The biker jacket is one of fashion’s most iconic garments. With its structured fit, edgy vibe, and versatile design, it’s no wonder this staple has endured decade after decade. Traditionally crafted from leather, genuine biker jackets can be prohibitively expensive. Not to mention, leather production is horrible for the environment. That’s where faux leather biker jackets come in! These cruelty-free jackets allow you to cultivate the classic biker style, without harming animals or blowing your budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about purchasing the perfect faux leather biker jacket. You’ll learn how to select the right fit, hardware, and details for your personal style. We’ve also done the research for you by rounding up the top 5 faux leather biker jackets for both women and men. Discover tips for caring for your new jacket, along with answers to frequently asked questions. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped to find your dream faux biker jacket! So let’s get started.
The Many Benefits of Choosing Faux Leather
Gone are the days when faux leather looked and felt obviously artificial. Modern faux leather jackets are soft, supple, and nearly indistinguishable from genuine leather. The top reasons to go faux include:
- Cost savings – Faux leather jackets provide the same style at a fraction of the price. Real leather jackets can cost upwards of $500 or more. Quality faux leather jackets start around $100.
- Ethical choice – Faux leather is the compassionate option since no animals are slaughtered. It’s better for the environment as well.
- Range of colors/finishes – Faux leather comes in every color and finish imaginable. Matte black, distressed brown, vibrant red…the options are endless!
- Easy maintenance – Unlike real leather, faux leather jackets are machine washable. They don’t crack or fade over time.
- Durability – A faux leather jacket lasts for many years with proper care. It won’t rip or become misshapen.
With so many advantages, faux leather is undeniably the best material for a classic biker jacket. Now let’s explore how to pick the perfect one for you!
What to Look For in a Faux Leather Biker Jacket
The right faux leather biker jacket will become a wardrobe staple you’ll wear for years to come. Keep these factors in mind when shopping around:
Fit
An authentic biker jacket fit is slimming and structured, without constricting movement. When trying on jackets, raise your arms and bend over to ensure you’ll have a full range of motion. The ideal jacket will be snug but not tight. Opt for a fitted shape that accentuates your form without hugging too closely.
Color and Finish
The quintessential biker jacket color is classic black. However, don’t be afraid to branch out into brown, red, green, gray and more. Matte finishes have a subtle, velvety look. Shiny faux leather provides eye-catching polish. Distressed jackets have varying amounts of scuffing that create a vintage vibe.
Hardware
Quality hardware like zippers and buckles should be made from metal alloys rather than plastic. Plastic hardware looks cheap and can break easily. The front zipper should run smoothly up and down without catching.
Lining
Faux leather jackets are usually lined with a silky polyester or nylon lining. This smooth inner lining makes the jacket easy to slip on and off. It also enhances the structure and shape of the jacket.
Lapels
The two most common biker jacket collar styles are the classic asymmetrical peaked lapel or a smoother band collar. Choose based on which flatters you most. Lapel details like studs, snaps and buckles add eye-catching edge.
Length
Cropped biker jackets ending at the waist are trendy for flaunting layers underneath. Hip-length jackets provide greater coverage and warmth. Avoid boxy shapes in favor of a length that aligns with your body’s proportions.
Details
Quilted panels, belt details, ribbed sleeves and zipper accents infuse character into a jacket. Subtle details create visual interest and texture. Don’t overdo it though—the beauty of a biker jacket lies in its simplicity.
Brand
Certain brands have cultivated a reputation for quality faux leather. BlankNYC, Calvin Klein, and Cole Haan consistently craft stellar synthetic biker jackets. Once you find a brand that suits your style, it becomes easy to shop more of their pieces.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s reveal the top faux leather biker jacket picks for both women and men. Keep reading for our top five recommendations in each category.
The Top 5 Faux Leather Biker Jackets for Women
Every woman needs an edgy biker jacket in her wardrobe rotation. Here are five of the best faux leather styles that are certain to impress.
1. BlankNYC Cropped Vegan Leather Moto Jacket
- Hip length with buckles at the side tabs
- Zips up asymmetrically with a notched lapel collar
- Quilted paneling on sides and sleeves
- Comes in black, green, and brown
- True to size
- Pros: High quality construction, heavy duty zippers, structured fit, very versatile
- Cons: Runs small, so size up for a less clingy fit
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: Nordstrom, Revolve
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
2. Sam Edelman Faux Leather Moto Jacket
- Cropped silhouette with flattering seaming
- Band collar and shoulder epaulettes
- Zip front with zip pockets at hips
- Available in black and camel colors
- Runs large, consider sizing down
- Pros: Affordable price point, lightweight
- Cons: Thinner faux leather prone to wrinkles
- Price: $
- Where to Buy: Sam Edelman website, Zappos
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
3. Calvin Klein Faux Leather Moto Jacket
- Iconic moto style with asymmetrical front zip
- Petite sizing available
- Lining is satin polyester
- Classic black and brown color options
- True to size
- Pros: Brand name quality, flattering seaming, best petite option
- Cons: Dry clean only
- Price: $$$
- Where to Buy: Calvin Klein website, Macy’s
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
4. BLANKNYC Vegan Leather Bomber Jacket
- Ribbed collar, cuffs and waistband
- Silver hardware including dual zip front
- Available in range of pop colors
- Runs large, size down for perfect fit
- Pros: Fun colors to make a statement, thicker faux leather holds structure well
- Cons: Snug fit, not ideal for layering underneath
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: Revolve, Nordstrom, BLANKNYC website
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
5. Essentials Faux Leather Moto Jacket by Cole Haan
- Waist-length moto jacket silhouette
- Asymmetrical zip closure, zippered pockets
- Smooth faux leather with sheen
- True to size
- Pros: High quality materials, versatile mid-length, luxury brand name
- Cons: Dry clean only
- Price: $$$
- Where to Buy: Cole Haan website, Bloomingdale’s
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Any of these trendy faux leather jackets will instill instant cool into your wardrobe. Next up, we reveal the top picks for men. Keep reading for the best faux leather biker jackets to suit the stylish gentleman.
