Leather jacket styles explained: biker, bomber, aviator, trucker
Short answer
The classic leather jacket styles are the biker (asymmetric zip and wide lapels), the bomber (short, with ribbed cuffs and hem), the aviator (a bomber with a shearling collar), the trucker (shirt collar and chest pockets), the racer (stand collar, minimal front) and the overshirt (a shirt-cut jacket).
Each style comes from a job. Here is what defines them.
The styles
- Biker: asymmetric front zip, wide lapels that snap down, zip pockets. Usually cropped to the hip.
- Racer: a stand collar and a straight centre zip — the cleanest, most minimal leather jacket.
- Bomber: short, zip-front, with ribbed collar, cuffs and waistband. Casual and easy to wear.
- Aviator: the bomber’s warmer relative, usually with a shearling collar.
- Trucker: the denim-jacket shape in leather — shirt collar, flap chest pockets, button or zip front.
- Overshirt: cut like a shirt, worn like a jacket; light and good for layering.
How to choose
- Most versatile: a trucker or a minimal zip-front jacket.
- Warmest: an aviator with a shearling collar.
- Most casual: a bomber.
- Most statement: a biker.
- Best for layering in spring and autumn: an overshirt.
Frequently asked
Which leather jacket style is the most timeless?
The biker and the minimal zip-front jacket have barely changed in decades; the trucker is close behind.
What is the difference between a bomber and a biker jacket?
A bomber has a centre zip and ribbed cuffs and hem; a biker has an asymmetric zip and wide lapels.
By BAGONSA · Updated 29 September 2026