The 10 Leather Jacket Trends That Will Matter Most in 2025

I'm sorry if it’s still 75ºF outside and any other kind of weather seems a lifetime away, but the thing about living in New York is that winter really does have a way of creeping up on you. One minute you're ready to collapse from heat exhaustion on the Downtown NQRW platform at Union Square, and the next you're wishing you had more than just a cardigan to throw on when you're dining outdoors—which brings us to why we're here today.

Before any of us get caught out by balmy breezes rudely turning into wind chill factors, let's get ahead of the winter layers we want to have on hand. Leather jackets are firmly on my mind, as they're popping up on my feed nonstop thanks to all the chic people I follow from the Southern Hemisphere, plus everyone who's been visiting the slightly cooler temps in London and Copenhagen lately.

In addition to those essential silhouettes that are always in style, there are also a handful of other leather jacket trends gaining traction, including some great trends within the trends (trend inception, if you will).

Whether you're up for a trendy cropped bomber or an elegant leather blazer, here are the leather jackets to know and shop ahead for winter.

Minimalist

Longer, minimalist styles feel especially cool this season. Look for silver zippers and structured collars as well as a slightly oversize fit.

Boxy and Buttoned

A slightly cropped, boxy silhouette is very much the mood this season. If you love a tidy, tailored look and pieces you can dress up and down, this collared style is calling your name—Mango is doing a great cut in both real and vegan leather.

Burgundy

Just like last year, burgundy is set to be one of the top color trends this fall and winter. From brighter hues to deep oxbloods, I promise by the end of January, you'll be wearing it like a neutral.

Cropped

Whatever style you're into, it's basically guaranteed you'll find a cropped take on it this winter. If you know classic bombers and moto jackets tend to be your thing, this is an easy little update for the season ahead.

Bomber

Speaking of bombers, the fashion crowd is every bit as into them as they were last year.

Faux Vintage

If vintage shopping just isn't your thing, you'll be thrilled to hear that there continues to be no shortage of faux-vintage options to snap up online. Brown aviator styles are the classic vintage buy—keep an eye out for distressed details and oversize fits.

Blazers

Do we remember when leather blazers came roaring back to dominate our collective fall outfits about five years ago with their impeccable '90s Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy energy? Effortlessly cool with straight-leg jeans and a white tee. Absolutely zero notes.

Biker

If you took a deep breath and invested in a leather biker jacket 10 years ago, even though it cost most of your savings, honestly, congratulations. It was money well spent. It might dip on and off our radars in terms of the most of-the-moment jacket styles, but as Lucy Williams's Instagram feed proves, this classic style is back.

Trench Coat

A leather trench coat is a stunning garment that will enhance your wardrobe not only this year but for many years to come. This season, the fashion set is not just leaning into class black iterations but also rich-looking chocolate brown ones.

Cinch-Waist

When Phoebe Philo debuted her cinch-waist leather jacket with a funnel neck last winter, fashion people rushed to buy it. This sparked a trend, inspiring other designers to create their own versions. The style is chic, tasteful, and flattering, so we expect it to remain just as popular this year.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.