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Leather, Buckles & Moto Boots: The Biker Trend to Invest in for Fall/Winter

Biker wear has long been an emblem of rebellion, utility, and attitude. What was once purely functional—leather jackets, moto boots, heavy hardware—has increasingly become a fashion statement. Lately, multiple runway shows and street style moments are reinforcing that biker aesthetics will likely be one of winter’s biggest fashion standouts. In this post, we’ll explore how brands are incorporating biker wear into their collections, whether this trend has the momentum to dominate fall/winter, what pieces are leading the charge, and how you can style them.

What’s Going On: Biker Wear on the Ramp

  1. Runway Shows Lean into Biker Jackets and Leather Elements

    • At Saint Laurent's Spring/Summer 2026 show, the brand opened with a series of biker jackets paired with white blouses.

    • Elsewhere, leather outerwear was a key component during Hermès’ Fall-Winter 2025 lineup—dark leather ensembles, slick glossy coats, cropped jackets with quilted panels, leather trousers, and riding boots were all shown.

    • At Men’s Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025, brands like Courrèges featured leather and biker-inspired silhouettes. The “motorcycle motifs” in some of their collections signal that designers are tapping into moto culture as fashion inspiration.

  2. Accessory Trends Strengthen the Biker Aesthetic

    • Moto boots and riding boots are having a breakout moment. Publications like Marie Claire and Elle have noted the resurgence of biker boots, lug-soled options, buckle hardware, and tall leather shafts.

    • Even styling outside of full leather: pairing riding boots with lighter dresses, flowing knits, or structured trousers. Gucci’s shows, for example, filled the runway with evening gowns paired with riding boots.

  3. Reinterpretations & Hybrid Styles

    • The classic biker jacket is being reimagined: oversized fits, drop shoulders, belt and buckle hardware, exaggerations of texture, new colorways beyond the usual black. Vogue India noted that leather jackets with slouchy fits became a street-style staple after Saint Laurent’s show.

    • Hybrid materials: faux leather, upcycled or recycled finishes, mixed fabrics, quilted or padded panels—all of which help make biker wear more wearable for winter climates.


Is Biker Wear Trending for This Coming Winter?

Yes—and for several reasons.

  • Seasonality: Winter naturally calls for outerwear; leather and moto styles are perfect for colder weather. The protective, covetable feel of leather jackets, riding boots, and moto gear aligns well with winter styling.

  • Fashion Week Reinforcement: Key shows (Paris, Milan, etc.) have already showcased biker pieces for Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer (as lead-ins), suggesting that designers anticipate consumer appetite.

  • Street Style & Influencers: When celebrities, fashion influencers, and street style photographers start pulling biker gear into “everyday wear,” it’s usually a sign the trend will filter down. The mood is gritty, edgy, sometimes utilitarian—which appeals when weather is harsher.

  • Versatility & Layering: Biker jackets can be layered over knitwear, under heavier coats; moto boots go with jeans, skirts, dresses. Hybrid materials allow warmth without bulk. This makes biker wear more practical than just aesthetic.


Key Brands & Pieces to Watch

What They’re Doing: Saint Laurent is leading the revival of biker fashion with leather biker jackets showcased in its Spring/Summer shows. The brand has introduced drop-shoulder silhouettes, oversized fits, and bold hardware, pairing them with tailored or formal pieces to add contrast.

Pieces to Look For: Oversized moto jackets, statement hardware details, classic black leather pieces, and belted jackets with buckle accents.

What They’re Doing: At its Fall/Winter 2025 runway, Hermès presented a stunning array of leather ensembles—cropped jackets, glossy outerwear, and quilted designs that highlight the craftsmanship and richness of the material. The looks combined sophistication with a rugged, biker-inspired edge.

Pieces to Look For: Riding boots, quilted leather panels, leather gloves, and structured coats featuring fine detailing.

What They’re Doing: Courrèges is channeling strong moto energy this season with embossed logo sleeves, metallic accents, and futuristic biker silhouettes. Their collections draw from the rebellious “biker spirit,” blending minimalism with edgy street appeal.

Pieces to Look For: Statement moto coats, textured and padded leather jackets, exaggerated collars, and angular cuffs.

What They’re Doing: Ganni has become a go-to label for eco-conscious biker style. Their collections merge edginess with sustainability, featuring upcycled materials and reimagined biker boots that cater to both luxury and streetwear audiences.

Pieces to Look For: Buckle or harness-style boots, mid-shaft moto boots, and upcycled leather accents that add flair to everyday wear.

What They’re Doing: In India, Royal Enfield has been pioneering the sustainable biker wear movement with functional yet stylish riding gear. Their Streetwind Eco Riding Jacket is crafted from recycled materials while offering protective features for riders.

Pieces to Look For: Eco-friendly riding jackets, protective gloves, and durable biker accessories designed for both safety and style.

Styling Tips: For Consumers & Brands

To make the trend work without looking costume-y:

  • Balance is key: Pair a structured biker jacket with soft layers (cashmere, knitwear) or flowing dresses to offset the harshness of leather or hardware.

  • Go for mixed materials: Faux or vegan leather, leather-look synthetics, or blends that allow for better flexibility, breathability.

  • Hardware and details matter: Buckles, zippers, studs, belts—they add character. But subtlety (matte hardware, tonal shades) can make it more wearable.

  • Boots + bottoms: Riding or moto boots work well with straight jeans, skinny pants, skirts with tights. Make sure boots have functional soles & insulation for winter use.

  • Layer smart: Use liners, gloves, warm socks; biker jackets often aren’t super insulated by themselves.


Potential Challenges

  • Weather constraints: In very cold or wet climates, classic leather without insulation or waterproofing might be impractical.

  • Cost & maintenance: Real leather is expensive; faux versions or sustainable alternatives may not have the same durability or visual appeal. Maintaining leather (conditioning, dealing with salt/rain) requires effort.

  • Over-saturation or trend fatigue: If every brand throws out biker wear, consumers may move to the next novelty quickly. Designers need to keep reinterpreting—not just rehashing.


Final Lap: Where the Biker Trend Is Headed

The biker aesthetic isn’t just a passing phase—it’s evolving into a lifestyle statement. As luxury houses and streetwear brands alike continue to draw inspiration from motorcycle culture, expect to see leather jackets, moto boots, and utility pieces dominating winter wardrobes. Whether you’re going full throttle with an all-leather look or subtly nodding to the trend, biker wear is your ticket to effortless edge this season.

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Shop Western Jacket
Shop Western Jacket
Oct 25

A classic Beth Dutton Jacket often features leather and sharp cuts that reflect her tough exterior and sophisticated taste. Find jackets that capture her spirit at Western Jacket.


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