15 Leather Jackets for Fall and Winter Travel

It’s not always easy to stay stylish on the road, and I find it particularly difficult to pack for winter travels when you often need a warm jacket for chilly city walks, a raincoat for unpredictable weather conditions, and a heftier outer layer for early snowfall. Late fall and early winter, I always find myself wearing leather jackets — they are stylish, often lightweight, and, most importantly, incredibly versatile. They can be worn during the day and at night without looking like you’re doubling up on outfits.

I’ve had my fair share of undeniably cool leather jackets since I was 16 years old, but my latest favorite is a tailor-made distressed leather jacket by The Jacket Maker. On a recent trip that took me to many corners of the world, I was happy to have my Rumy distressed-leather jacket as my main coat rather than a toasty parka, slick raincoat, or puffer jacket. My leather jacket made appearances at some of Los Angeles’ coolest bars and eateries and while exploring Tokyo. I never felt like I was wearing the same outfit twice because leather jackets remain so versatile and go with pretty much any outfit — from a mini skirt and knee-high boots to jeans and a tee. Whether you’re into biker jackets, distressed leather blazers with large collars, or even puffy faux-leather coats, I’ve rounded up the best leather jackets for late fall and early winter travel.

Walter Baker Allison Leather Moto Jacket

Reviewers love the jacket for its buttery-soft leather but there is a lot more to this jacket than just feel. The moto jacket is sleek yet chic, with notched lapels, long sleeves with zippers for that rocker-chick look, and front slant zipper pockets for your hands if they get cold. The jacket can be dry cleaned, too — always a plus when traveling. 

Levi’s Water Resistant Faux Leather Puffer Jacket

Not all leather jackets have to be snug or look like a biker jacket, and the Levi’s Water Resistant Faux Leather Puffer Jacket is a great example of that. This puffer leather jacket is made from smooth, faux leather and lined with polyester, which makes it quite light for travel. There is also a stand collar which can help keep out the cold wind. The jacket comes in many different colors like caramel and thyme green for people who want something other than black. The best thing? The jacket is completely machine washable and you can even tumble dry it.

BDG Urban Outfitters Shrunken Mixed Media Jacket

This chocolate-colored jacket is designed as an aviation-style jacket and has a vintage feel to it. The faux-leather body contrasts against the soft ribbed sleeves, but what makes this sweater-like leather jacket even better is that you can wear it as an undercoat when the weather gets very cold. There are front welt pockets and the jacket is machine washable. 

Princess Polly Day ‘N Nite Faux Shearling Lined Longline Jacket

The jacket by Princess Polly screams ’90s rocker-chic but in a good way. The jacket fits true to size, according to happy shoppers, and there seems to be a lot of love in general for the ultra-cozy faux-leather jacket. The double-breasted button closure and raised collar helps keep out cold breezes and the jacket looks seriously stylish with the added belted cuffs and notched lapels. And don’t you just love the front welt pockets, which can fit an iPhone and other essentials when sightseeing?

Cinq à Sept Zoe Faux Leather Moto Jacket

If you’re looking for a more feminine- and sleeker-looking leather jacket, this is the one to choose. A figure-hugging jacket that is a bit edgy, thanks to the notched lapels and large belt, is best worn unbuckled for that sleek Los Angeles vibe I saw when I was last in town. Made with 50 percent polyester and 50 percent rayon, the faux-leather jacket is machine washable. 

Abercrombie Vegan Leather Utility Jacket

A cute cropped leather jacket is sometimes all you need. This one may not get you through the coldest winter months, but it definitely travels well. The coat is lightweight and stylish and perfect for intimate dinners and even clubs. 

Abercrombie Belted Vegan Leather Jacket

If the cropped jacket above is too cutesy for you, this mid-length jacket might be for you. This oversized blazer-like belted vegan jacket is made with soft faux leather and has metal snap details. The side pockets are large and spacious, which come in handy when you don’t want to carry a bag through crowded areas when traveling. The jacket should not be washed or dry cleaned, so be careful when wearing it. 

Topshop Oversize Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

This sleek and stylish bomber jacket is made with a textured faux-leather material. There are front welt pockets that can fit your phone and a stand collar to keep out the winter chill, and the jacket is machine washable — brilliant! The adjustable cuffs make it comfortable to wear this jacket over an oversized sweater. How very Paris chic. 

Madewell The Bedford Oversized Blazer in Leather

An oversized blazer made of supersoft lambskin, this jacket comes with strong padded shoulders and slight shaping at the waist for a polished look. For those who like to travel without a bag, the double-welt flap pockets on the front and interior pockets are great for little items like lip balm, travel wallet, and phone.

Alexa Chung for Madewell Double-Breasted Blazer in Suede

If you have always wanted to dress like actress Alexa Chung, now is your chance. This double-breasted blazer in a rich suede channels vintage outerwear vibes. It’s great for both day and night, but what makes the jacket even better is that it is stylish and functional, complete with peak lapels, flap pockets, and an oversized fit. 

Madewell Oversized Shearling Motorcycle Jacket

Achieve a very retro ’70s look with this oversized and comfortable yet fitted leather jacket. Coming in as the priciest jacket on this list, it’s definitely an investment piece that you’ll treasure for years. Although it’s dry clean only, it’s worth the extra effort to maintain this jacket for such a timeless, classic vibe. 

Madewell The Larsen Blazer in Leather

A buttery-soft leather jacket is really all you need for late fall and early winter, and this oversized leather blazer is perfect for both casual and fine-dining situations. Little things, like the two front flap pockets, sleek welt pocket, and large natural horn buttons, make this jacket really stand out. And it’s perfect for wearing on top of an oversized sweater. 

Cinq à Sept Holly Ruffle Faux Leather Jacket

Sometimes you just need to choose style over function, and this cute Holly Ruffle Faux Leather Jacket is too cute to pass up. The spread collar, elbow-length sleeves, and large front pockets make this an edgy and chic coat to have with you when traveling. And while it look great in a timeless black color, the red hue really makes a fashion statement.

Levi’s High Pile Fleece Asymmetrical Faux Leather Jacket

This looks like a winter coat with its larger silhouette but it doesn’t look like you’re bundled up for the tundra. This lovely faux-leather coat has a high-pile fleece-trimmed collar and cuffs, which make this jacket feel a little more special than just a regular coat. Reviewers say it runs true to size and there’s enough room to layer up underneath. 

The Jacket Maker Rummy Distressed Leather Biker Jacket

All jackets crafted by The Jacket Maker are hand stitched and made with full-grain natural leather, and have easy-to-pull zippers. The Rumy Distressed Leather Biker Jacket is very soft and durable, making it perfect for traveling and stuffing in your suitcase without fear of creasing it. 

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