Leather Jacket Colors

Color changes everything about a leather jacket: how often you'll wear it, what you'll wear it with, and how it looks after years of use. Our jackets come in 19 colors, from everyday black and brown to burgundy, navy, green, gold and more. This guide explains what each color looks like in real life, what it pairs with, how it ages, and how to choose the right one for you.

Every jacket shows the colors it comes in on its product page. If you'd like a style in a color that isn't listed, see custom colors below.

All our colors at a glance

Tap a color to jump to its section. The swatches are a guide only, because colors look different on every screen.

Quick color finder

Not sure where to start? Find what matters most to you in the left column.

If you want… Choose Why
One jacket that goes with everything Black Works with every color, day or night, casual or smart.
A rugged, vintage look Distressed brown Looks worn in from day one and gets better with wear.
Something warmer and more relaxed than black Brown or dark brown Easy with denim, earth tones and casual clothes.
A smart color for the office or dinner Navy, dark brown or black Understated and pairs well with tailoring.
A color that gets noticed Red, burgundy, green or gold A statement piece that makes a simple outfit.
A light, fresh look for spring and summer evenings White, beige or light brown Brightens an outfit and looks great with light denim.
A jacket for your wedding Black or beige Our bridal jackets come in nine colors: black, beige, red, burgundy, navy, green, gray, brown and dark brown.
Something rare and exotic Python in black, white, navy, green or gold The natural scale pattern makes every jacket unique.

Black leather jackets

Looks likeA deep, true black. Smooth leathers have a soft sheen; waxed and distressed blacks look more matte.
Wear it withEverything: denim, gray, white, navy, camel, prints and all-black outfits.
How it agesStays black, while the leather softens and creases to your shape.

Black is our most common color: more than half of our jackets come in it. It's the classic biker-jacket color and the easiest to wear, because it goes with every other color in your wardrobe and works for both day and night. A black jacket looks equally right over a T-shirt and jeans or over a turtleneck and tailored trousers.

If you're buying your first leather jacket, or you want one jacket to wear for everything, black is the safest choice. It also hides small marks well and needs the least care of any color.

  • Best styles in black: biker jackets, cafe racers, car coats and long coats.
  • Style tip: an all-black outfit looks sharp when you mix textures, such as a ribbed knit, raw denim and a smooth leather jacket.
  • Match your accessories: black boots and a black belt keep the look clean.

Browse all men's biker jackets and women's biker jackets.

Distressed brown leather jackets

Looks likeA mid to warm brown with lighter and darker areas, as if the jacket has been worn for years.
Wear it withBlue denim, white tees, olive, cream, flannel and work boots.
How it agesDevelops an even richer patina, especially at the elbows, cuffs and pockets.

After black, distressed brown is the color most of our jackets come in, and it's our signature vintage look. The leather is finished so that the color varies across each panel, with lighter tones on the high points and deeper color in the creases. The result looks like a much-loved jacket from day one.

Because the finish is applied by hand and every hide takes it differently, no two distressed brown jackets are exactly the same. Small differences in shade from the photos are part of its character, not a flaw.

  • Best styles in distressed brown: A-2 and flight jackets, bombers, trucker and utility jackets, and car coats.
  • Style tip: keep the rest of the outfit simple and earthy, such as a white or gray tee, blue jeans and brown boots.
  • Good to know: distressed leather hides scuffs well, which makes it a great everyday and travel jacket.

See our bomber and flight jackets and trucker and workwear jackets.

Brown, dark brown and light brown

Looks likeBrown is a warm, even mid brown. Dark brown is close to espresso. Light brown is a tan or caramel shade.
Wear it withDenim, cream, olive, navy, khaki, rust and other earth tones.
How it agesBrowns darken and deepen slightly with conditioning and wear, and develop a patina.

Solid browns are warmer and more relaxed than black but just as easy to wear. They suit casual outfits especially well, and they look great with denim of every shade.

