Leather is making a big comeback in 2025, evolving beyond classic black jackets into fresh shapes, textures and palettes. Street style and runways alike are embracing everything from relaxed bomber jackets to sculpted leather coats. Eco-conscious consumers will also find plant-based “leathers” (think pineapple or apple-derived) and recycled styles joining the mix. Below is a quick trend overview, followed by a deeper dive into key leather fashion movements for 2025:
- Modern Biker & Bomber Jackets – Over-sized, vintage-inspired leather bombers and flying jackets are everywhere. Expect slouchy “late grandpa’s” flight jackets with funnel collars and drop shoulders
- Rich New Neutrals – The leather color palette has expanded beyond jet black. Runways highlighted cocoa, caramel and even olive or cranberry hues. (Think chocolate-brown moto jackets and warm olive trench coats.)
- Reimagined Classics – Iconic shapes get updates. Biker jackets now sport modern details like epaulettes or extra-wide collars, while bombers and aviators are reworked in supple, lived-in finishes. Leather trousers with exaggerated curves also nod to ’80s styling.
- Leather Accessories Galore – Bags, boots and belts take center stage. Chunky leather boots with a scrunched, boho vibe (à la Louis Vuitton and Balmain) are in vogue. Slouchy suede totes and high-shine smooth-leather handbags (including a revived Chloé “Paddington” top-handle bag) complete the look.
- Sustainable Leather Alternatives – Vegan leathers and recycled treatments are trending. Designers are experimenting with pineapple, cactus, and mushroom-based “leathers,” and even high-end jackets made from partially recycled hides.
Leather Outerwear
Leather Jackets
2025’s outerwear revolves around the leather jacket. Think big and relaxed: oversized bomber jackets with elasticized hems, bomber or racer-style flight jackets, and vintage-leaning biker jackets are must-haves. On the catwalk, designers embraced collarless zip-up styles and funnel-necks, giving leather jackets a fresh, unfussy feel. Saint Laurent and others led a “slouchy jacket” revival – models and street-smoothers alike were spotted layering soft drop-shoulder leather jackets over basics for an effortless, gritty vibe. This season favors supple, well-worn finishes: boutiques and thrift stores are the place to find a perfectly broken-in jacket.
Leather jacket silhouettes have multiplied. Cropped moto jackets coexist with roomy boxy bombers, and many designs riff on menswear tailoring. Funnel-collar leather outerwear is on the rise (a nod to the 80s), often in deep chocolate or black finishes. You’ll also see smooth leather car-coats and trench-inspired leathers with hidden button fronts. In short, there’s no single leather jacket for 2025 – it’s all about finding the shape (and color) that feels right for you, whether that’s a streamlined cropped jacket or a billowy overcoat.
Leather Coats and Long-line Styles
Beyond jackets, long leather coats and trenches are back on the style radar. Designers played with scale, from sleek knee-length trenches to full-length leathers that flow like capes. Runway shows featured everything from fitted cropped blazers to maxi-length leather coats that sweep the floor. Some pieces even had dramatic details like cape-like sleeves or exaggerated shoulders (Saint Laurent’s ’80s-inspired jackets, for example). These longline styles often came in rich neutrals – brown, olive and burgundy – as well as classic black, redefining “winter coat” with a leather twist.
In winter wardrobes, leather coats are layered over knits or suits for an instantly edgy look. Many street-style stars are choosing them as “investment” pieces, since a well-made leather overcoat can last for years. When shopping, look for supple smooth textures (as seen at Fendi and Prada) that skim the body rather than stiff, boxy leathers.
Leather Accessories
Leather isn’t just for jackets: accessories are key to the trend. Leather handbags, belts, shoes and hats all had their moments. Handbags ranged from mini structured bags to roomy slouchy totes. A notable comeback was Chloé’s 2000s “Paddington” bag, relaunching a boho-favorite style. Rich suede and Nubuck bags (especially in warm brown tones) also popped up, reflecting a shift toward tactile, earthy accessories. You’ll see top-handle satchels with vintage flair and crossbody bags in smooth leather making a statement in every outfit.
Footwear is equally bold. Boots in leather or suede went “extra slouchy” this year: think 2000s boho style with scrunched shafts that peek over or under pant legs. Louis Vuitton and Balmain showed folded, slouchy boots in deep patent or leather finishes. On the street, these are paired with everything from midi skirts to relaxed jeans, proving boots remain a must for pulling any leather look together. Belts and gloves followed suit – wide leather belts (often in matching 2025 colors) and long leather gloves are popular ways to accent a leather jacket or dress.
New Colorways
Gone are the days of only black leather – 2025 is about palette expansion. Deep browns are huge (“chocolate was the new black” on many runways), ranging from rich espresso to light cognac. In fact, all neutrals took on a warm tone: olive greens and cranberry reds appeared in runway leather trenches and coats. Harper’s Bazaar notes that recent shows shifted toward “contemporary shades of brown”, including dark chocolate and caramel. Likewise, maroon and aubergine became fresh alternatives (Saint Laurent and others featured funnel-neck bombers in these tones).
Bright colors also made a splash. Tomato-red leather, for instance, turned up in statement pieces (Prada’s runway featured a fisherman-yellow raincoat and Ferragamo showed a bold red leather book jacket). If you love color, try one pop of vibrant leather – a red leather blazer or bag can liven up a neutral winter look. Overall, the new color rule is: don’t be afraid to mix saturated hues with classic leather textures.
Sustainability & Vegan Leather
Sustainability is a huge influence on leather trends. Many brands are emphasizing faux and recycled leathers in their 2025 lines. Anine Bing, for example, debuted a leather bomber that’s 48% recycled leather (blended with eco-PU). Vegan leather alternatives are also booming: expect to hear more about pineapple-based Piñatex, cactus leather, apple-peel leather and even mycelium (mushroom) leather. These bio-derived materials let designers create luxe-looking jackets and bags with a lighter carbon footprint.
The industry shift is clear: it’s no longer a matter of if traditional leather will be replaced, but how quickly more sustainable substitutes can scale. For shoppers, that means there are more style-forward “pleather” options than ever. Many high-end lines now offer realistic leather textures made from plant waste or recycled plastics. Going forward, look for pieces labeled with terms like apple leather, Piñatex, or recycled leather, which signal these eco-conscious trends.
Conclusion
In 2025, leather is far from stale – it’s reinvented. Whether you gravitate toward a vintage biker jacket, a sleek leather trench, or just a standout accessory, there’s a leather trend to match. Try mixing textures (suede with shiny leather) and colors (chocolate-brown jacket with olive pants) for an editorial edge. For everyday style, a well-cut leather jacket or a vegan-leather tote can instantly modernize your outfit. Embrace the attitude of rock-and-roll icons or the polish of a tailored leather coat – either way, leather is back and better than ever in 2025.
Ready to wear the trend? Start with one statement leather piece: a bomber jacket or faux-leather biker jacket adds instant cool to jeans and knits. Pair suede or leather ankle boots with dresses for boho chic. And don’t forget to integrate sustainable choices – leather alternatives and secondhand finds count, too.