Ultimate Allsaints Leather Jacket Buying Guide
for men and women!
*Last updated: October 25th 2023.
If you are a long time reader of my personal fashion blog, you will know that I have been a fan of Allsaints for as long as I can remember! We’re talking as far back as 2006 when they used to be quite different! Over the years, I have amassed quite a collection of leather jackets from Allsaints, and I think that number stands at around 12! I have about 5 Balfern’s, 4 Dalby’s, 2 Elva’s, and another older style! I’ve had more in the past, but I’ve sold them to make room for new, so I have quite an extensive knowledge on Allsaints leather jackets and am regularly asked questions about sizing and ordering online on my social media platforms, as well as here on my blog. I also have a lot of knowledge on the men’s jackets too. With that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to put a buying guide together and teach you everything I have learned when it comes to buying an Allsaints leather jacket! These tips will help you end up with the right size! So, lets get to it!
Choose which design you like, think versatility!
When it comes to picking out your leather jacket, whether you’re male or female, if it’s your first one, go for something versatile. It’s going to be a jacket that you reach for regularly, one that you want to wear all the time, so make sure it’s a classic! Take a look at your wardrobe and figure out what kind of design would suit your clothes that you wear often, and go with that. I recommend black for your first colour, it’s a classic and you can’t go wrong! For women I would say the Balfern, Dalby, and Elva are amazing choices for your first leather jacket! For men, I would say the Milo, Conroy, or Rigg! You also want to figure out if you like more of a cropped fit, or a longer length, so there’s a lot to choose from. A smarter looking jacket is versatile as it can be dressed up and down, where as a more casual looking jacket can only be dressed down, so make sure you know what you want to wear it with.
Order at least 2 or 3 jackets
As Allsaints leather jackets are handmade (I know, that surprised me too for the more affordable price!) they each run differently. I have tried on 4 size UK 8’s of the exact same jacket and they all fit different. Some had longer sleeves, some had a bigger body, some had bigger arms… They are very inconsistent when it comes to sizing, which is why I always recommend you order a few of them in the same size, to ensure you get the right fit. This also covers any flaws that might appear. Sometimes Allsaints leather jackets can arrive with little flaws in the leather, a rarer occasion of missing a button etc., so definitely order multiples and compare them, if you’re in a position too!
The sizing tends to run a little bigger
So when it comes to Allsaints, my women’s leather jackets are a mix of a UK 6 and UK 8 (that’s a US 2 and US 4). The Balfern runs a little larger than the Dalby and Elva, so that’s what I took the smaller size in, but compared to other brands, I find that Allsaints has a little bit of a larger fit overall. For guys, they’re pretty much true to size, but an example of a larger fitting jacket would be the Milo and Cargo (that’s discontinued), and a more accurate fit would be Rigg and Lark. For women, Balfern and Cargo run bigger, Dalby and Elva run a little smaller. There are inconsistencies within each jacket though as I mentioned, due to them being hand made, but that’s the general consensus!
Get it tight as it stretches
Now comes the information about stretching and fit. Once you have figured out your leather jacket style, you want to make sure that you get it snug. If this is your first time buying, I would recommend ordering your normal size, and a size down as well. I was told numerous times by the sales assistants in the store to make sure your leather jacket fits snug to begin with, as leather stretches out, so the more you wear it, the more it’s going to mould to your body. I’m not talking about buying it so tight that it’s uncomfortable, but you want it to fit like a second skin to begin with, and not loose, especially if it’s a thinner, more supple leather. If it’s looser to start with, it’s going to end up looking sloppy and ill fitting as the time goes on. Leather jackets need to have a form fit.
Consider a larger size for knitwear
This is something that I do, and once I have a leather jacket that I adore, I order it in a larger size to wear over knitwear. My slim fit leather jackets are too snug to be worn with knitwear underneath, but I love how that looks, so that’s why I have two sizes of the same jacket! It’s definitely worth it if you have seasonal weather and love to wear leather jackets often!
Sleeve length
Allsaints are known for having longer length sleeves, and depending on your height and arm length, this can look sloppy. Especially on the guys, so you want to make sure that the leather jacket sleeves hit at your wrists and are not falling onto your hands too much. Sleeves that go onto the hands more than 1cm or so, can look really ill fitting and it’s not a good look. This is also a main reason of ordering various jackets in the same size, to ensure you get the ultimate fit on your sleeve length. This is more of a problem for the men than the women, as I’ve noticed the sleeves seem be longer in the menswear more than it is in the womenswear.
