How to Style a Leather Blazer

A leather blazer gives you the shape of a tailored jacket with the texture of leather. It works at the office, at dinner and on the weekend, as long as the rest of the outfit stays simple. These are the combinations that work most often, and the fit points to check before you wear or stock one.

Start with the fit

Leather does not stretch like wool, so the fit matters more. The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder, and the sleeves should end at the wrist bone so a little shirt cuff shows. You should be able to button it and raise your arms without the jacket pulling across the back.

Choose a length that ends around the middle of the hip. Shorter jackets look sharper with slim trousers; slightly longer ones suit relaxed or wide-leg trousers.

What to wear underneath

A plain white or light blue shirt is the safe choice for work. For a casual look, use a fine-knit sweater, a plain T-shirt or a henley. Keep the layer under the blazer thin so the jacket still sits cleanly.

Stay with one or two colours under the jacket. Black leather works with almost everything, brown leather looks best with cream, olive, navy and grey.

Trousers and skirts

Dark denim, chinos and wool trousers all work. A black blazer with black trousers gives a clean, formal outline. A brown blazer with navy or grey trousers looks relaxed and still smart.

For women, a leather blazer also goes well with a midi skirt, a slip dress or straight-leg jeans. Balance the structured top with a softer fabric below.

Shoes and finishing touches

Leather boots, loafers and clean white sneakers all work. Match the leather colour of the belt and shoes to the blazer, or keep both neutral. Skip heavy logos and busy patterns so the jacket stays the focus.

Care in short

Hang the blazer on a wide-shouldered hanger, keep it out of direct heat and sun, and wipe it with a soft dry cloth. If it gets wet, let it dry naturally, away from a radiator.

For retailers

Leather blazers sell well when you show them styled, not only on a hanger. If you stock leather blazers in your shop, tell us the sizes and finishes your customers ask for, and we can quote a mixed order with a single sample first.