Fashion

The best black leather jackets from Scandinavian brands to invest in now

By Josefin Forsberg

Photo: By Malene Birger

A classic in any capsule wardrobe, the timeless black leather jacket is always a good investment. Below, Vogue Scandinavia curates the best versions from Scandi brands to buy now

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Some pieces were made to last in our wardrobes forever. White crisp button ups, perfectly fitted denim, and the basic T-shirt all have a seasonless staying power that's hard to find elsewhere in our closets. Seen in the many, trendy capsule wardrobes we've seen curated over the years, the black leather jacket has cemented its spot among the throng of timeless wardrobe essentials.

Are leather jackets in style 2022?

With the status of seasonless staple, the leather jacket has become expected on the SS22 runways. Acne Studios – who have long ruled the Swedish sartorial scene with its now iconic shearling leather jacket showed a long-lined leather blazer with western-inspired buckles. At Alexander McQueen, the cropped cut paired with full skits came in both black and white, while Tiger of Sweden's monochromatic style leaned towards the Spartan.

Acne Studios spring/summer 2022.

Alexander McQueen spring/summer 2022.

Tiger of Sweden spring/summer 2022.

What style of leather jacket should I buy?

The options are seemingly endless when faced with our next leather jacket investment. Today there's a playfulness when purveying silhouettes: biker, bomber, trucker and sleek zip-up are all good options. The Moto jacket is a certified mainstay, focusing on quality and craft instead of what’s in or what’s out. Then there's the avid fans of the 1980s-inspired leather blazers, seen on the streets of Stockholm and Copenhagen during fashion week in a vast array of colours (although black is always a basic). Or why not opt for something modernised minimalist with sleek lines and barely-there details?

Here, Vogue Scandinavia has listed the best black leather jackets to buy now no-matter personal preference: from cropped punk biker jackets with zippers aplenty to stylised over-sized iterations made for the city slicker.

Best leather jackets to buy now

1

H&M

Boxy leather jacket

Part of H&M's premium selection, this boxy black leather jacket has an air of effortless cool. With zipper detailing and carefully placed diagonal seams, the flattering over-sized fit swathes the figure just-so. Wear with a cream-coloured knit roll neck for transitional dressing, or a white tank top once summer finally arrives.

2

Vagabond

The Jacket

Via Vagabond

Shoe-brand Vagabond expands on its horizons with select leatherwear. This minimalist limited-edition garment named aptly 'The Jacket' has an oversized fit and minimal detailing as well as an extra third pocket. For a hint of femininity, layer over a floral sundress to break up the androgynous design.

3

Cos

Leather bomber jacket

The bomber jacket has become a certified classic in the world of outerwear. Crafted from supple leather using an environmentally friendly chrome-free dyeing process, Cos' version may be designed as menswear but works just as well for women.

4

& Other Stories

Leather Biker Jacket

Via & Other Stories

& Other Stories biker style leather jacket is a true and tested timeless wardrobe staple. With a buttoned collar, zippers at the cuffs and welt pockets it sports all of the details we've come to expect from the style. Pair with the brand's signature frilly skirts and knee-high boots for the full look.

5

Anine Bing

Maverick leather jacket

Via Farfetch

Anine Bing's rocker-chic aesthetic lends itself well to the black leather jacket. With red lining and constructed from smooth lambskin leather, the Maverick jacket is accented with silver-tone hardware and chunky zip detailing.

6

Acne Studios

Velocite shearling jacket

Via MyTheresa

The oversized shearling Velocite jacket from Acne Studios is a signature silhouette. Sure to chase away chills as the temperature drops, it is the perfect choice for colder climates. Layer up for winter or wear on its own in summer if you're perpetually freezing.

7

Arket

Oversized Leather Blazer

A tailored blazer designed with a straight, oversized fit, the cut-and-sewn seams add a subtle modern detail to the look. Worn with wide-slung jeans, it oozes off-duty cool.

8

By Malene Birger

Beatrisse leather jacket

Via By Malene Birger

A jacket that caught our attention in Copenhagen during the spring/summer 2022 season was By Malene Birger's contrasted biker jacket. The design features a belted waist, contrasting stitching and zips at the pockets and sleeves for a touch of experimental styling. Layer yours over a minimalist slip dress to tap into the Kate Moss circa 1990s mood.

9

Stand Studio

Carter leather blazer

Via MyTheresa

The Carter leather blazer from Stand Studio is the perfect piece to elevate your day-to-night looks. With its oversized fit and classic single-breasted silhouette, its begging to be styled with barely-there bra tops and mini skirts.

10

Rodebjer

Angelica leather jacket

Via Rodebjer

This Angelica leather jacket is an oversized workwear-inspired overshirt designed with a dropped shoulder with regular sleeve length. Decorated with press buttons at front and at cuffs, it is made of 100 per cent recycled leather. The real leather is waste from previous productions and has been recycled, grinded, washed and reactivated.

11

Tiger of Sweden

Altes Jacket

Via Tiger of Sweden

Tiger of Sweden's over-sized drop-shoulder silhouette with a statement collar was made to be paired with soft fabrics like chiffon and soft knits. Falling just below the hip, it features a belt detail with buckle closure.

12

Deadwood

Joan leather biker jacket

Via Net-a-Porter

Deadwood deconstructs clothes that have reached their style expiration date, then transforms them into something new. With plenty of worn-in character, this upcycled 'Joan' jacket is made from repurposed black leather – and we all know that leather only gets better with age.

13

Day Birger et Mikkelsen

Finn leather jacket

Via Day Birger et Mikkelsen

An oversized leather jacket with button closures in the front and raw edges throughout. The unlined jacket bridges the gap between outwear and over-shirt with a dipped hem and patch pockets at the chest. Wear over a knit sweater-dress for a effortlessly stylish look.

14

Samsøe Samsøe

Welter jacket

Via Samsøe Samsøe

Going back to the basics, this versatile jacket by Samsøe Samsøe can be worn over dresses and heels, or with acid-washed denim and sneakers. The relaxed silhouette has an off-set front zip fastening plus chunky metal zipped cuffs and pockets to give it a tough edge.

Why should you buy a black leather jacket?

Over the last couple of seasons we've seen plenty of variations on the black leather jacket – even writing about that brown is the new black. And while this may be the case upon reviewing street style and the sartorial savant's inclination towards the chocolate shade (amongst acid greens, bright blues, and barbie pink, no colour choice is as classic as the basic black.

Especially when investing – as you would with an ethically and well-made leather jacket – going for black is the safest option.

Do leather jackets keep you warm?

A common concern when it comes to leather jackets is whether they actually keep you warm. Here, it is solely dependent on the style you choose. Of course, an unlined jacket in the style of an over-shirt won't give off as much heat as a padded iteration. If you're worried about the cold, consider Acne Studio's shearling jacket your best choice. Another option would be to size up to allow for more layers.