Brown

A classic, warm mid brown. It's especially popular in suede, where the brushed surface gives the color a soft, velvety depth. Brown suede trucker jackets and fringe jackets are easy weekend pieces.

Dark brown

Dark brown is the best alternative to black if you want a jacket that's smart and versatile but a little softer and warmer. It pairs well with navy, gray and cream, and it's a good choice for coats and trucker jackets you'll wear with tailoring as well as jeans.

Light brown

Light brown (tan) is the most relaxed of the browns. It looks fresh in spring and autumn, and it's a good choice if you already own a black jacket and want something completely different. Light colors show marks more than dark ones, so treat stains quickly.

Browse women's suede jackets and men's suede jackets.

Burgundy and maroon

Looks likeBurgundy is a deep wine red. Maroon is a darker, browner red.
Wear it withBlack, gray, navy, cream, camel and blue denim.
How it agesDeep reds hold their color well and gain a soft sheen with wear.

Burgundy and maroon are the perfect way to add color without being loud. From a distance they read almost as a dark neutral, and up close they have a rich, warm glow. They suit both men and women, and they're especially popular for autumn and winter.

  • Burgundy works well in biker jackets and half-belt jackets, and in crinkled lambskin, where the texture catches the light.
  • Maroon is a little darker and browner. It's a great choice for fitted, cropped jackets.
  • Style tip: burgundy looks striking with black jeans and a gray sweater, or with a cream knit and blue denim.

Red leather jackets

Looks likeA bright, saturated red.
Wear it withBlack, white, gray and blue denim. Keep the rest of the outfit simple.
How it agesBright dyes can soften slightly in strong sunlight over time, so store away from windows.

A red leather jacket is pure statement. It has a strong link to classic motorcycle and rock styles, and it instantly makes a plain outfit look deliberate. Red also photographs beautifully, and it's one of the colors our bridal jackets come in.

  • Style tip: wear red with neutral colors only. A white tee, black jeans and black boots is the easiest formula.
  • Good to know: red is a color most people wear as a second or third jacket, alongside black or brown.

Green leather jackets

Looks likeFrom deep forest shades to vivid emerald, depending on the leather.
Wear it withBlack, cream, white, gray and camel.
How it agesDyed exotic leathers keep their color well with the right conditioner.

Most of our green jackets are made from genuine python, where the dye brings out the natural scale pattern for a dramatic, luxurious look. Green is a rare color in leather, so a green jacket is guaranteed to stand out.

  • Style tip: let the jacket be the focus. Black trousers or a simple black dress work best.
  • Good to know: genuine python jackets ship with their CITES documentation. Read more about exotic leathers on our leather types page.

See all python and snakeskin jackets.

Gray and silver

Looks likeGray is a cool, mid-tone neutral. Silver is a metallic finish with a light shine.
Wear it withBlack, white, navy, burgundy and blue denim.
How it agesGray leather softens and shows gentle creasing. Metallic finishes need gentle care.

Gray is a modern alternative to black: still neutral and easy to wear, but lighter and cooler. It's a great choice for long coats and for layering over black or white.

  • Gray comes in lambskin coats and in several genuine python styles, where the gray tones make the pattern look almost like stone.
  • Silver has a light, metallic look for anyone who wants something bold and fashion-forward.
  • Style tip: a gray leather coat over an all-black outfit looks refined and simple.

White and beige

Looks likeWhite is a clean, bright white or off-white. Beige is a soft sand shade.
Wear it withLight or mid denim, white, cream, pastels and black.
How it agesLight colors can pick up marks and dye from other clothes, so clean spots quickly.

White and beige leather look fresh, elegant and a little unexpected. They suit weddings, summer evenings and western-style fringe jackets, and white python is one of our most striking exotic finishes.

