When Filipino actress and streetstyle tastemaker Heart Evangelista was photographed in a cropped motorcycle jacket recently, my petite spidey senses were on high alert. That’s because the 5’2” actress is one of my fashion avatars, and when she rocks some trend, I take notes on how to make it work for me at 5’3”. She wore her leather with an oversized white shirt, cropped trousers and heels. (Turns out that leather jackets over petite summer dresses is another classic outfit pairing.)
The Best Leather Jackets for Petites, Vetted by Women Under 5’4”
Proportion is key
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Published Jan 22, 2025
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Wondering how else my fellow short-stature women are rocking this look, I polled editors to curate a list of the best leather jackets for petites, including what 5”1’ Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint wears with the petite pants that get her compliments. Keep reading for a surprisingly varied and versatile set of style that promise to elevate any outfit. Below, the ten best leather jackets for petites, for your shopping pleasure.
Best Leather Jackets for Petites
1
Best Oversize Option
Free People Easy Rider Faux Leather Shacket
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2
Best Motorcycle Style
Lucky Brand Leather Moto Jacket
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3
Best Blazer style
Levi's Single-Breasted Faux-Leather Blazer
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4
Best Suede
Petite Studio Laura Suede Jacket
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5
Best Bomber Jacket
Quince Washed Leather Bomber Jacket
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Revolve
- Material: viscose polyurethane
- Length: covers your rear
- Sizes: XS to XL
I’m loving the shirttails look of this desert topaz-hued shirt jacket that has a curved hem and breast slit pocket. In a relatively thin synthetic fabric, this isn’t going to be so warm that I can’t wear it over a spaghetti strap sundress in spring and fall.
Lucky Brand
- Material: all leather
- Length: cropped
- Sizes: XS to L
“I have this jacket, and while it is not a petite size, I find that, because it is cropped, it fits me quite well,” Quint tells me. “The sleeves are a little long, but because they have zippers, you can zip them up so they're not covering your entire hand.” She pairs her jacket with everything from jeans to maxi dresses; the look works because the leather is super-soft and the zipper and snaps are subtle.
Macy's
- Material: shell: polyurethane; lining: polyester
- Length: covers rear end
- Sizes: XS to XL
I’m stanning the affordability of this classic blazer, especially in the newsy sage colorway. The narrow lapels and V-neckline will not overwhelm my small frame, and it will lighten up my black-on-black winter wardrobe.
- Material: body-polyurethane, polyester; lining-polyester, viscose
- Length: 22 inches
- Sizes: XXS to L
“I always go for the classic black leather jacket, but I've been eyeing this suede jacket for the season,” says PureWow Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario. “It has a relaxed fit, which will go well with a turtleneck and some jeans. I also love that it's cropped so it'll lay right by the waist—plus, a detachable faux fur collar to make it trendy two-in-one outerwear.”
- Material: top grain sheep leather, fully lined with poly satin
- Length: hits at waist
- Sizes: XS to XL
I’m sold on the great price point of this minimalist zip-front bomber, but that’s Quince’s trademark so I shouldn’t be surprised. The sizing runs a bit small on this body, so it’s sure not to hang too low for a proper cropped fit, and the classic details (ribbed sleeve ends, hidden snaps the side hand pockets) mean that this real leather piece will not only last a lifetime but stay in style that long, too.
- Material: polyurethane-coated polyester
- Length: petite is 24.75 inches
- Sizes: XXS to XL in petite, regular and plus
I’m finding the deep brown hue of this faux-leather jacket to be a standout in the crowd of black jackets, and the oversize shape to be so sexy. Drape this over everything from jeans to a slip dress and it looks like you borrowed a very hot date’s jacket.
- Material: polyurethane-coated polyester, cotton
- Length: 20.75 inches
- Sizes: XXS to XL, petite, standard and plus
The black-on-black zippers and buttons of this traditionally styled moto jacket, as well as the super-cropped style, make this a winning look. Plus, the machine wash laundry instructions mean it’s easy and inexpensive to keep fresh.
- Material: coating polyurethane; faux fur: polyester; faux leather: polyester
- Length: 21.5 inches
- Sizes: XXL to XL
The fuzzy faux fur sherpa collar is just the beginning—the whole jacket is lined with the fluffy warmth. Additionally, the shape of the jacket is super-flattering, since the soft, wide shoulders taper to a cute cropped and nipped-in waist.
- Material: filling: recycled polyester fibers; lining: polyester; shell: polyester, elastane
- Length: 21.5 inches
- Sizes: XXS to XL
A little bit baller ski bum and a lot of minimalist chic, this faux leather puffer is so cute. I love the idea of wearing it with some high-waist black pants and a turtleneck to jazz up the workaday ‘fit—and at 23.5 inches long, it’s going to look cover most petites down to the hip.
Nordstrom
- Material: 100 percent polyester
- Length: hip-length when belted
- Sizes: 4 to 14, petite and regular
This is the tailored jacket of my dreams, with the signature chest flaps and waist belt of a camel-colored short trench coat, but in rich-looking lined faux leather. I love how well-constructed this jacket is, including belted cuffs to cinch out the cold and a removable tie belt that can be taken off or tied in back if you want to leave your jacket open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 50-Year-Old Wear a Leather Jacket?
Leather jackets are ageless, with new styles and silhouettes that are suitable for all ages and body types. While a super-cropped or overly embellished motorcycle style may not be to the taste of a more subdued fashion sense, there are sophisticated options like the Anne Klein Faux Leather Trench. Of course, 50-year-olds can wear whatever they like—including every coat on our list.
How Short Is Too Short for a Leather Jacket?
Generally, a leather jacket should hit at your waist or below in order to look proportional, as well as to do its job of keeping you warm. While long-waisted petites can wear longer styles, a high-waisted petite will want to consider a cropped style, including many that come in at 23 inches or less in length.
Can You Wear a Leather Jacket with Shorts?
While a leather jacket won’t work with very casual styles (so nix the jogging shorts) or especially lightweight fabrics (white linen and a black leather jacket, for example), there are plenty of elevated styles like well-fitted trouser shorts that look great with leather jackets. Just make sure the leather jacket is a lightweight, ideally unlined design that has some movement to suggest you’re not overloaded with winter vibes up top.
How Should a Leather Jacket Fit?
Petites especially need to be obsessed with the fit of a leather jacket, since their shorter or more compact frames can easily get lost in all that fabric. The jacket shoulders need to fall perfectly just outside the wearer’s actual shoulders, leaving a finger or two width room to spare for movement and to layer underneath. The length of the arms, too, is key—they need to hit no longer than mid-hand when the arm is resting downward, especially since leather is especially pricey to alter. And finally, the hem of the jacket can’t be too loose, nor any gathers too snug, since the jacket has to keep cold air out while still allowing ease of movement. All these considerations are why a cropped and/or petite-sized leather jacket can be especially perfect for short women.