Click here for Allsaints UK | Click here for Allsaints US
The best Allsaints Leather Jackets for Women
Allsaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket
This is probably the first jacket I would recommend to you! If you love the biker look, and you like belts at the bottom of the jacket, Balfern is the ultimate! Make sure you get it in a snug fit as it looks best worn that way. The arms can be looser on a bigger size and I don’t think that looks as good. The black fits the tightest, which I love! The other colours tend to have a more boxy and larger fit. This is my favourite jacket, ever!
Allsaints Dalby Leather Jacket
This is more of a classic! It only has two zip pockets on the sides and the details are plain, so if you are looking for a leather jacket that you can dress up and down in this buying guide, the Dalby is one I would recommend to you! You can see it on me here.
Allsaints Cargo Leather Jacket
Now if you have a more casual style, the Cargo is the one for you. It does run bigger, so make sure you order a smaller size too, but the quilting is very moto inspired, so it’s not really a jacket that you could dress up if you know what I mean. It’s a fantastic everyday option though! My mum loves it as I bought it for her for Christmas a couple of years ago and the leather is super soft!
Allsaints Billie Oversized Leather Jacket
And lastly, I recommend the Billie to you! The Billie Biker is a favourite when it comes to easy styling as it’s oversized. It’s crafted from smooth leather that’s been heavily washed and tumbled for a high-low effect. Finished with the brand’s classic metal studs and belted hem – it’s a great top layer that’s reminiscent of vintage aesthetics. This is perfect to wear over my knitwear and it’s incredible! I definitely recommend it as a colder weather option, so take a size up for that!
Allsaints Elora Cropped Leather Biker Jacket
The Elora is such a cute leather jacket! It’s shaped to a super cropped, slim cuffed and shrunken silhouette, making it ideal for the warmer weather and absolutely perfect for styling over dresses and high-waisted trousers or jeans. Crafted from smooth leather, with minimal details for a clean finish. I love this one!
The best Allsaints Leather Jackets for Men
Allsaints Wick Leather Biker Jacket
This is one of my favourites from Allsaints! My best friend owns this one and the fit is fantastic! It’s slim and extremely flattering, while looking incredibly cool with the belt around the bottom. This looks just as good zipped up as it does left undone. The Wick is a really amazing option for you and it’s comfortable with a nice quality leather. It’s versatile to dress up or down.
Now if you’re looking for more of a classic leather jacket fit, the Milo is a great style to pick! It looks classy and you can dress it up with trousers really nicely. It also suits more casual looks with skinny jeans and boots though, so Milo is an extremely versatile jacket that suits everyone! It works over knitwear too if you want to get a bigger size.
Allsaints Conroy Leather Jacket
You might already know the Conroy as it’s been around for years, and is very similar to the discontinued men’s Cargo, but it’s an amazing casual jacket! The quilting and the easy everyday style that it has makes it one of those jackets that you just reach for whenever you’re going out the door. It doesn’t dress up too well though, so keep in mind that you can’t wear this as a smarter jacket, but if you have more of a relaxed personal style anyway, it will be perfect.
If lots of zips, belts, or quilting isn’t really your scene, I recommend the Luck to you! This is a minimal, classic, smart leather jacket design that you can easily dress up! But it works in casual outfits too. It’s not too bold or in your face, and it fits nice and slim so it looks flattering on the male body.
Allsaints Harwood Leather Jacket
The Harwood is a different kind of leather jacket to the normal. Expertly crafted from soft premium leather, with biker-inspired metal hardware, but with a touch of uniqueness! Harwood has a detachable sweatshirt hood – mixing a streetwear twist into a cool leather biker. This jacket is extremely versatile, making it a one-of-a-kind leather that will take you from work to weekend with ease thanks to its endless styling possibilities and detachable hood! I definitely recommend it!
A final note
So these are my tips in my ultimate leather jacket buying guide! Filled with information on what you need to know before buying an Allsaints leather jacket! To round things up, here are the points we covered:
- Choosing the right design for versatility
- Ordering 2 to 3 of the same jacket
- How the sizing runs
- Get a tighter fit to begin with
- Sizing up for knitwear
- Sleeve length
And I’ve also included some links below for you on different reviews I have done in the past of different leather jackets. If you could use my affiliate links in this blog post when you order online, it would be much appreciated! And if you need anymore help, please do leave a comment below! Lorna xx.
Allsaints Balfern Leather Jacket Review
Allsaints Elva Leather Jacket Review
Allsaints Dalby Leather Jacket Review
Click here for Allsaints UK | Click here for Allsaints US
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All Saints do great leather jackets, and I like that they run slightly big. I am tall and I find that most leather jackets are short in the arms and super cropped on me, whereas ones from All Saints tend to fit better 🙂 xo
Author
Yeah! That’s absolutely true as they have longer sleeves! I’m glad they work well for you 🙂
Thanks sharing these tips
http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home
Author
You’re welcome!
