DIFFERENT WAYS TO STYLE A SHEARLING JACKET

How to style a shearling leather jacket from refined to rugged

The shearling jacket is one of the most versatile winter pieces in menswear. Equal parts functional and expressive, it moves effortlessly between elegance and ease, between sharp tailoring and laid-back comfort. The key lies in how you style it because a shearling jacket can look just as at home over a suit as it does with denim. From casual-chic to cozy winter layering, here’s how to get the most out of your shearling leather jacket.

One of the strongest and most underrated combinations is wearing a shearling jacket over a suit. If a leather jacket already works as an outer layer for tailoring, shearling simply takes it one step further. Layered over a blazer, it creates depth, contrast and warmth without sacrificing elegance. This works especially well with slightly shinier leather jackets, which keep the look refined rather than heavy. On the other end of the spectrum, rougher shearling styles introduce subtle mid-western or workwear elements, a direction that feels very much in line with the FW24 aesthetic we saw at Louis Vuitton. The result is tailored, but with attitude.

Layering is where shearling jackets truly shine, and triple-layer outfits are a perfect example. A shearling jacket adds volume and texture, so the layers underneath should feel intentional and clean. A zip-up cardigan works well, but a thin turtleneck layered under a shirt-jacket creates an even sharper base, especially when the shirt is tucked in. That small detail keeps the proportions controlled and prevents the look from drifting into bulkiness. One important thing to remember: many shearling jackets are reversible. Turning them inside out instantly changes the look, texture and overall vibe of the outfit.

For a more refined direction, the classic turtleneck combination is hard to beat. A shearling jacket worn over a tucked-in knit is probably the most elegant way to style the piece. It’s warm, comfortable and polished at the same time. Pair it with wool smart trousers and clean leather boots, and the outfit stays sharp without feeling stiff. This balance between softness and structure is exactly what makes shearling so appealing. If you want to inject a bit more personality, adding a pop of colour works beautifully. Knitwear is the safest way to do this, as it stays within the cozy, winter-appropriate feel of shearling. Warm tones like red or orange create contrast without clashing, especially against neutral jackets in brown, beige or black. The result feels intentional, not loud.

Then there’s the biker-inspired route, a classic for denim lovers. This look starts with the right jacket: cropped proportions, an off-center zipper and a bit of natural patina for that worn-in feel. Shearling biker jackets pair exceptionally well with tone-on-tone denim, but lighter jackets also work effortlessly with light blue jeans. The contrast between rugged leather, soft shearling and denim creates a timeless, masculine silhouette.

In the end, the strength of the shearling jacket lies in its adaptability. It can elevate tailoring, enrich layered winter looks or anchor a rugged denim outfit, all without changing the core piece. Style it thoughtfully, and it becomes one of the most powerful jackets in a modern menswear wardrobe.