  • White looks crisp with black or with head-to-toe light colors, and it's a striking choice for summer events.
  • Beige is softer and easier to wear than pure white. It looks great with blue denim and tan boots, and it's one of the colors our bridal jackets come in.
  • Good to know: new dark denim can transfer dye onto light leather. Be careful when wearing a white or beige jacket with dark jeans, and see caring for light colors below.

Planning a wedding look? Read our guide to custom bridal leather jackets.

Gold and bronze

Looks likeGold is a metallic, high-shine finish. Bronze is a warm, burnished brown with a soft sheen.
Wear it withBlack, white, cream and denim. Keep jewelry simple.
How it agesMetallic finishes can soften at the edges with heavy wear. Avoid harsh cleaners.

Metallic leathers are made for going out. Gold lambskin biker jackets, trench coats and blazers catch the light and turn a simple black outfit into an evening look. Bronze is a warmer, more subtle shade that works well for western styles.

  • Style tip: pair a gold jacket with black jeans or a little black dress, and let it do the talking.
  • Good to know: metallic finishes sit on the surface of the leather, so clean them gently with a soft, dry cloth, and test any conditioner on a hidden spot first.

Pink and purple

Looks likePink is a soft, pretty shade. Purple is a deep, rich violet.
Wear it withWhite, black, light denim and neutral colors.
How it agesBright colors keep their look best when stored away from direct sunlight.

For something truly different, we offer selected women's styles in pink and purple. A pink fringe jacket is fun for festivals and concerts, and purple is a rare, bold shade for a fitted biker jacket.

How leather and finish change a color

The same color can look quite different depending on the leather and how it's finished. That's why two black jackets can look completely different side by side.

Leather or finish How color looks
Smooth cowhide Even, solid color with a slight sheen. Tough and easy to care for.
Lambskin Rich, deep color with a soft, buttery sheen. Colors often look more luxurious.
Waxed or oiled leather A deeper tone that lightens slightly where the leather bends, known as a pull-up effect. It ages into a beautiful patina.
Distressed or vintage finish Lighter and darker areas across each panel for a worn-in look. Every jacket is unique.
Suede and nubuck A softer, matte color that looks lighter or darker depending on which way the nap is brushed.
Crinkled leather Texture catches the light, so color looks deeper in the folds.
Metallic finishes A reflective surface in gold, silver or bronze that changes with the light.
Genuine python Color sits over the natural scale pattern, so shading varies from scale to scale and jacket to jacket.
Python-embossed cowhide Cowhide pressed with a scale pattern. The color is more even than real python.

Learn more about each leather on our leather types page, or read lambskin vs cowhide.

How colors age

Leather is a natural material, so its color changes a little over the years. For most jackets, that's a big part of the appeal.

  • Black stays black. The surface softens and creases to your shape, and matte finishes can gain a gentle shine where they rub.
  • Browns deepen and develop a patina, a richer, glowing color at the points that get the most wear.
  • Waxed and oiled leathers change the most, with lighter creases and a darker, polished look over time.
  • Bright and light colors such as red, white and pastels can soften slightly with long exposure to sunlight, so store them away from windows.
  • Conditioner can darken leather slightly, especially lighter colors. Always test on a hidden spot first.

Want to break in a new jacket? Read how to soften a stiff leather jacket.

How to choose your color

Start with your wardrobe

Look at the clothes you wear most. If your wardrobe is mostly black, gray and white, a black, gray or burgundy jacket will fit right in. If you wear a lot of denim, olive, cream and earth tones, brown or distressed brown will feel more natural.

Think about your coloring

There are no strict rules, but as a starting point:

  • If you suit warm colors such as gold jewelry, cream and olive, browns, tan, burgundy and green often look great near your face.
  • If you suit cool colors such as silver jewelry, pure white and gray, black, navy, gray and wine reds are usually flattering.
  • Black suits almost everyone, which is one more reason most of our jackets come in it.

Think about when you'll wear it

  • Every day, all year: black, distressed brown or dark brown.
  • Work and dinners: black, navy or dark brown.
  • Nights out and events: red, burgundy, gold, silver or python.
  • Spring and summer evenings: white, beige, light brown or pale blue.
  • Autumn and winter: burgundy, maroon, dark brown and shearling-lined styles.

