When it comes to leather jackets, any honest fashion expert will tell you that there’s rarely any reinvention involved. Rather, it’s about circulating classics (in new and interesting ways, if you can). In recent times, we’ve seen funnel neck silhouettes return to favour, as well as moto jackets and oversized bombers – but for 2026, the leather jacket has taken a firm U-turn towards the minimal.
According to luxury giant Net-A-Porter, the most-worn item for show-goers at the Spring/Summer ’26 collections was in fact the leather jacket. “This trans-seasonal staple is going nowhere and is set to be spring’s ultimate cover-up, too,” its fashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic states.
As for how we’re wearing them this year, lines are seamless and straight – while many silhouettes have taken a closer, more tailored approach. During Hermes’ Spring/Summer ’26 collection presentation, we saw sleek and smooth jackets with square, cropped cuts, while at Courreges there were sleek zip-ups – even Prada’s swing-cut Nappa jackets have an element of simplicity with their subtle stitching and crisp edges. But it was Loewe that perhaps offered the most obvious example of this sleeker movement, with new creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Harnandez opening the collection with a pair of almost moulded-looking leather jackets – with almost-invisible stitching.
The high street certainly seems to have followed suit, since several refined leather jackets have arrived in stores in recent months. Whether it’s a collarless classic from Marks & Spencer or a straight, boxy style from Whistles, apparently the bare minimum is all you need when it comes to leather outerwear this season. Ahead, our favourite styles to shop.
Massimo Dutti Short Nappa Leather Jacket, £399
With its cropped, boxy fit, shirt-style collar and slightly distressed finish, this Massimo Dutti jacket adds a lived-in quality to an elegant silhouette – for those that don’t like to look too ‘done’.
Marks & Spencer Leather Collarless Jacket, £199
It’s surprising how put-together you can feel without a collar – yet sleek styles like this M&S number prove exactly that. With a subtly A-line fit, it can be worn open or closed to instantly dress up a pair of jeans.
Joseph Barbs Panelled Leather Jacket, £1,595
Allowing for a little more volume with the same crisp lines, this Joseph jacket remains streamlined despite its textured leather finish. Plus, this smoky brown shade is just as in demand for 2026.
The White Company Leather Zip-Through Jacket, £490
There’s something decidedly 90s about this zip-up leather jacket, though its dark chocolate tone keeps it firmly in the here and now. Made in ultra-soft, Leather Working Group-certified lamb leather.
Sandro Long Distressed Leather Jacket, £467.40
For those that prefer a longer-line silhouette, Sandro’s distressed leather jacket offers the same refined lines with a little more coverage.
Whistles Clean Bonded Leather Jacket, £449
Consider this your leather jacket equivalent to a throw-on shirt, in that it can easily be worn in place of one layered over a tee – though despite its clean and easy look, it’s made from sturdy, structured leather (that will soften with time, of course). It’s Leather Working Group approved, too.
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