Leather and faux leather jackets: how to choose

How to choose leather and faux leather jackets

Begin with the material, because it changes how the jacket feels and how you will look after it. Our range includes leather, faux leather and PU leather, alongside pieces with polyester and cotton in the mix. Leather has a natural surface that gradually takes on the shape of the wearer, while faux leather and PU are chosen for a smooth, even finish and a lighter weight across the shoulders. Think about your days: if you want a jacket that holds a clean line through commutes and evenings, a PU or faux leather style is easy to live with; if you prefer a surface that shifts slowly with time, leather is the natural place to start.

Next, decide on the cut and length. A short or cropped moto jacket ends near the waist and brings a sharper line to high-waisted trousers and midi skirts. A mid-length style, such as a belted faux leather coat, gives more coverage over tailoring, a roll neck or a dress. A suit jacket shape in PU leather is the most structured option, with a clean shoulder that works over a fine knit or a camisole. If you plan to layer a thicker knit underneath, leave room through the shoulder and body, and check the fit notes for that style.

Colour is the last decision, and it is worth taking slowly. Black and brown settle into a wardrobe as the pieces that work with everything else; camel and beige soften a biker shape; red, wine and green give a plain outfit a focal point. White and beige are fresher choices for warmer days, though they ask for a little more attention. If this is your first leather or faux leather jacket, start with a neutral that matches the trousers, denim and dresses you already wear, then add a stronger shade when the shape is familiar.

Materials, details and fit

Look closely at the finish and the details. Our jackets include matte surfaces and smooth, low-sheen finishes, and the difference shows in daylight. A matte finish reads quieter and works well with denim and tailoring; a low sheen catches light along the shoulders and feels more polished for evening. Details matter too: a front zip gives a clean line, a belt lets you draw in the waist, and buttons and pockets add practicality. A lined body adds another layer against the skin, which is useful when the day turns cool.

Fit is where a jacket succeeds or fails. Close-cut styles follow the body and work best over a fine-gauge knit, a plain tee or a slip dress; loose cuts slide over layers without pulling at the shoulder. The product notes for our close-cut pieces advise taking your usual size for a slim line, or sizing up if you want room for a knit underneath. Where a style runs one to two sizes smaller than EU and US equivalents, take the larger option if you sit between two. For pieces sized by bust, choose the size that matches your bust measurement, and if you fall between two, take the larger size.

Collars and seams change the character of a jacket as much as the cut. A stand collar frames the neck and looks direct zipped to the chin; a lapel collar opens the neckline and gives a sharper, more tailored line; a polo collar sits lower and softer. Motorcycle seams trace the line of a classic biker cut, while a single-breasted placket keeps the front clean. One of our leather-look biker jackets comes in one size, so read the fit notes carefully if you prefer a closer line. The right combination is the one you will reach for without thinking.

How to style them

The simplest way to style a short moto jacket is with high-waisted trousers and a fine knit, or over a plain tee and straight denim. Leave it open for an easy line, or zip it and let the lapel frame a plain neckline. A cropped faux leather jacket in black sharpens tailoring by day and gives a slip dress a little weight after dark. If you want a softer finish, choose khaki or beige and wear it over a floaty dress with flat shoes.

A mid-length belted faux leather coat works over a roll neck and trousers, or over a dress with the belt tied at the waist. Wear it open when the day is mild and belted when you want shape. A PU leather suit jacket is the most office-ready shape: layer it over a fine knit and tailored trousers, then wear it open over a slip dress for a late dinner. The low, even sheen carries it from working hours into the evening without a change.

Use colour to set the mood. Black over denim is the most direct combination; camel and beige look warmer with white, and red or wine gives an all-dark outfit a focal point. A drawstring waist can be cinched for evening or left loose for the street, which makes one jacket work across two different moods. Keep the rest of the outfit simple: a fine knit, a plain tee, straight trousers or a slip dress lets the jacket do the work.

Care and storage

Good care starts with the hanger. Store leather and faux leather jackets on a wide, padded hanger so the shoulders keep their shape, and leave space on either side rather than cramming them into a full rail. Keep them away from direct heat and strong sunlight, which can dull a finish over time. Let a jacket air after wearing before you put it away, especially if you have worn it over a knit or close to the skin.

For faux leather and PU, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth and a little mild soap, then let it dry naturally away from a radiator. Leather benefits from occasional conditioning with a product made for the material, following the maker's instructions. Always check the care label first, because linings and trims can call for different care. Do not rub a mark hard; start gently and work on a small area.

Store jackets zipped or buttoned to help them hold their line, and keep belts loosely tied rather than pulled tight. If a jacket becomes wet, hang it to dry at room temperature and keep it away from direct heat. Fold knitwear rather than hanging it, so the shoulders of your jacket have room. A little attention at the end of the day keeps the surface and shape ready for the next wearing.

Standout pieces

• Slim Faux Leather Moto Jacket: A close-cut PU moto with a clean lapel and long sleeves, this is the short jacket to wear zipped over a fine knit or open over a slip dress.
• Polo Collar Motorcycle Jacket: Its polo collar and straight, slightly cropped body stop at the waistband, and the smooth leather-look surface comes in white, brown and black.
• Short Moto Jacket in Soft Velvet Touch: A waist-skimming moto in a soft, brushed polyester with a velvety hand-feel, offered in quiet khaki and beige.
• Faux Leather Jacket with Stand Collar: A stand collar, long sleeves and a plush velvet-touch lining make this cropped PU jacket a polished layer in black, brown, beige or red.
• Mid-Length Belted Faux Leather Coat: Faux leather with a supple hand falls into a generous swing, and the belt draws it back to the waist over a 65cm mid-length hem.