I’m a fashion director and this is why a leather blazer was one of my best purchases ever

Over the past couple of years, the leather blazer has transcended trends to become a modern classic. It has the magic appeal of looking sleek – due to the slick blazer silhouette – yet tough, thanks to the leather finish (or leather look, depending on your ethical and financial boundaries). Think of the fashion pack’s favourite high / low styling trick… then condense it into one epic item. The best leather blazer can do it all.

I bought my leather blazer jacket from & Other Stories in January 2020, after searching on Depop for pre-loved versions – and since then, I’ve never looked back. Mine is a longline, sightly slouchy, oversized silhouette. I wear it over floaty day dresses to sharpen them up if I’m heading out for lunch – and it works over evening appropriate garms or loungewear (hoodies, tracksuit bottoms and the like), too. My most worn combo? My women’s leather blazer with jeans and a crisp white shirt, t-shirt or sweater vest (which I wear on rotation for office days and at shoots). The only thing it doesn’t work with is leather trousers. Although, that could be just me. If you have a pair of patent leggings or a silver pair of leather jeans and some sky-high platforms, I’ve a feeling it could work.

If I’ve convinced you that there’s a double-breasted blazer-shaped hole in your wardrobe, let’s get into the nitty gritty. Real leather tends to cost more (but not necessarily), while high street faux leather blazers can be had for less than £40. It’s up to you if you follow the sustainable advice to spend more and wear your garments for longer. I’ve definitely aced the #30WearsChallenge from my blazer (wearing your clothes longer aims to cut down the impact of their creation). 

Many brands now flag their leather as being chrome-free and chrome tanning is often cited as a cause of pollution – but faux leather is made from plastic-derived sources… Again, it’s your call what you decide to do, although reading our vegan leather debate might help… As well as the high street faux leather blazers we’ve found, there are some amazing designer versions in vegan leather too – so don’t think that you can only find leather styles if you have a bigger budget. 

Nanushka has long been the go to for responsible production and innovative cruelty-free materials. Their single-breasted leather blazer is a wear forever buy. Likewise, Good American have a faux-leather blazer for under £200. Deadwood are a brand on our radar for their brilliantly conscious upcycling methods. Their Brooke leather blazer is made from discarded leathers and has a recycled fabric lining, proving that second-life fabrics can be just as valid as brand new buys.

Don’t think that your leather blazer has to come in black, either. We’ve spotted brown leather blazers as well as versions in baby blue (from ASOS), hot pink at Bershka and olive at Oasis. Regardless of the colour or cut, if you invest in a leather blazer, I guarantee that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one.

After more coats & jackets to shop? Peruse bestseller edits of leather coats, trench coats, puffer jackets, leather jackets to add to your outerwear arsenal this season. Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton.

Scroll through our edit of the 19 best leather blazers to add to your checkout now and wear forever.