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Buying yourself a leather jacket is definitely an investment, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to do so. You’d be surprised how many you can find under £200 — real leather ones, too.
Faux leather jackets are also a viable option. You get the look of leather without worrying about the animals it took to make it, and faux leather is often machine washable. Faux leather is also typically less expensive than the real thing. Winning!
Affordable faux and real leather jackets
Oversized bikerBomberTruckerWestern
So many leather jacket options
Regardless of the type of leather — faux or real — you can find jackets in a variety of styles. From biker to blazer, they all have that sleek look that makes leather stand out from any other material. Biker, racer, and bomber jackets have more prominent zips and studs, while trucker and blazer-like styles don’t tend to have any extra fastenings.
We’ve compiled a selection of leather jackets from a variety of styles — five faux leather and five real leather — to show you that it is possible to wear leather without dropping an entire month’s rent.
Oversized biker
Photo: boohoo
boohoo Faux Leather Too Much Oversized Biker Jacket
You save £53 (75.71%)£70
Perfect for layering, this oversized leather jacket can easily be dressed up or down depending on the rest of your outfit. Pair it with a little black dress for a classy vibe with an edge or with some joggers and a cap for a more laid-back look. Though it’s faux leather, this jacket still looks authentic, and you can’t beat the price.
Bomber
Photo: La Redoute
Bomber-style Faux Leather Jacket
Another fabulous faux leather find, this jacket will make you look stylish and ready for anything. The cognac colour goes with almost everything but switches things up from the black you typically see with leather jackets. And the buttoned circle collar and breast pocket zips add to the jacket’s edgy feel without being too distracting. If you’re looking for a low-cost high-impact wardrobe staple, then this faux leather bomber jacket is for you.
Trucker
Photo: ASOS
Panelled Faux Leather Jacket in Brown
You save £10 (19.23%)£52
This brown leather jacket takes trucker style to a whole new level. A statement piece in its own right, this panelled jacked pairs well with solid colours, but don’t be afraid to wear it your way. Its two breast pockets with flaps play into the panelled colour scheme perfectly, and the hidden snap buttons add a bit of class. And since it’s an ASOS Design, this jacket comes in all sizes — plus, petite, tall, maternity, etc.
Western
Photo: ASOS
Extro & Vert Faux Leather Western Tassel Jacket in Ecru
Transport yourself to the wild west with this extra fun faux leather jacket. The pale ecru colouring is absolutely gorgeous and will pair well with anything in your wardrobe. Since this jacket is faux leather, it’s machine washable — which is a win, especially with a jacket in such a light colour. You won’t be able to stop twirling when you wear it. Let that fringe fly!
Shearling lined
Photo: ASOS
Topshop Faux Leather Oversized Shearling Lined Biker Jacket in Brown
Keep the cold at bay with this cosy and chic shearling-lined leather jacket. As a bonus, the soft, fluffy lining adds a nice visual contrast to the sleek, shiny faux leather. The jacket style is a bit oversized and has biker details like prominent silver zips and studs. Don’t be fooled by the photos, though; this jacket is dark brown, not black. (The brown colour is just as versatile for styling though!)
Biker
Photo: Object
Cropped Leather Jacket
You save £45 (30%)£150
Time to show the world what you’re made of — or what this jacket is made of. Yes, it is possible to find a real leather jacket for under £200. (Almost under £100, in fact.) This real leather biker jacket is the ultimate wardrobe staple. It has a classic silhouette that layers well, and the black colour will be easy to pair with almost anything in your closet.
Biker
Photo: John Lewis
AND/OR Leather Biker Jacket
Another classic black leather biker jacket, this one comes at nearly double the price of the Object version, above. However, there are a few differences. This real leather jacket has a bit more of a tailored silhouette that tapers in towards the waist. It also has an interesting asymmetrical pocket layout in the front: one zip pocket on the right and two pockets — a flap and a zip — on the left. Show your rebellious side by pairing it with some black leather boots and ripped jeans.
Longline
Photo: Marks and Spencer
Leather Belted Collarless Longline Jacket
Switch up your look with this unique longline leather jacket. The style isn’t typical for leather jackets, so you’re sure to stand out — in a good way. This jacket can be worn with or without the tie belt, depending on whether you’re going for more of a kimono or blazer look. Just be careful not to stretch it too much since it’s real leather!
Racer
Photo: Superdry
Vintage Leather Moto Racer Jacket
Whether you’re actually racing or not, this leather racer jacket will make you feel like a winner. It’s made of 100% real leather and is designed in a vintage style. The moto ribbed detailing and snap-fastened neck closure make this jacket really stand out from the crowd. Throw on this bike racer jacket over a slim-fitting top for the ultimate bad girl look.
Classic
Photo: Superdry
Studios Downtown Leather Jacket
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this jacket. It’s 100% lambskin leather, and the style is absolutely classic. At just under £200, this jacket can’t be beat when it comes to leather at lower prices. The design sticks to the basics — folded collar, flat front, discreet welt pockets — but it has a few fun surprises as well. There are two small waist buckles in the back and both sleeves have zips up the sides, adding a bit of flair to this otherwise classically styled leather jacket.
How to clean leather
When you choose a leather jacket, you want to pick one that really matches your style and then take very good care of it so it lasts a long time.
If your jacket is faux leather, it will likely be machine washable. Just make sure to check the care instructions on the label first. Also keep in mind that the more you wash anything that’s faux leather, the quicker it will start to wear down. Limiting your washes will help your faux leather jacket last longer.
As for real leather jackets, you need to be very careful if you want the jacket to remain in good condition. Do not wash your jacket in a washing machine; in fact, try not to get your jacket wet at all. You can apply waterproofing and conditioning products to your jacket if they are compatible. However, your best bet for getting the proper care for your jacket is taking it to a professional dry cleaner.
Our verdict
When it comes to affordable leather jackets, we think it’s safe to say that you have plenty of options. For all round style compatibility and real leather appeal, we love the Studios Downtown Leather Jacket from Superdry. But we also love making laundry days easier, and the machine-washability of the La Redoute Bomber-style Faux Leather Jacket really speaks to us. Of course, we also love fun, and the Extro & Vert Faux Leather Western Tassel Jacket in Ecru fits that brief perfectly.
No matter what your style is or what type of leather you prefer, you may be surprised to learn that you can still afford a leather jacket to add that sleek edge to your wardrobe.