Transitioning SS25: The Leather Jacket Edit & How to Care for Yours

On Instagram and TikTok, the debate rages between two camps: the trench coat enthusiasts and the leather jacket aficionados. Both are staples of the “cool girl” aesthetic, each vying for the title of the essential pre-spring wardrobe piece. However, the leather jacket emerges as the best transition piece for SS25. If you’re in the market for a leather coat that will stand the test of time, this is your year. This season’s leather coats range from basic to ultra-chic, featuring wearable designs with classic, yet eclectic silhouettes.

Stay tuned, as this article will showcase the most stunning and trendy leather coats for SS25, along with professional tips on caring for your leather or suede items.

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Best Transitioning Piece – Leather Jackets and Coats SS25

The resurgence of the Boho aesthetic, Bob Dylan core and the 70s have helped confirm the leather coat as a must-have this spring. If Boho isn’t your style, fear not: stores are brimming with designs that are basic yet nostalgic and timeless. Imagine bomber jackets, blazers, trench coats and cropped jackets in everything from classic black to vibrant hues. Here are the standout leather coat styles for this season!

• The Leather Trench: The Ultimate Double Duty Staple

The classic trench coat remains a springtime essential, but this season, it’s all about leather. A double-transitioning piece, the leather trench is effortlessly chic and endlessly versatile. Look to Tod’s, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta for inspiration, or if you’re after a more accessible option, Mango has a stunning 100% Spanish suede leather version that’s worth adding to your wardrobe. And a stunning short beige leather trench coat.

• Leather in Statement Colours: The Investment of the Season
  

Bold leather hues are the must-have investment for SS25. As we transition into the new season, these vibrant shades are meant to be worn with trousers, skirts, or denim—ideally with a ‘70s-inspired aesthetic. Designers like Gucci, Miu Miu, Iceberg, and Prada have embraced this trend, showcasing leather in fiery shades. These dark red, bottle green, and bold zebra print are at the top of our wish list.

• The ‘90s Power Blazer: Reinvented for SS25
  

The timeless ‘90s blazer, immortalised by Gwyneth Paltrow, was a standout piece last season and continues to reign as a transitioning staple for SS25. As seen on the runways of TIME 1993, Miu Miu, Coach, and Dries Van Noten, the blazer now emerges in fresh colours and textures. A double-breasted black blazer remains a classic-meets-edgy choice—perfect for power dressing with a modern twist.

• The Bomber Jacket: Vintage Revival Meets Sleek Tailoring
  

The bomber jacket is a forever favourite, but this season, it takes on a vintage-inspired aesthetic, as seen at Saint Laurent and Isabel Marant. Meanwhile, Hermès and Peter Do have introduced a more fitted silhouette, bringing a polished elegance to the style. Pair this jacket with tailored trousers or a sleek pencil skirt for an effortlessly elevated look.

• The Short-Sleeved Jacket: The Unexpected Shape of SS25
  

One of the most innovative silhouettes for SS25 comes in the form of short-sleeved jackets, designed by Bottega Veneta, Jil Sander, and Hermès. This fresh take on outerwear can be styled with long sleeves underneath for a cool layered effect or worn solo to embrace the short-sleeve statement. Baum and Pferdgarten has a cute model, here.

• The Boxy Short Jacket: The Retro Cool-Girl Essential
  

The short boxy-shaped jacket is another fresh addition to the SS25 lineup. The key to nailing this look? Pair it with a mini skirt or boot-cut denim for a retro-inspired feel. These cropped jackets are ideal for transitioning weather, best layered over soft cashmere for a chic yet cosy finish. This one is beautiful !

Caring for Your Leather Jacket

Investing in a leather piece means knowing how to maintain it. Leather clothing, well cared for, can last indefinitely and even improve with age. We consulted a leather expert to get the best tips for maintaining your jacket’s splendour for years:

• Storage: Hang the garment in a well-ventilated area. Occasionally open the closet doors to promote air circulation.
• Hydration: Moisturize the leather every six months with vegetable oils or unscented, dye-free creams. Leather can dry out and crack over time, so regular application of moisturizer will help it absorb slowly and stay supple.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use abrasive products like bleach or alcohol on leather.
• Drying: If your jacket gets wet in the rain, allow it to dry completely before storing it. Never dry damp leather in direct sunlight, as uneven drying may alter the colour.
• Suede Protection: Spray suede jackets with a suede protector before use to help repel dirt and grease.
• Cleaning Suede: Use specialized suede brushes or cloths and always brush in the direction of the grain to avoid damage.
• Stain Removal: For light stains on suede, a little water and a suede brush may be effective.
• Deodorising: To remove odours from suede, use baking soda or coffee grounds. Place them in a bag or envelope and then in a sealed bag with the jacket for several days to absorb odours without staining.

Indeed, while the leather jacket is the unrivalled transition piece, we also have a soft spot for a classic trench coat. How about you?

Images courtesy designers