Best women's leather jackets

Start with the Thursday Boot Company Racer Jacket. It's the one I'd buy: 100% leather, a clean zip-front cut that works over a tee or a dress, and the strongest owner ratings of anything here. The Edition Jacket from the same maker is the same idea in a softer, more tailored shape — and it's the pick if you need a long or short length, since it comes in all three.

Who the others suit:

• Wilsons Addison — a denim-jacket silhouette in leather; the most casual, everyday option, and the most-reviewed.
• Wilsons Caitlin Scuba — a neater, more polished jacket for work and dinners.
• Wilsons Madeline Quilted Moto — the classic asymmetric biker look with quilting.
• Milwaukee Galactica — a real riding jacket with vents and a removable hoodie; choose it only if you actually ride.
• Jamin Stud & Fringe — a statement piece, not a wardrobe basic.

Fit is the thing to get right: leather jackets run snug, so check each brand's size chart before ordering.