Can you wear a leather jacket in warm weather? Yes, and Los Angeles is a good place to prove it. January in LA averages a high of about 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low near 49, with only around six rainy days, based on figures from Current Results. So a leather jacket in warm weather is not a stretch there. You just need to choose the right jacket and wear it the right way.
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Why Leather Can Work in Mild Weather
Leather is not as hot as people think. An unlined jacket in lightweight leather blocks wind and adds a layer without trapping much heat. A cool evening on the coast, a night out or an early morning drive are all good moments for it. The real problem is a heavy, lined jacket in direct sun. That one gets hot fast.
Choosing a Leather Jacket for Warm Weather
Pick a lighter leather
Lambskin is soft and thin, so it feels lighter than thick cowhide. Our guide to lambskin vs cowhide leather jackets explains the difference.
Check the lining
A thin lining or no lining at all keeps the jacket cooler. A quilted or padded lining adds warmth you will not want on a warm day.
Think about color
Black absorbs more heat in the sun. Tan, brown and lighter shades feel cooler and also look good in bright light. Our leather jacket colors guide helps with the choice.
Look at the cut
A slim, short jacket such as the pebbled black leather trucker jacket sits close to the body and layers easily. For women, the fitted genuine leather jacket is a clean everyday shape.
How to Wear a Leather Jacket in Warm Weather
- Wear it over a thin tee instead of a sweater.
- Carry it in the afternoon and put it on in the evening.
- Open the zip when you are walking in the sun.
- Choose breathable fabrics underneath, such as cotton or linen.
For more outfit ideas, see our how to wear a leather jacket guide.
Protect the Leather From Heat and Sun
Heat and sun can dry out leather and fade the color. Do not leave a jacket in a hot car or on the back seat in the sun. Hang it on a wide hanger in a cool room and wipe it with a soft cloth. Our leather jacket care guide has the full routine.
A Leather Jacket in Warm Weather: Is It Worth It?
If you live somewhere that stays mild for most of the year, a light leather jacket may be your most used piece of outerwear. It handles cool nights, air conditioning and short trips in the rain without needing a heavy coat. Choose the size carefully with our leather jacket size guide.
Ordering From Us
We ship worldwide for free. Standard sizes run from XS to 3XL and arrive about 7 to 14 days after your order is confirmed. See our shipping policy or browse the shop.
Best Times to Wear a Leather Jacket in Warm Weather
Mild mornings and cool evenings are the best moments. A leather jacket in warm weather also works well in air conditioned places, on a motorbike or scooter, and on the coast when the sun goes down. Middle of the day in strong sun is the time to carry it instead.
Leather Jacket in Warm Weather: What to Avoid
- Heavy, padded linings. They trap heat.
- Black leather in direct sun for hours. It gets hot quickly.
- Wool or thick knit underneath. Choose a thin tee.
- Leaving it in a parked car. Heat can dry and crack the leather.
Unlined and Lightweight Options
If you plan to wear a leather jacket in warm weather often, look for a style with a thin lining or none, a slim cut and soft leather. Lambskin is a good place to start. Keep the weight in mind too, because a heavy jacket is tiring to carry around.
On the hottest days a vest can be easier to wear, so have a look at our leather vests.
Travelling With a Leather Jacket
If you are visiting a warm city, pack the jacket carefully. Wear it on the plane if the weather is cool, or fold it loosely in your bag with the lining facing out. At your destination, hang it up as soon as you can so the creases fall out. Our care guide has more tips for storing it.
Quick Questions
Is a leather jacket too hot for summer?
In hot weather during the day, yes. In the evening or on cool days it can be comfortable, especially if it is unlined.
Which leather is best for warm weather?
Lambskin is usually lighter and softer than thicker hides, so it is a good place to start.
Does sun damage a leather jacket?
Long exposure to direct sun and heat can dry the leather and fade the color, so store it away from both.
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