Everlane's first leather jacket is a sleek alternative to typical moto styles — it's also surprisingly affordable
- Everlane has created some of the best and most affordable wardrobe basics we've found.
- I've spent most of the last 10 years waiting for the brand to create a classic black leather jacket, and it's finally here.
- The Modern Leather Jacket ($298) is sleek, relatively affordable, soft and supple in 100% lambskin, and combines the best design elements of old and new.
Everlane has spent the last decade improving the basics that make up a young professional's closet. They designed glove-like flats we wear habitually, rib-knit shirts that Insider Picks considers wardrobe staples, and stretch denim and $100 cashmere sweaters that balance form, function, and price. They've gone from a startup wunderkind to the standard-bearer of minimalist, ethical direct-to-consumer (D2C) retail.
But, personally, I've spent most of the last few years waiting for Everlane to release a black leather jacket — the Modern Leather Jacket ($298) finally arrived last October, and although it surprised me, it didn't disappoint.
The Modern Leather Jacket is 100% lambskin leather and available in sizes XXS-XL. It also comes in three color choices: Black, pink, or blue. Like most of Everlane's offerings, it's a classic that's been reimagined for the 21st century. It blends the best of old-school design — a point collar and center zip-front closure — with the best contemporary elements, like a fitted waist, minimal pipe detailing, and a versatile matte finish. Like many of Everlane's pieces, it feels cool without trying too hard.
Materials
Aside from design, the standout feature of the Modern Leather Jacket is how nice the lambskin material appears in person. In contrast to cowhide — which is more rugged and structured, and requires a "break-in" period to go from stiff to supple — lambskin is soft and buttery from the outset. Although not as tough or durable, it's comfortable to wear right out of the box. Lambskin typically fetches higher production costs, but it's becoming increasingly popular across the industry. It's also worth noting that Everlane's leather is fully traceable, from farm to garment factory.
Sizing and fit
Many reviewers note that they found the jacket to be a full size too small, but I didn't. I'm a size four (a 26/27 in pants), five-foot-seven, and wear a 32DD — and I found the small to be the right match for layering over long sleeves and T-shirts. Knowing it'll stretch (especially since lambskin is a leather that's supple and relatively thin), I erred on the side of a closer fit. If your objective is to layer with sweaters, though, you may want to order one size up.
The arms hit my wrists, and despite typically avoiding any item that's described as "boxy" or "square" I didn't think those elements were overdone here. The zippers at the wrist are a little bulky, but a necessary evil. The pockets are deep enough to fit your hands and keys, but a little high due to the cropping. All things considered, worthy compromises given the benefits.
Price
I wouldn't call any clothing item that costs $300 cheap, but for a 100% lambskin leather jacket, this is a comparatively great deal. Everlane estimates the Modern Leather Jacket would cost $700 in traditional retail, though you can find lamb leather options from $450 by ALLSAINTS all the way to $995 by Rag & Bone and beyond. It also looks almost exactly like this $1,200 style from Totême that Vogue named one of the best women's leather jackets.
If you're looking for a moto silhouette or a slightly more substantial version of a 100% lambskin jacket, my go-to is the very affordable $350 Leather Moto Jacket by DSTLD.
The bottom line
Overall, I loved Everlane's iteration of the classic leather jacket. I was expecting the company to release a standard biker moto as its first staple piece, but I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected sleekness of a mod, collared, and cropped jacket. It's an admirable blend of classic design and contemporary tweaks. Together, it makes for a piece that feels polished and special — but versatile enough to be paired with jeans or a cocktail dress. If you're ready to depart from a typical moto look and $300 isn't an uncomfortable expense, I highly recommend giving it a try.