Fashion

13 Badass Plus Size Jackets In Leather & Suede

by Amanda Richards

Three years ago, I wholeheartedly desired a plus size leather jacket. I scoured the Internet for months, but only came up with a few options (most of which were either dated or way too grandma chic for me). The plus size market simply hadn't caught up to the leather jacket trend as quickly as the straight size one had. Luckily, I ended up finding one from the ASOS Curve range, since the brand is, IMO, often ahead of the game. I've worn and loved that jacket for years — but I've also been able to add some others into the mix.

These days, the plus size leather jacket market is one that actually has options beyond the faux leather trenches and belted leather blazers of yesteryear. No shade to the women who wear them, of course, but plus size women deserve to have silhouettes that are decidedly more modern, just like their straight size counterparts. After all, the purpose of a leather jacket is usually to make you look like a badass — and that's hard to do if you can only find one that has plastic buttons or a long, boxy cut.

This year's plus size leather, faux leather, and suede offerings are looking pretty good, and I can assure you that you're going to look pretty good in them.

1. Green Queen

Sejour Quilt Leather Detail Jacket, $253, Check it out!

If you want a refreshing take on a classic leather jacket with big lapels, you might as well go green. This shade is popular for fall and winter, and the ribbed fabric underneath the leather sleeves help the wearer avoid that uncomfortable stiffness that often comes with wearing leather.

2. Suedette Biker

New Look Inspire Suedette Biker, $72, C heck it out!

This year has seen a huge push in suedette items on the market. At first, I was skeptical that it would be a poor substitute for real suede. However, in a lot of instances I find it to be more versatile and comfortable.

3. Leather & Suede Mix

Violeta By Mango Plus Size Leather Moto, $229, Check it out!

I love a leather-and-suede combo, and this might be the perfect mix. Unfortunately, it only goes up to a size 20, but for those who can fit into 20 and below, this plus size beauty is absolutely perfect.

4. Gold Faux

Quilted Metallic Jacket, $129, Check it out!

OK, you got me: This jacket isn't leather. It isn't even faux leather. However, the fabric gives off the same effect as any leather or faux leather jacket would arguably achieve, and it's gold. In my humble opinion, this piece could easily be interpreted as a gold leather jacket — the type of thing that everyone will wonder how on earth you acquired.

5. Gray Biker

Faux Leather Moto Jacket, $28, Check it out!

Gray is everything this season, and this jacket is basically perfect: The hue, the cut, the flexible, comfortable sleeves, and the price point. Get thee to a Forever 21 immediately.

6. A Tall Drink Of Wine

Michel Studio Moto Jacket, $140, Check it out!

The cut of the jacket is nothing too radical, but I love the wine color of the leather. Though colored faux leather and actual leather can often look a little cheap, IMO, there's something about the richness of this tone that screams, "I am fancy, please buy me a glass of wine to match my jacket."

7. Collarless & Chic

Collarless Biker Jacket, $90, Check it out!

Simple, clean, and classic: It's everything a leather jacket should be. This is the perfect option for people who don't like their leather to have a lot of bells and whistles.

8. Rich Suede

ASOS Curve Biker Jacket In Suede, $162, Check it out!

This rust-colored jacket is to die for, and it's in an all-over suede that's totally on trend. There are a million different ways to style this, but throwing it over an autumnally-hued maxi just might be the way to go.

9. Draped Effortlessness

Rebel Wilson For Torrid Drape Front Jacket, $98, Check it out!

The Rebel Wilson For Torrid collection just launched, and this jacket is part of it. Normally, I don't go for waterfall leather, as I think the combination of the faux leather/leather and the silhouette often looks too heavy. However, the contrast of this jacket's lapel lightens it up a bit, and I love the idea of wearing it under an impossibly cool faux fur vest.

10. Camel Coolness

ASOS Curve Ultimate Biker Jacket In Leather Look, $81, Check it out!

This is a basic, camel colored faux leather jacket that would look just as good with all black as it would with monochrome stripes and denim. This would be such an easy item to incorporate into your winter and fall wardrobe. Plus, it would also look good with some cutesy florals in early spring.

11. Luxury Fringe

6th & Lane Fringed Leather Jacket, $498, Check it out!

This jacket is a splurge-and-a-half, but if you've got the extra money, it would be a gorgeous investment. The high-quality leather is sure to be supple and super flexible, and the fringe is totally on-trend this season.

12. Faux Fur

Faux Fur Moto Jacket, $59, Check it out!

The unexpected color is what makes this jacket such a treat, along with the amazing faux fur collar. I love the way it's styled on the model, but also adore the idea of pairing it with a winter white ensemble.

13. Buttery Brown

Nadia Aboulhosn Moto Jacket For L&L, $150, C heck it out!

Unlike many of the camel and tan options on the market, this cocoa leather is rich, saturated, and perfect for a more dramatic nighttime look. Style this one with an amazing faux fur scarf for some serious luxuriousness.

There are definitely more plus size leather options out there than ever before, and by my estimate, a lot more plus size women who feel empowered to wear them. Here's to looking like a rough-and-tough badass (and an impossibly fashionable creature) all winter long.

Images: Courtesy Brands