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Short answer: leather clothing covers jackets, coats, pants, vests, skirts, gloves, bags and riding gear. Choose by what you will do in it: thick, durable leather for riding and work, thin soft leather for fashion and dressing up. Fit matters more than any other feature, because leather does not stretch much and cannot be taken in easily, and we do not offer alterations after delivery. The tables below link to each category: start with men's leather clothing or women's leather clothing.
Leather types in one table
| Leather | Feel | Strength | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowhide | Firm, thick | High; abrasion resistant | Riding gear, jackets, pants, chaps, vests |
| Lambskin | Very soft, light | Lower; marks more easily | Fashion jackets, gloves, skirts, blazers |
| Sheepskin | Soft, a little thicker than lamb | Medium | Jackets, coats, shearling styles |
| Goatskin | Pebbled grain, flexible | Good for its weight | Gloves, jackets, bags |
| Kangaroo | Thin yet very strong | High for its thickness | Racing suits and premium riding gear |
For the longer comparison, read cowhide vs sheepskin vs kangaroo. If you wonder what the grades mean, see full-grain vs top-grain leather. For finishes, suede vs smooth leather explains the care difference.
Garment by garment
| Garment | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Jackets | Shoulder fit, sleeve length, weight of leather, lining | men's leather jackets, women's leather jackets |
| Hooded jackets | Hood type, neck fit | hooded leather jacket for men, for women |
| Biker jackets | Fashion or riding build | women's biker jackets, men's biker jackets |
| Coats and trench coats | Length, room for layers | men's leather coats, women's trench coats, custom trench coats |
| Blazers | Shoulder structure, thin leather | men's leather blazers |
| Pants | Rise, thigh and seat, inseam | men's leather pants, women's leather pants |
| Skirts | Waist and length, lining | leather skirts for women |
| Vests | Chest, back length, closure | men's leather vests, women's leather vests |
| Kilts | Waist, length, pleats | men's leather kilts |
| Gloves | Palm size, lining, cuff | men's gloves, women's gloves |
| Chaps | Waist, thigh, inseam | men's leather chaps, women's leather chaps |
| Bags | Size, strap, hardware | custom leather bags |
| Riding gear | Armor, standards, fit on the bike | leather race suits, custom motorcycle jackets |
How leather clothing should fit
- Shoulders: the seam on the edge of the shoulder. Leather will not stretch there.
- Chest and waist: snug but able to take a thin layer underneath.
- Sleeves: to the wrist bone, with room to reach forward.
- Pants: enough room in the seat and thigh to sit, but not so much that the leather bunches behind the knee.
- Break-in: leather softens and shapes to your body over several weeks of wear. See how to break in a new leather jacket.
Start by measuring yourself using how to measure yourself for a perfect leather fit, then compare with our size chart.
Ready-made or made to measure
Standard sizes work for most builds and are quickest. Made-to-measure garments are cut from your own measurements, which helps if you are between sizes, tall, short or have different proportions. Leather Collection offers both standard sizes and made-to-measure for many items. Where an item has a Custom Size option, you choose it in the size list, place the order and send your measurements through the measurement form. Custom Size takes 3-4 weeks and cannot be returned unless faulty, and some items, such as our gloves, come in standard sizes only. See custom leather clothing for what can be made to order. For the trade-offs, read made to order vs off the rack.
Caring for leather clothing
- Hang on a wide, shaped hanger. Never on a wire hanger.
- Keep away from direct heat and sunlight.
- Dry wet leather slowly at room temperature.
- Test any cleaner or conditioner on a hidden spot first.
- Follow the care label where there is one.
The full guide is how to care for your leather clothing without damaging it.
When leather is not the right choice
Leather is warm and heavy. In hot, humid weather, or for activities where you need to wash the garment often, a fabric alternative will serve better. Fashion leather is also not protective clothing for riding, so choose riding gear that is made and labelled for it.
FAQs
What is the best leather for clothing?
It depends on the garment. Cowhide for tough pieces such as jackets and pants, lambskin for soft fashion garments, and goatskin or sheepskin for in-between.
How do I know my leather clothing size?
Measure your chest, waist, hips, shoulders and sleeve length, and compare with the product's size chart.
Is real leather clothing worth the price?
Well-made leather lasts for years and improves with wear. See why custom-made leather clothing is worth the investment.
How do I look after leather clothes?
Hang them well, keep them away from heat, dry them slowly and follow the care label.
Can leather clothing be made to my size?
Many items can. See custom made leather clothing.
Pick a category and start with men's leather clothing or women's leather clothing.