Sixty degrees is the temperature where a leather jacket stops being only a style choice and becomes the most practical layer you own. If you are wondering what to wear in 60 degree weather, a light leather jacket over a tee or thin knit covers most of the day, from a cool morning to a mild afternoon. Below you will find which jacket to choose, how the conditions change things and outfit ideas that work.
Quick answer: At around 60°F (about 16°C), wear a lightweight or unlined leather jacket over a T-shirt, thin sweater or button-up, with jeans, chinos, trousers or a skirt and closed shoes. Add a light scarf or knit if it is windy, cloudy or damp, and leave heavy lined or shearling jackets at home.
Why is 60 degree weather ideal for a leather jacket?
At 60°F most people feel comfortable in a single light layer, and leather is very good at being that layer. A few reasons it works:
- It blocks wind. A breeze is often what makes 60 degrees feel chilly, and leather stops it far better than a knit or a cotton overshirt.
- It is light enough on its own. You do not need a heavy coat, so one jacket over a tee is usually enough.
- It adjusts easily. Zip it up in the morning, open it at lunch and carry it over your arm or bag in the afternoon sun.
Leather does hold warmth well once you are inside it, which is why weight matters. Our guide on whether leather jackets are warm explains how lining and thickness affect warmth.
What weight of leather jacket works best at 60°F?
Go light. A lightweight or unlined jacket in a supple leather such as lambskin or a thin cowhide breathes better and will not overheat you when the sun comes out. Heavy, fully lined jackets and anything with a quilted or shearling lining are better saved for the 40s and below.
An unlined jacket also packs down more easily into a tote or backpack, which helps on days when the afternoon turns warm. Read our unlined leather jacket guide for more on how these jackets feel and wear.
Which jacket styles suit a 60-degree day?
Almost any classic style works if it is light enough. A few stand out:
- Cafe racer: a short, clean jacket with a small collar that layers over a tee or a shirt without bulk.
- Trucker: relaxed and easy to wear open, good for weekends and casual days.
- Lightweight moto or cropped jacket: a natural partner for dresses, skirts and high-rise jeans.
- Suede jacket: soft and breathable, best kept for dry days.
How do sun, wind and damp change how 60 degrees feels?
The number on the forecast is only part of the story. The same 60 degrees can feel very different depending on conditions:
| Conditions | How it feels | What to adjust |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny and still | Warmer than the number suggests | Tee underneath, jacket worn open or carried |
| Cloudy and breezy | Noticeably cooler | Jacket zipped, thin knit underneath |
| Damp or misty | Raw and chilly | Knit layer, light scarf, closed shoes; leave suede at home |
| After sunset | Cooler as the evening goes on | Bring a knit or scarf you can add later |
How do you dress for a cool morning and a warm afternoon?
Many 60-degree days start in the 50s and end warmer. Build the outfit in layers you can remove one at a time:
- A base you would be happy wearing alone in the afternoon, such as a tee, a light shirt or a fine knit.
- An optional thin middle layer for the morning, like a cardigan, an overshirt or a light sweater.
- The leather jacket on top, zipped early and open or carried later.
The jackets below suit exactly this kind of weather: lightweight or unlined genuine leather, handmade in our workshop and available in standard sizes or made to measure.
Men's Black Lightweight Cowhide Cafe Racer Jacket
Women's Lightweight Lambskin Leather Jacket
Men's Distressed Brown Unlined Cowhide Trucker Jacket
Outfit ideas for men
- Tee, jeans and sneakers. A plain white, gray or black tee, dark straight jeans and clean leather sneakers under a cafe racer is the easiest 60-degree outfit there is. Our guide to wearing a leather jacket with a T-shirt covers fits and colors.
- Knit, chinos and boots. A thin merino or cotton crewneck, stone or olive chinos and chukka or chelsea boots for a cooler, cloudier day.
- Button-up and trousers for work. An oxford or poplin shirt, wool trousers and derbies or loafers. A clean, minimal leather jacket stands in for a sport coat on the commute.
- Light hoodie for the weekend. A thin hoodie under the jacket with jeans and sneakers. Keep the hoodie slim so the jacket still closes.
- Henley and work boots. A long-sleeve henley, rinse-wash jeans and lace-up boots under a brown trucker or rugged jacket.
Outfit ideas for women
- Slip dress or midi skirt with ankle boots. A cropped or lightweight leather jacket balances a soft, flowing dress or skirt, and ankle boots keep it practical.
- Tee, straight jeans and loafers. A fitted tee, straight or relaxed jeans and loafers or sneakers, with the jacket worn open.
- Fine knit and wide-leg trousers for work. A thin knit or silky blouse, tailored wide-leg trousers and loafers or block heels.
- Shirt dress and sneakers. A cotton shirt dress with white sneakers and a belted or cropped jacket for errands and weekends.
- Sweatshirt and leggings. A light sweatshirt or hoodie with leggings and sneakers, plus a moto-style jacket on top.
If you want a few pieces that cover all of these, see our leather jacket capsule wardrobe ideas.
Which shoes work at 60 degrees?
Closed shoes are the safe choice. Leather sneakers, loafers, derbies and ankle, chelsea or chukka boots all fit the temperature and pair well with leather. Sandals can work on a sunny afternoon, but they look and feel out of step if the day turns cloudy. Heavy lined winter boots will run too warm. Our guide to the shoes to wear with a leather jacket goes through pairings for each jacket style.
When should you add a scarf?
Add one when the wind picks up, when the sky is gray, near water or after dark. At 60 degrees a light cotton, linen-blend, silk or thin wool scarf is plenty. It closes the gap at the neck that a jacket leaves open and is easy to stash in a bag when the sun returns.
What should you avoid in 60 degree weather?
- Heavy shearling and padded jackets, which are far too warm.
- Thick knits under a fitted jacket, which make you overheat and strain the seams.
- Suede on a damp or drizzly day.
- Too many layers you cannot easily remove or carry.
FAQ
Is 60 degrees too warm for a leather jacket?
Not usually. A lightweight or unlined jacket is comfortable at 60°F, especially in wind or shade. In strong sun you may wear it open or carry it for part of the day.
What is 60°F in Celsius?
About 15.5°C, which most people round to 16°C. It is mild jacket weather in almost any climate.
Can I wear shorts at 60 degrees?
Some people do on sunny afternoons, but most find long trousers or a midi skirt more comfortable, especially in the morning and evening. If you wear shorts, keep the jacket light.
Should my jacket be lined or unlined at 60 degrees?
Unlined or lightly lined is best. A heavy lining traps warmth you do not need at this temperature, while an unlined jacket breathes and carries easily.
A lightweight leather jacket is the simplest answer to 60 degree weather: it blocks the breeze, layers over almost anything and comes off easily when the sun warms up. Browse our men's leather jackets and women's leather jackets to find yours.


