Few garments are as iconic and enduring as the leather motorcycle jacket. Originally a utilitarian piece born in the 1920s, it became a cultural symbol of rebellion and style thanks to icons like Marlon Brando and James Dean. Fast forward to today, and it’s a staple in both high fashion and everyday wardrobes.
In this article, we explore five exceptional high quality leather jackets from some of the world’s top brands. From luxury names like Saint Laurent and Celine to classic American staples like Schott and modern disruptors like AllSaints, there’s a biker jacket to suit every taste and budget. While a leather biker may not suit everyone, it remains a timeless men’s fashion staple that deserves a place in many wardrobes.
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So, How Much Should You Spend on a Leather Jacket?
Before we dive into the specific jackets, let’s take a step back: how much should you spend on a leather jacket? Leather jackets range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so finding the right balance between price and priorities—durability, style, or brand prestige—is key.
Take AllSaints, for example. Their leather jackets, priced around $500 US, offer solid value. But if durability is your priority, stepping up to a Schott NYC Perfecto at about $300 more gets you thicker leather, superior craftsmanship, and a jacket built to last decades.
Crossing the $1,000 mark, you start to unlock brands like Belstaff, or at that point you might save up a bit more and aim for a pre-owned designer piece like the Saint Laurent L01 or Celine biker jacket on Grailed. You see where we’re going with this – there’s always another level if you’re willing to spend the money.
The Bottom Line:
- Use: Is this a daily staple or a statement piece?
- Longevity: Are you after a decade-long companion or just a few seasons?
- Budget: What fits your lifestyle and priorities?
Let’s dive into the options to find the right one for you.
The Top 5 Leather Biker Jackets for Men
JACKET #1: SCHOTT NYC PERFECTO
Marlon Brando’s The Wild One cemented the Schott Perfecto as a pop culture icon, and it remains the gold standard in leather jackets. With its asymmetrical zipper, rugged build, and durable cowhide leather, this jacket embodies timeless cool and remains one of the most classic leather jacket styles. For a closer look, click here to jump straight to the Perfecto section of our Top Five Biker Jackets video. While not a full Schott Perfecto review, the video includes plenty of images, clips, and additional details to explore.
Why We Love It:
- Durability: Crafted in the USA with rugged, high-quality leather. Think durable leather jackets, and you think Schott NYC.
- Classic Features: Epaulets, a belted waist, and smaller lapels for a distinctive silhouette.
- Affordable Luxury: At a fraction of the cost of luxury brands, the Perfecto is a steal.
Pro Tip: For a modern, toned-down look, consider the Perfecto Raven, which omits the epaulets and belt, and has darker hardware for a sleeker look.
Shop Schott NYC Perfecto Classic
Shop Schott NYC Perfecto Raven
JACKET #2: SAINT LAURENT LEATHER BIKER, AKA THE L01
The Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket, often still known by its original code “L01”, is a modern biker jacket that became an instant icon when it dropped in 2013. Created during Hedi Slimane’s time at the brand, it mixes rock-n-roll vibes with sleek, high-fashion details—think a slim, tailored fit that’s perfect for anyone wanting to add a bit of edge to their wardrobe. While it’s officially called the Saint Laurent Motorcycle Jacket now, the L01 code has stuck, as much of the original design has endured. The jacket’s still just as stylish today, even with Anthony Vaccarello now at the helm of YSL, offering a sharp, premium look that’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
Why We Love It:
- Fit: Tailored to perfection with a slim, slightly cropped silhouette that molds to your body, becoming even more personalized with wear.
- Design: The signature asymmetrical zippers, angular lapels, and clean lines elevate this jacket from functional to fashion-forward. Subtle design choices like the lack of belts clean up the look, maintaining a minimalist aesthetic that is both timeless and modern.
- Craftsmanship: Expertly crafted in Italy from premium lambskin leather (or calf leather in some iterations), the jacket showcases Saint Laurent’s commitment to quality. Lined with a high quality silk lining, normally a solid black, but from season to season, different versions pop up like the one we reviewed on YouTube with a rock n roll-inspired star lining.
- Versatility: This jacket pairs effortlessly with both casual and more polished looks. Dress it down with ripped jeans and sneakers or elevate it with tailored pants and boots. It’s a versatile statement piece that easily adapts to your personal style.
Price Tip: While the L01 is an investment piece, it’s well worth the price for those looking for a luxury leather jacket that embodies effortless cool. Keep an eye on outlet sales, Farfetch, and secondary marketplaces like Grailed for occasional discounts.
For our in-depth Saint Laurent L01 review, click here to watch the video.
Shop Saint Laurent Motorcycle Jacket
JACKET #3: CELINE CLASSIC BIKER JACKET
Hedi Slimane strikes again with Celine’s biker jacket, a sleek blend of Saint Laurent’s L01 and Schott’s Perfecto. Its slim fit, belted waist, and angular zippers give it a more vintage-inspired edge compared to the Saint Laurent version. First introduced during Slimane’s reinvention of Celine, this jacket has become a staple in the brand’s lineup, embodying the designer’s signature rock-and-roll aesthetic.
