Leather Jackets Make Bold Statements on Runways and in Film

The leather jacket is experiencing a significant resurgence in both cinema and fashion, with its presence felt on runways and in notable film narratives. In the upcoming film Pillion, set to debut in February, the character Colin, played by Harry Melling, embarks on a transformative journey through the queer BDSM motorcycle-club scene. To mark this pivotal change in his life, Colin borrows his father’s old brown biker jacket, which encapsulates a long-standing cinematic tradition of using leather jackets to symbolize rebellion and self-discovery.

Grace Snell, the film’s costume designer, notes, “Leather jackets say a lot about you.” This sentiment is echoed throughout film history, with iconic examples such as Marlon Brando’s Perfecto jacket in The Wild One and James Dean’s red bomber in Rebel Without a Cause. As Colin grapples with his identity, he is juxtaposed with the character Ray, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, who dons a striking white racing jacket. Snell describes Ray as “a white knight in shining leather,” emphasizing the jacket’s ability to convey strength and allure.

Fashion Trends and Cultural Commentary

The leather jacket’s status extends beyond film, making waves on the spring/summer 2026 runways. Designers are using this classic piece as a foundation to express their creative visions. Mia Jacobs, Senior Strategist at WGSN, explains, “For designers making their debut, the leather jacket offers a solid foundation.” This familiar canvas allows them to stay grounded while projecting innovative ideas.

At Balenciaga, designer Pierpaolo Piccioli reinterpreted the traditional leather jacket with a sculptural cape-bomber style. Meanwhile, at Loewe, designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez introduced a futuristic, collarless blazer that celebrated Spanish heritage. Other collections, such as those from Bottega Veneta and Versace, also showcased the versatility of leather through modern silhouettes and innovative designs.

According to Michelle Rhee, the new Head of Design at 3.1 Phillip Lim, leather is inherently timeless due to its durability. “Evolving such a classic piece into something that feels really new and interesting is why I love the medium,” she states. Her spring/summer 2026 collection features a cape-jacket hybrid with utilitarian pockets, highlighting both comfort and protection.

Leather Jackets in Contemporary Cinema

The cultural significance of leather jackets is further underscored in this year’s cinematic offerings. In Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, the character of The Boss, played by Jeremy Allen White, showcases a transformation that parallels his emotional journey. His leather jacket evolution reflects a shift toward a more introspective persona, contrasting starkly with the persona associated with his earlier music.

Costume designer Kasia Walicka Maimone notes that Springsteen’s iconic images have often included leather, stating, “The famous images of his ripped V-neck white T-shirt with a motorcycle jacket became so iconic.” This portrayal adds depth to the narrative, revealing layers of vulnerability and resilience.

In another film, One Battle After Another, costume designer Colleen Atwood uses the leather jacket as a symbol of strength. The character Willa, played by Chase Infiniti, wears a black moto jacket that serves as both protection and a statement of defiance after enduring a traumatic experience.

Jacobs from WGSN highlights that the resurgence of leather jackets in fashion collections reflects changing consumer preferences. “Consumers are seeking long-lasting, versatile pieces that can transition across seasons and occasions,” she explains. This trend indicates a shift toward more mindful purchasing decisions, where the leather jacket, particularly in its motorcycle style, embodies practicality while remaining trendy.

As the leather jacket continues to be a staple both on-screen and off, it signifies more than just style. It represents utility, self-expression, and a bold statement against conformity. “Leather jackets always have this air of practicality,” Maimone concludes, “but at the same time, they carry the free spirit of people who break boundaries in one way or another.”