It’s a longtime symbol of cool. Here’s how to wear a leather jacket now …
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In the fashion world, there is an ongoing love affair happening with oversized blazers while viral double-breasted coats reached sold out status all winter long, however the spring trends are offering up a worthy alternative to satisfy our outerwear obsession: the leather jacket. Long a symbol of cool rebellion, a staple of guitar-strumming, skinny jean clad rockstars, and an antidote to the The Matrix-esque leather blazers and dusters embraced by Gen Z, this classic fashion piece feels as comforting as a warm hug – and a pinch of normality in a world where the general consensus is that dressing like a reality TV star is the zenith of popularity.
At the Brown Thomas SS24 seasonal showcase traditional biker jackets by Celine were exaggerated by one or two sizes to create a laid-back feel. The MO of the leather jacket this season is to look oversized and, if possible, vintage. Grainy textures and distressed, worn out leathers that look lived in are key – you want a leather jacket to look like it will mould to your body the moment you shrug it on. Also, that you found it at a very in-the-know pre-loved store and – most importantly – that your jacket enjoys a heavy social life that’s a swirl of fashion parties, pints (or prosecco) and general late night gallivanting.
As far as classic bikers go, Claudie Pierlot’s grained leather biker jacket is as classic and cool as they come – if you do go for this style, ensure the fit isn’t too tight in any way. Cropped lengths are fine but shrunken fits are a no go if you want to embrace the season’s louche sense of bohemia. Equally, on the high street, H&M’s distressed leather biker with its pointed collar, zip details and dropped shoulders nods to investment styles by brands like Acne.
Right now, leather bomber jackets have captured the zeitgeist. See Sienna Miller’s recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week, where she took to the front row at Chloé in an ethereal lace-trim slip dress and wooden wedge sandals that was toughened up by an oversized leather bomber with utility pockets, something the internet immediately branded a masterclass in bohemian dressing. A leather bomber feels like a distinct nod to the indie rock era of 2008, so it was no coincidence that a Reel on Chloé’s Instagram juxtaposed models on the runway to the haunting What’s A Girl To Do by indie pop singer Bat For Lashes.
Investing in a leather jacket is never a bad idea. It’ll chime equally as well with a ditzy tea dress as it will your favourite jeans and knit. It’ll add edge to your wedding guest outfit and keep you (partially) dry as you dash through town in April showers. Invest wisely and it’s one of the best moves you can make for your wardrobe. Just don’t leave yours at home too much – it deserves a few nights on the tiles.
Brown Thomas SS24.
Black oversized leather biker jacket, €499, at All Saints.
Black leather biker jacket, €349, at H&M.
Black nappa leather biker jacket with belt, €249, at Massimo Dutti.
Grey Gilo leather bomber jacket, My Essential Wardrobe, €399.95, at Brown Thomas.
Black Farris oversized leather bomber jacket, Khaite, €4,310; www.net-a-porter.com.