Why We Love It:
- Design: Combines minimalist and retro aesthetics with a slightly weathered finish.
- Versatility: Perfect for casual outings or edgy upscale looks.
- Celine Signature: Crafted with an unmistakable luxury feel.
Style Tip: Pair it with dark skinny jeans, a fitted tee, and suede boots for Slimane-approved chic.
Shop Celine Classic Biker Jacket
JACKET #4: MACKAGE LEATHER BIKER JACKET
Known for its winter coats, Mackage surprises with their Leather Biker Jacket, a refined take on the motorcycle jacket. Our original Mackage leather jacket review featured a model called the Fenton, which is now replaced with the Magnus-CN model which features a removable hood. Styling of the actual jacket has stayed mostly the same, though we’d recommend going hoodless for the most classic look. Stripped of epaulets and belts, the design of the Mackage biker focuses on simplicity and elegance, making it ideal for everyday wear.
Why We Love It:
- Simplicity: No-frills design that still feels classic and stylish.
- Comfort: A more relaxed fit compared to slim, cropped competitors.
- Craftsmanship: Mackage’s roots in leatherwork shine through in the jacket’s impeccable quality.
Style Tip: We recommend going without the hood for the most classic look.
JACKET #5: ALLSAINTS CONROY
The AllSaints Conroy Leather Jacket stands out with its relaxed, crinkled leather and distinctive quilted shoulder panels. A modern, casual take on the classic biker jacket, it offers a slightly edgy vibe. While AllSaints leans toward accessible luxury, the Conroy proves that an affordable leather jacket doesn’t have to compromise on quality. It strikes a perfect balance of design, durability, and sustainability. Consistently, when we think of the best men’s leather jackets under $1000, we always find ourselves coming back to AllSaints, as they continue to deliver style without breaking the bank. We originally fell in love with the oxblood (burgundy) version which pops back up on the website from time to time, but at the time of writing this is not currently available.
Why We Love It:
- Unique Design: The quilted shoulder details and relaxed crinkled leather give it a distinctive look that’s unmistakably AllSaints.
- Thoughtful Interior: The jacket’s lining is made from recycled polyester. While you might expect something like cotton or even silk at this price point, the recycled material is surprisingly comfortable. It feels more like a well-worn cotton T-shirt than the synthetic feel polyester often has, making it a pleasant surprise.
- Accessible Price Point: The Conroy is one of the most attainable options on this list while still offering a solid level of craftsmanship.
Inside Tip: Search Grailed and other second hand platforms for the original oxblood colour Conroy jacket. It’s a super unique option that’s worth grabbing if you can find one.
FINDING THE PERFECT BIKER JACKET WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
A quality leather jacket is an investment, but with patience, you can score incredible deals:
- Outlets & Sales: Brands like AllSaints often run seasonal discounts, and Saint Laurent has outlet stores in a lot of major cities.
- Secondhand Gems: Check platforms like Grailed, eBay, and others.
- Luxury Retailers: Keep an eye on sites like Ssense and Farfetch for markdowns.
HOW DO THESE JACKETS STACK UP IN VALUE?
Let’s talk about price ranges on our top 5 leather jackets and what they offer for your investment. Each option on this list caters to a slightly different buyer, and understanding their unique value can help you make the best choice for your style and wallet.
AllSaints Conroy
For a price that’s far from cheap but significantly lower than luxury brands, AllSaints delivers modern design, decent craftsmanship, and versatility. While not as heavy-duty as Schott, its leather quality and attention to detail are more than adequate for everyday use. This jacket works for those who want an iconic look without breaking the bank.
Schott NYC Perfecto
If durability is your priority, Schott sets the benchmark. Known for thick leather and American-made craftsmanship, the Perfecto is built to last for years of regular wear. It’s an investment in heritage and functionality—ideal for the purist looking for something rugged yet stylish.
Mackage Leather Biker
Sitting in the middle ground, Mackage offers the polish and style of a luxury jacket but with better accessibility. This one is perfect for those who want high-quality materials and design but don’t want to venture into the ultra-premium price bracket of Saint Laurent or Celine.
Saint Laurent L01 & Celine Classic Biker Jacket
These jackets are in a league of their own. Saint Laurent and Celine blend timeless biker aesthetics with high-fashion craftsmanship. Their price reflects not just quality but also exclusivity and brand cachet. These are statement pieces—perfect for those who value luxury and have the budget to match.
HOW TO DECIDE
It comes down to what you value:
- Style & Affordability? Go with AllSaints.
- Heritage & Durability? Schott offers the best return on investment.
- Balanced Luxury? Mackage is your sweet spot.
- Exclusive Luxury? Saint Laurent or Celine for the ultimate fashion flex.
No matter which jacket you choose, leather is an investment. The trick is finding the right piece for your budget, needs, and how you plan to wear it.
