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Over the last few years, the leather blazer has gone from garment non grata—a holdover from the 1990s—to the cutting edge of sleazeball chic. A dripped-out Adam Sandler made the case for it in Uncut Gems. The look got major co-signs from Balenciaga designer Demna and leather blazer devotee Kanye West. Even Jack Harlow showed up to the MTV Video Music Awards last week in one. The leather blazer had somehow become perhaps the most relevant contemporary garment—and that doesn't seem to be changing any time soon. The latest collections from some of the most covetable labels, from Supreme to Aimé Leon Dore to Bottega Veneta, show that the leather blazer won't be going anywhere this fall season.
Streetwear juggernaut Supreme has consistently released advanced-level suiting, including collaborations with classics like Brooks Brothers and culty menswear designers like Adam Kimmel. The brand's latest collection includes a two-button lambskin leather blazer with a delightful notch lapel. For its part, Aimé Leon Dore produced a regal-looking double-breasted blazer in a homey shade of chestnut brown. When it comes to in-demand brands with their finger on the pulse of how men want to dress in 2022, it's hard to beat the one-two co-sign of Supreme and Aimé Leon Dore.
Elsewhere, the leather blazer can be found in places both high and low. Bottega Veneta has one with curved sleeves in deep, dark green calfskin leather. Gucci's version is embossed with a tonal hit of the house's famous "GG" monogram, while Marni offers one with a sleeker, more minimalist design. (Brace yourself for the prices: these run anywehere between $2,700 and $7,000.) You can also find the look from the Los Angeles menswear label Second/Layer or Swedish retailer COS for between $390 and $900. And you can, of course, always find them secondhand for a fraction of the price.
To many men, the leather blazer can feel like a daunting proposition. Sure, Anthony Bourdain made it look effortless, but he made most things look pretty effortless. GQ's own Sam Hine embarked on a journey for a leather blazer to call his own last year and found the garment surprisingly versatile. "I wear it with anything I would a normal leather jacket—T-shirts, western shirts, sweaters, soccer jerseys, whatever," he says. Perhaps that's the key: treat it just like any other jacket in your closet.
Donning some sartorial leather is a way to instantly deliver bold, left-of-center style to your outfit. Wear it with some great trousers and a cashmere sweater and your fit will have just a hint of danger. You absolutely don't have to wear it with matching leather pants. (Unless that's your thing, then let your leather freak flag fly.) The leather blazer is flashy enough to be dressed up to the nines if you please, but it can also look quietly sophisticated if that is more your speed. As the cold snap of fall waits around the corner, consider the leather blazer—you’ll be pleasantly surprised just how effortlessly stylish wearing one can be.
