A faux leather jacket is one of the easiest ways to make a winter outfit look sharp. It goes over a knit and jeans on the weekend, over a dress in the evening and over tailoring at the office. This guide explains, in plain words, how to choose a faux leather jacket that looks expensive, fits well and lasts more than one season, and how to wear it in a calm, quiet luxury way.
Faux leather, PU and real leather: what is the difference?
Most “leather-look” jackets in shops today are faux leather. It is worth knowing what the label means before you buy:
- Faux leather (PU, polyurethane) is a soft coating on a fabric base. Good PU is supple, has a gentle sheen and drapes well. It is lighter than real leather, needs no special care and costs much less.
- Real leather (cowhide, lambskin) is heavier, warms to your body and develops a patina with age. It is the most durable choice, but also the most expensive, and it needs care.
- Faux suede (suede-look fabric) is a brushed polyester with a soft, velvety surface. It gives the warm, relaxed look of suede without the worry about rain stains.
At Regal Wear we always state the real material on each product page, so you know exactly what you are buying.
How to choose a faux leather jacket that looks expensive
- Look for a matte or soft sheen. Very shiny, plastic-looking finishes look cheap. A low, natural sheen reads as luxury.
- Choose clean lines. Minimal lapels, simple zips and few details age better than studs, patches and heavy hardware.
- Check the shoulders first. The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder. Sleeves can be shortened; shoulders cannot be fixed.
- Think about layers. If you will wear a thick jumper underneath, choose a relaxed fit or one size up. Many of our jackets use Asian sizing, which runs small, so check the size chart on each product page.
- Pick a colour you will wear every day. Black is the classic. Chocolate brown and cognac look warm and softer. Olive green and burgundy are quiet but still interesting.
Five faux leather styles for this winter
1. The belted faux leather trench coat
A long trench in faux leather is the statement piece of the season. Tie the belt for a defined waist, or wear it open over a knit dress. Olive green and burgundy are especially elegant. See the women’s belted faux leather trench coat.
2. The faux leather jacket with a faux fur collar
A warm collar turns a simple black jacket into a true winter piece. It frames the face and keeps the wind out. Wear it with straight jeans and ankle boots. See the faux leather jacket with faux fur collar.
3. The faux suede aviator jacket
The aviator jacket, with its wide collar and soft fleece lining, is cosy and relaxed. Rust red and brown look beautiful with denim and cream knitwear. See the faux suede aviator jacket.
4. The faux leather blazer
A faux leather blazer is the smart choice for the office. Wear it over a fine roll-neck with tailored trousers, or with a white shirt and jeans on Friday. See the Faux Leather & Suede Jackets collection.
5. The cropped suede-look jacket
A short jacket balances high-waisted trousers and midi skirts. It is ideal if you are petite or like a defined waist. See the cropped zip-up suede-look jacket.
How to wear faux leather the quiet luxury way
- Keep the rest simple. Let the jacket be the one strong piece. Pair it with plain knitwear in cream, camel, grey or black.
- Mix textures. Faux leather looks richer next to soft materials: a chunky knit, a satin skirt or brushed trousers.
- Go tonal. A brown jacket with camel and cream, or a black jacket with charcoal and black, always looks polished.
- Choose good shoes. Leather-look ankle boots, loafers or clean white trainers complete the look.
How to care for faux leather
- Wipe it with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners and alcohol.
- Hang it on a wide hanger so the shoulders keep their shape.
- Keep it away from radiators and strong sun, which can dry out the coating.
- For faux suede, use a soft brush to lift the surface after wearing.
- Always follow the care label inside the jacket.
Where to start
Browse the full Faux Leather & Suede Jackets collection, then add warmth underneath with women’s knitwear. For colder days, see our women’s winter coats. Delivery is free worldwide with no minimum order, and you can return within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is a faux leather jacket warm enough for winter?
Faux leather blocks the wind well. On its own it suits autumn and mild winter days; with a warm knit underneath, or a fleece-lined or faux fur collar style, it works for colder days too.
Does faux leather crack?
Good faux leather stays supple for several seasons if you avoid heat and harsh cleaners. Store it on a hanger, not folded.
Should I size up in a faux leather jacket?
Size up if you want to wear thick knitwear underneath or if you are between sizes. Always check the size chart on the product page, because some styles run small.
What colour faux leather jacket is the most versatile?
Black is the most versatile. Chocolate brown is the softer alternative and looks especially good with camel, cream and denim.
