The biker jacket is the most recognisable leather jacket: notched lapels, diagonal zip fastening, a short cut that stops at the waist. It is also the one that causes the most hesitation. Too bold, too rock, hard to wear to the office? In reality, it is easy to wear, especially when it remains the only statement piece in the outfit.
Should You Wear a Biker Jacket Open or Closed?
The biker jacket is often worn open. With the lapels folded back, it draws a V that structures the shoulders and showcases what you wear underneath. This is often when it looks its best.
Zipped all the way up, it changes role: it becomes a transitional-season jacket that keeps out the wind, but it loses part of its design. If you close it, do so halfway, lapels open, rather than right up to the collar.
One Simple Principle: A Single Statement Piece
A biker jacket already says a lot: the material, the zip, the lapels, often quilted details. The rest of the outfit benefits from staying calm.
- On top: a plain T-shirt in white, black or ecru, or a fine knit. A plain shirt also works, with an open collar.
- Below: straight trousers, neither too wide nor too tight. Raw denim jeans or dark trousers are the safest choices.
- On your feet: sober, dark shoes, boots or derbies, or very simple white trainers.
What often works less well: busy prints, accessories that echo the motorcycle theme, and anything that would turn the outfit into a stage costume.
Three Biker Jacket Outfits That Work
The classic. Black biker jacket worn open, white T-shirt, straight raw denim jeans, black boots. It is the outfit everyone has in mind, and it stays right because it does not try to do anything more.
Evening. Biker jacket over a fine black or charcoal knit, dark wool trousers, derbies. The leather replaces the suit jacket and makes the outfit dressier than it looks.
Weekend. Biker jacket over a grey marl sweatshirt or a denim shirt, ecru trousers or light denim, white trainers. The biker jacket brings the structure; the rest relaxes the look.
Which Colour Should You Choose?
Black is the starting point, and the easiest to pair. For a first biker jacket, it is often the simplest choice.
Midnight blue gives the same look with less harshness. It goes with grey, ecru and light denim, where black creates a stronger contrast.
Light and unexpected shades, such as sage or white, make the biker jacket the centrepiece of the outfit. Sage pairs well with brown, ecru and washed denim; next to a deep black, it stands out less. White stands out particularly well against an all-black or very dark outfit. On light-coloured leather, it is best to avoid raw denim for the first few wears: its dye can transfer onto the leather.
Our lambskin biker jackets come in these shades: quilted black, patinated midnight blue, sage croc-effect and white croc-effect.
The Biker Jacket and Your Build
The short cut of the biker jacket stops at the waist: it visually lengthens the legs and structures the upper body. It suits most builds, with two adjustments:
- On broad shoulders, wear it open, over a plain, dark colour, to keep a vertical line.
- On a slim build, the lapels and quilted details add breadth; it can be worn a little more closed.
If you are still torn between a biker jacket and another cut, our guide which men's leather jacket to choose compares the biker jacket with the racer jacket, the zip jacket and the leather overshirt.
How to Choose the Right Size
A biker jacket is worn fitted, but it should not be tight. Leather softens over time without really getting bigger. When trying it on, close the jacket, then stretch both arms out in front of you: if it pulls at the shoulders or across the back, take the next size up. Try it on with what you will most often wear underneath, a T-shirt or a fine knit. The sleeves should stop at the wrist bone.
Caring for It
Lambskin is supple from the first wear, but it is also the most delicate. Follow the care label of your piece: generally, dusting with a soft cloth is enough, and a smooth leather conditioner should only be applied, in a very thin layer, if the leather looks dry. Embossed finishes are dusted with a soft brush, and a patina should not be rubbed. The details are in our guide how to care for a leather jacket, season by season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear a biker jacket to the office?
In a workplace without a strict dress code, yes: over a fine knit and wool trousers, it replaces a blazer. With a full suit, it works less well.
Biker or racer jacket for a first leather jacket?
The racer jacket is more discreet and gets worn more often. The biker jacket has more character. If you want a piece that gets noticed, choose the biker jacket; otherwise, start with a racer jacket.
What shoes go with a biker jacket?
Dark boots or derbies for a dressier outfit, very simple white trainers for the weekend.
Can you wear a biker jacket in winter?
Yes, by layering a knit underneath. In that case, choose your size by trying the jacket on over that jumper.
Discover our biker jackets.