Faux leather jackets are having a major moment right now. And rightfully so! With the rising consciousness around sustainability and ethical fashion, more people are seeking out stylish faux leather options. The mind-blowing thing is that faux leather nowadays looks incredibly realistic and luxe. With innovative materials and thoughtful design details, you can score a cool vegan leather jacket that looks straight off the runway.
Beyond being animal-friendly and planet-friendly, faux leather opens up a world of edgy and fashion-forward styles while saving you money. A high quality faux leather jacket costs a fraction of a real leather version. As someone who loves experimenting with trends but keeping my budget in check, faux leather jackets are a wardrobe staple.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shopping for faux leather jackets. I’ll share my top picks for the 5 most versatile and covetable styles. You’ll also get insider tips for choosing the perfect one for your personal taste and body type. Whether you’re looking to spice up your usual jeans and tee or want something sleek yet tough for the office, there’s a faux leather jacket for you. Let’s get into it!
The Top 5 Styles of Faux Leather Jackets
From classic moto silhouettes to modern updates, I scoured the stores to find the best faux leather jackets out there. I focused on styles that are flattering, versatile, well-made and budget-friendly. These options look and feel so much like real leather, you’d have to see the tag to know they’re vegan. Here are my picks for the top 5 faux leather jackets you need in your closet:
The Moto Jacket
This badass biker-inspired jacket never goes out of style. With its asymmetrical zipper and lapel collar, the moto jacket makes any outfit instantly edgier. I love wearing it over feminine dresses and plain tees alike. Details like quilted panels and zippers on the sleeves elevate the classic silhouette. Some updated styles play with the fit, like cropped versions. But the quintessential moto hits at the hip for that timeless look.
Pros: Edgy and bold styling, very versatile Cons: Slim fit isn’t for everyone Ideal For: Edgy gals, petite to average frame Price Range: $50-$300 Where to Buy: Zara, Mango, Free People, ASOS
The Bomber Jacket
These varsity-inspired jackets have athletic roots but work for any occasion. Ribbed details on the cuffs and waistband nod to the sporty vibe. But bomber jackets go with everything – dress them up with trousers or down with jeans. I love the soft faux leather which makes the silhouette less collegiate. Go for a classic zip-front or double down on the sporty look with a snap button closure. Bombers look great in vibrant colors too!
Pros: Athletic-chic style, versatile dressing up or down Cons: Boxy fit isn’t most flattering Ideal For: Casual and sporty styles Price Range: $70-$250
Where to Buy: Express, Topshop, Aritzia, Reformation
The Trench Coat
A faux leather trench coat boosts any ensemble while keeping you dry on chilly or rainy days. This iconic double-breasted style looks so luxe in faux leather. Cinched waist belts and oversized lapels make it super flattering. Epaulettes, storm flaps and long silhouettes maintain the classic trench look. Faux leather makes it feel more modern. Choose a night-out-worthy black or eye-catching red. It dresses up any outfit perfectly.
Pros: Timeless sophisticated style, weather-friendly
Cons: Not great for harsh cold Ideal For: Sophisticated dressers, tall or long torso figures Price Range: $100-$400 Where to Buy: All Saints, BlankNYC, Samsoe Samsoe, Guess
The Blazer
A faux leather blazer instantly pulls a look together and makes it business chic. The tailored silhouette featuring notched lapels and padded shoulders makes this a sleek top layer. A single button closure and welt pockets keep the lines clean. Faux leather blazers come in an array of colors, though black is best for work. Whether thrown over a dress or elevating a jeans combo, this jacket slays.
Pros: Polished and professional look
Cons: Dry clean only in some cases Ideal For: Workwear and business casual styles
Price Range: $80-$350 Where to Buy: Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren, Reiss, Aritzia
The Cropped Jacket
For the boldest babes, a cropped faux leather jacket adds bite to any outfit. These short styles hit right at the waist to show a peek of skin or high-waisted pants. Oversized collars and lapels balance the cropped hem. Like the moto, many designs feature an assymetrical zipper for that dose of edge. Quilted panels, buckles and zips amp up the attitude. Pop one over a dress for night or skinnies by day – it works anytime.
Pros: Eye catching cropped style Cons: Too bold for some Ideal For: Going-out looks, petite frames Price Range: $60-$200 Where to Buy: Revice Denim, Topshop, Forever21, Wilson’s Leather
How to Choose the Perfect Faux Leather Jacket for You
Now that you’re filled in on the top styles, it’s time to find your perfect faux leather jacket match. Keep these key factors in mind while you shop:
Consider Your Lifestyle and Wardrobe Needs
Determine when and how often you’ll wear your new faux leather piece. Is it for weekend fun or 9-to-5 styling? If you want a jacket to throw on day-to-day with jeans, look for something more casual like a moto or bomber silhouette. Office workers should seek a blazer or trench shape for throwing over dresses and trousers. Frequent travelers might love a packable style that doesn’t wrinkle. Make sure to pick something aligned with your lifestyle.
Choose a Flattering Fit
Faux leather jackets look best when they contour nicely to your frame without pulling or gaping. But they’re less forgiving than real leather since they don’t mold to your shape over time. Try silhouette styles designed for your body type. Cropped and belted jackets accentuate narrow waists and hourglass curves. Longline trenches work well for tall or long-torso builds. And boxy bomber cuts suit athletic and petite figures. Size up if needed between sizes for a great fit.
Get the Right Details for Your Vibe
collar, or no collar at all? Shoulders padded or natural? Zip, snap or asymmetric closure? The styling details are key. For streetwear vibes, a moto jacket with an off-center zipper does the trick. Workwear demands simple silhouettes and professional touches like a blazer. Adding zips, quilting or buckles amps up the attitude. Make sure the design elements align with your personal style.
Consider Quality and Composition
Higher quality faux leather made from polyurethane, microfiber or high-tech blends look incredibly true to life. They have a subtle grain and sheen that mimics real leather’s imperfections in a good way. Low quality plastic-y faux leather is obvious from a mile away. Check out the lining material too, which affects comfort and durability. And inspect stitching and hardware to ensure good craftsmanship. This investment is worth quality you can feel.
Look for Versatility
A versatile jacket gets worn on repeat. Black, brown and tan faux leather work with just about anything in your closet. Certain styles naturally work for both dressy and casual looks. A blazer or bomber easily goes from work to weekend. Distressed details or bright colors limit combinations. I suggest a classic moto, trench or blazer for year-round wearability.
Get the Right Fit
Knowing your measurements helps navigate online ordering. Size up if you’ll wear thick layers underneath. Try the jacket on if possible and move around to test comfort and mobility. Some jackets have adjustable waist tabs or zipper cuffs to customize the fit. I prefer my faux leather jackets snug but not restrictive. A little stretch room goes a long way over time, especially if you live in a cold climate.
Comparison Shop
Faux leather jackets can range from fast fashion prices to designer price tags. Set a budget and stick with brands aligning to quality expectations. Check reviews and size charts since faux leather fits uniquely. And don’t overlook consignment or thrift stores, where you can score designer leather and faux leather at huge discounts.
Finding that just right faux leather jacket takes a bit of strategizing. But you can score an ethical, stylish piece that fits your lifestyle at virtually any budget. Follow these tips and you’ll be rocking faux leather looks in no time!