-shirt. Be prepared to go up a size.

Bottom Line: A classic style like this asymmetrical zipper motorcycle jacket with a nipped waist is a solid option for anyone looking to start or expand their leather jacket collection. But as is common with more fitted jacket styles, you’ll need to size up to wear this comfortably.

 

Pros: If you want a jacket that looks a little more elevated, this fun faux leather jacket with a fur collar is a great alternative to the standard moto. Along with a longer hem and a fun belted design, you’ll get zippered sleeves. Better still, you can even rock this jacket in warmer temperatures thanks to the removable collar.

Cons: Unsurprisingly, a common note on this style was that the jacket could run small. But we also saw that taller shoppers mentioned how the jacket didn’t hit at the hips as intended. Instead, for some people who were 6 feet or taller, the jacket ended up at a cropped length.

Bottom Line: If you want something different than usual, this faux fur collar leather jacket is a great upgrade. The fact that you can remove the fur collar also adds to its versatility.

 

Pros: Stylish and attractive, this black faux leather jacket boasts quite a unique design and details: metal rivets at the shoulders and cuffs, a double zipper up the front, zippers at the hips, and a rounded cutout at the hem. All in all, it offers the classic style and versatility of a black leather jacket while offering a more distinctive look at the same time. The faux leather material is soft to the touch, so it’s comfortable to wear, and it boasts a cinch waistline, which gives the wearer a flattering hourglass silhouette regardless of their body type. Sizing ranges from a XXS to XXL, and there are rivet-less and suede versions available, as well as a decent number of alternate color options.

Cons: Pay close attention to the sizing chart of this jacket, as the sizing is on the inconsistent side. It also doesn’t have any pockets and may give off a bit of an odd smell if worn in warmer weather.

Bottom Line: While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting a classic black leather jacket, there’s also nothing wrong with wanting something a little different. If you find yourself in that vein of thought, this faux leather jacket will fit the bill nicely.

 

Pros: Featuring a built-in belt that will help better secure it against your body, this black faux leather jacket offers a comfortable fit, especially since it comes in a wider range of sizes than many; sizing starts at an XS and goes up to 4XL. The high-quality, heavy faux leather material adds to both the comfort and aesthetics of the jacket, as it looks like the real deal but is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. The zippers are also nice and sturdy, further adding to the quality and craftsmanship of the jacket. And since it’s not made from real leather, this jacket is machine washable for more convenient cleaning.

Cons: You’ll have to order a size up if you want to wear this jacket over thicker layers since it is quite fitted, especially at the arms. It’s also a bit on the shorter side, which may not be ideal if you’re not after a cropped jacket look, and the belt is at the hem rather than the waist, so its placement isn’t ideal.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a fitted black leather jacket and/or one with a belt to help secure it in place, look no further than this faux leather model from a well-known, trusted brand—especially since it comes in plus sizes, so it’s suitable for practically every body type.

Final Thoughts

Leather jackets are staples that need to be in your wardrobe. Even if you’re not a fan of wearing real leather, there are plenty of faux leather jacket styles that will still keep you looking fashion forward without compromising on your ethical principles.