Your first jacket vs your next jacket

Most people start with black or brown. For a second jacket, choose whichever of the two you don't have, or add a color such as burgundy or navy that still goes with most of your clothes. Save bold colors for your third or fourth jacket, or choose one now if you love it.

For outfit ideas, read what to wear with a leather jacket (men) and how to style a leather jacket (women). Not sure which style to choose? Read leather jacket styles explained.

Caring for each color

  • Black and dark colors: wipe with a soft, dry cloth, and condition a few times a year. Dark colors hide marks well.
  • White, beige and light colors: clean spots as soon as they happen with a barely damp cloth. Keep them away from new dark denim, which can transfer dye. Store in a breathable garment bag, not plastic.
  • Distressed and waxed finishes: scuffs are part of the look. Rub small marks with your fingers, as the warmth often blends them back in.
  • Suede in any color: brush regularly with a suede brush, use a suede protector, and keep it out of heavy rain.
  • Metallic finishes: clean gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners and test conditioner on a hidden spot first.
  • Genuine python: use a conditioner made for reptile leather, and smooth it in the direction of the scales.
  • All colors: hang on a wide, padded hanger, and store away from heat and direct sunlight.

Read our full leather care guide and how to clean a leather jacket at home.

Custom colors

Love a style but want it in a different color? Because every jacket is made by hand, we can often make a style in another color. Email info@whiteburaq.com before you order with:

  • the jacket you like (a link to the product page is perfect)
  • the color you have in mind, with a photo or color reference if you have one
  • your size, or your measurements if you'd like it made to measure

We'll let you know what we can make, along with the price and timing, before you order.

Why colors can look different on your screen
Every screen shows color a little differently, and lighting in photos affects how a color looks. Leather is also a natural material, and every hide takes dye slightly differently, so small variations in shade between jackets, and between a jacket and its photos, are normal with genuine leather. If you're unsure about a color, email us before you order and we'll describe it in more detail.

Leather jacket color FAQs

What is the most versatile leather jacket color?

Black. It goes with every other color, suits almost everyone and works for day and night. Dark brown and navy are the next most versatile.

Is a black or brown leather jacket better?

Neither is better; they just suit different wardrobes. Black is sharper and more urban and is easier to dress up. Brown is warmer and more relaxed, looks great with denim and develops a patina. If you can only have one, pick the color that matches the clothes you wear most.

Does leather color fade?

Good leather keeps its color well, but long exposure to sunlight can soften bright and light colors over time. Storing your jacket away from windows and heat, and conditioning it a few times a year, helps it keep its color.

Will a white or light leather jacket stain?

Light colors show marks more than dark ones. Clean spots quickly with a barely damp cloth, and be careful with new dark denim, which can transfer dye onto light leather.

Does every distressed brown jacket look the same?

No. The distressed finish is applied by hand and every hide takes it differently, so each jacket has its own pattern of lighter and darker areas. That's what gives it a genuine vintage look.

Can I order a jacket in a color that isn't listed?

Often, yes. Email us before you order with the style and color you'd like, and we'll tell you what we can make, the price and the timing.

Does the color change the price?

For most styles, the price is the same in every color offered. The product page always shows the exact price for each option.

Can I have my jacket dyed a different color later?

We don't recommend dyeing a finished jacket at home, as it can look uneven and rub off. If you want a different color, it's better to order the style in that color from the start.

How do I see which colors a jacket comes in?

Open the jacket's product page. The available colors are shown above the size options. Choosing a color updates the photos where we have them for that color.

Keep exploring

Still not sure which color to choose? Email info@whiteburaq.com or call +1 678-451-8878 and tell us what you usually wear. We'll help you pick.

Written by the White Buraq team. Our family workshop has made leather goods by hand since 1998.