An asymmetrical “lacer front” with a zipper from waist to neck and a long fabric pull. Two widely notched and snap-studded revers with a spread collar. Four exterior pockets, one slanted, one set-in for coins. A half-belt fastened around the front of the waist through wide loops. A large single-prong steel buckle with mitered corners.
Perhaps Marlon Brando wouldn’t have chosen the leather jacket he wore in The Wild One had he known the legacy his outerwear would have in retro fashion circles. He just wanted to look like a rebel. Concerns about style and fashion are best left to those who care about such things … but apparently, a lot of people do.
With his cuffed-rolled Levi jeans, white T-shirt, Engineer boots and tilted Muir cap—and his leather jacket—Brando vaulted the look into the mainstream in the 1953 outlaw movie. His ensemble solidified the style, the attitude, the coolness of leather jackets even when the weather isn’t so cool.
Brando’s choice, a customized Schott Perfecto 618 One Star, wasn’t a new offering at the time; the brand had been around for 25 years. But it has remained a prominent influence on outerwear for decades.
Here are five styles to channel the iconic actor, rock star Joan Jett or Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick.
Coach Leather Trainer (pictured above)
One stylish, classic hoodie. Soft 100% lamb’s leather with a zip closure and slip pockets. It’s stylized with an elasticized cuff and hem to keep out the chill.
The jacket’s sportiness is emphasized by its protective hood and a split kangaroo pocket. Its lining is 100% polyester. It’s available at the Coach outlet in Naples.
coach.com
$1,250
Cole Haan Wing Collar
Sleek and smooth, the moto jacket has a zippered front and slit waist pockets. The exterior is lambskin, the interior is lined with polyester.
The stylish fit has body darts and on-seam body pockets. The genuine lambskin jacket features zippered front detail, including a winged collar. It’s available at Macy’s in Fort Myers.
colehaan.com
$450
DKNY Petite Asymmetrical
Belted Leather Jacket
With a nod to the attire of international spies as portrayed in the movies, the petite leather jacket made for women 5’4” and shorter has an asymmetrical front zipper and a self-tie belt.
It’s further detailed with a notched collar with snaps, a front asymmetrical zipper closure, a zippered chest, two hip-love snap pockets and an inner welt pocket. It’s lined with polyester and the belt is removable for non-spy wear. It’s available at Macy’s in Fort Myers.
dkny.com
$349
Rag & Bone Mack Leather Jacket
It’s different but it’s the same—a timeless, asymmetrical women’s motorcycle jacket with a stylish “wild one” theme. It has a zip closure, notched lapel and waist zip pockets, and it’s fully lined.
Marcus Wainwright, who founded the brand 20 years ago, is known for combining his British heritage with a downtown New York aesthetic in his apparel lines. It’s edgy and laid-back, and ideal for fashion or practicality. It’s a leather jacket for on or off duty. It’s available at Saks Fifth Avenue in Naples.
rag-bone.com
$995
Ralph Lauren RRL
Leather Jacket
Designed for a vintage look, the brown-over-black jacket is made from full-grain cowhide. The interior is yarn-dyed checkered twill lining, complemented by custom brass hardware. The sleeve lining is 51% cupro, 49% cotton.
It has a point collar and a full-zip front with a leather zipper pull. The cuffs feature Corozo buttons. There’s a left welt pocket, two hand-warmer pockets and an interior left waist pocket. Adjustable buckle tabs are located on the back waist. It’s available at Ralph Lauren in Naples.
ralphlauren.com
$1,900