The Top 5 Faux Leather Biker Jackets for Men
Guys, if you don’t already own a leather jacket, it’s time to change that. The iconic biker jacket looks seriously cool on men. These five faux leather versions deliver classic moto edge and attitude without the hefty price tag.
1. Flint and Tinder Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket
- Timeless moto style in black or brown
- Ribbed collar, zippered sleeves and slanted hip pockets
- Perforated back yoke and sleeves allow breathability
- True to size
- Pros: High quality materials and hardware, breathable precision perforations
- Cons: Can fit snug through shoulders and arms for muscular builds
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: Huckberry, Flint and Tinder website
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
2. Levi’s Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket
- Slim fit zip-front design hits at hip
- Vertical zip chest pockets and side slit pockets
- Polyurethane coating resists scratches
- Runs large, consider sizing down
- Pros: Iconic Levi’s jacket at an affordable price point
- Cons: Thin faux leather prone to wrinkles, snug arms
- Price: $
- Where to Buy: Levi’s website, Macy’s
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
3. Banana Republic Faux Leather Moto Jacket
- Black jacket with asymmetrical zip and collar
- High quality polyurethane leather exterior
- Fully lined in soft cotton
- True to size
- Pros: Flattering fit, quality construction, brand reputation
- Cons: Dry clean only
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: Banana Republic website
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
4. Express Faux Leather Bomber Jacket
- Sleek bomber style with ribbed collar and hem
- Zip front with multiple exterior zip pockets
- Comes in black, brown, olive and gray
- Runs large, size down for fitted look
- Pros: Trendy bomber style, range of versatile neutral colors
- Cons: Thin faux leather shows wrinkles easily
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: Express website and stores
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
5. Calvin Klein Faux Leather Jacket
- Asymmetrical front zip closure
- Mock collar with knit lining
- Hip-length cut is slimming
- True to size
- Pros: High quality materials, precise seaming, iconic brand
- Cons: Dry clean only
- Price: $$$
- Where to Buy: Calvin Klein website, Macy’s
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Whether you opt for the quintessential black or branch out into brown and gray, one of these faux leather biker jackets is guaranteed to become your new go-to top layer.
Now that you’ve found your dream faux leather jacket, let’s go over how to care for it properly so it lasts for seasons to come.
Caring for Your Faux Leather Jacket
With the proper care, a quality faux leather jacket will last for many years without cracking, fading or losing its structure. Follow these tips:
- Hand wash only – Use a mild detergent and wash gently by hand. Never put faux leather in the washing machine!
- Avoid soaking – Lightly scrub stains and rinse jacket rather than fully soaking. Limit water exposure.
- Air dry away from direct heat – Lay jacket flat or hang to dry. Avoid direct sunlight or high heat.
- Store properly – Hang faux leather jackets on sturdy, broad hangers to retain shape.
- Avoid oils and cosmetics – Don’t let hair and skin products touch faux leather.
- Condition monthly – Use faux leather conditioner to maintain sheen and suppleness.
- Spot clean stains immediately – This prevents stains from setting. Gently dab with mild detergent and rinse.
Follow these care instructions and your new faux leather jacket will maintain its sleek style for many biker chic seasons ahead!
We’ll wrap up this guide by answering some frequently asked questions about faux leather biker jackets:
FAQs About Faux Leather Jackets
Does faux leather look cheap?
Not at all! When crafted well, faux leather is nearly impossible to distinguish from high-quality genuine leather. Shop reputable brands known for superior materials.
Is faux leather durable enough?
Absolutely. Unlike real leather, faux leather doesn’t crack or fade. With proper care, it will last for many years without signs of wear.
Should I choose matte or shiny faux leather?
This depends on your personal preference. Both finishes are timeless and stylish. Matte has a subtle elegance while shiny provides eye-catching polish.
What style of biker jacket is most versatile?
The most versatile style for both men and women is a black waist-length moto jacket in a slim, flattering fit. This iconic look pairs well with anything from jeans to dresses.
What care products work best for faux leather?
Use a mild liquid hand soap or detergent when washing. Condition monthly with a faux leather conditioner to maintain softness and sheen.
How can I make a faux leather jacket last longer?
Limit sun and heat exposure, spot clean stains promptly, store properly on a hanger, and avoid contact with products containing alcohol or oils.
What are faux leather jackets made of?
Typically polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These synthetic materials convincingly mimic the look and feel of genuine leather.
Is faux leather better for the environment than real leather?
Absolutely. Faux leather is an ethical, cruelty-free alternative that doesn’t harm any animals during production. It’s also better for the planet.
Are faux leather jackets ethical?
Yes! No animals are exploited or slaughtered during manufacturing. Faux leather is the compassionate choice.
Where can I buy a good faux leather biker jacket?
Recommenced retailers include Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, BLANKNYC, Cole Haan, Sam Edelman, and Express. Shop their websites or stores.
We hope this guide has equipped you to find the perfect faux leather biker jacket to unleash your inner rebel. With the right jacket, you’ll exude edgy biker chic style for years to come. Ride off into the sunset in your new favorite faux leather piece!