I love All Saints! These are great tips and I love all of these styles. Thanks for sharing Lorna!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Author
You’re very welcome, Kathrine!
They make such great jackets and you always wear them so well! I wish I had a bigger collection of leather jackets but they are really a winter only piece here and it’s much too warm to have many of them 🙁 I love the 3 I have though – one is a size larger for wearing knits on super cold days like you recommend 🙂
Hope you are having a great weekend 🙂 We went out and did more Christmas shopping yesterday which was fun 🙂
Author
I actually want to downsize my own collection, I have way too many, ha ha! I feel like it’s too much! 3 seems more suitable!
Really glad you liked the post, Mica!
I had no idea that AllSaints leather jackets were handmade! I came across one at a vintage shop once and still kick myself in the butt for not buying it that day! Thanks for the helpful tips, I may have to gift one to myself this Christmas 🙂
Cheers,
xo, Annie
https://theanniepursuit.com/
Author
Oh you should! Yeah, they’re hand made! They’re 30% off right now until December 1st, so no better time, ha ha 🙂
wow, you have quite a collection of Allsaints jackets. You look great in that one…and thank you for sharing all of these options as well.
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
Author
Glad you liked the post!
Very thoughtful of you to share these wonderful tips!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Author
Glad you like it!
This is such a gorgeous leather jacket on you! I’ve always associated All Saints with high quality leather outerwear. You look fabulous!
aglassofice.com x
Author
They definitely do have great leather jackets!
This is a really great guide. Especially since it is so difficult to get a really great leather jacket. This brand is so chic and I just love the different style elements 🙂 http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2020/11/street-seeker-5-ways-metallic-gold.html
Author
Glad you liked it 🙂
Hi~ I’m looking to buy a Dalby leather jacket, and I’m not sure if UK10 will be too tight through my shoulders. It looks like you wear a UK8 for Dalby, so I was wondering what your measurement is from shoulder to shoulder? On the site, it says the shoulder measurement for the UK10 jacket is 38.5cm, and I’m pretty much 38.5cm exactly, so I’m worried that I won’t have much room to move around. My bust/waist measurements should fit UK10 fine, just worried about the shoulders. Thanks!!
Author
Hi Sarah! I don’t actually know what my shoulder measurements are, but I don’t know how accurate the size chart on Allsaints would be as the jackets all run different. I would recommend ordering two 10 and two 12, just in case! Are you able to do that? My Dalby is very snug as I like my jackets to fit snug!
Wow, dear Lorna, you have really many jackets of this brand! Thanks for sharing all the helpful tips!
xx Rena
Author
Glad it helped!
Thanks For Sharing
Author
You’re welcome!
Hi, I was wondering if you could please share which style is the most cropped?
Author
Hi! Out of the jackets that I listed, the Balfern is the most cropped, followed by the Dalby. I do believe I saw a more cropped jacket on their website in the new in section though. It’s called Elora, but it doesn’t come in black https://rstyle.me/+1CRl2rp6kqbC46RC0tCQBA
Hi do you know how the Estella fits? I’m in between sizes at the moment and really don’t know which size to order?
Author
Hi! I haven’t tried that one! I would recommend ordering both sizes if you can!
I bought a MILO men’s jacket in size C. Are these models small or large or clear in size? I would be glad for your answer. Thank you.
Author
Hi! Sorry, I’m not sure what you mean by size C? There are no size C, only XS, S, M, L, XL etc.
I just order my first all saints leather jacket and it’s tight on my arms I order side 2 the Estella style. Should I keep I want to wear spring fall not with sweater. But with tank tops and dresses. Should I keep it bc it will get little bigger or send back get next time up? Thanks
Author
Hi! Is it comfortable? Are the sleeves restricting your movements and it’s not comfy to wear? Because I find if that is the case, you will be less likely to wear it to stretch it out. I, myself, have found myself going for a little larger size now for comfort purposes.
Hello! This is perfectly timed! I want to buy a Riggs – but I’m a lady- size 14- is that a L or XL?
Author
Hi, I’m not sure what size that would be in men’s. I’ve tried XS in men’s Allsaints jackets before and they’re too big, and I’m mostly a true size UK 8, so maybe a M or L would work? It depends how you’d like it to fit. The men’s are cut with much broader shoulders so they don’t look as sleek.
Hi
I have a lovely cargo in 8 which doesnt do up over a big jumper. I want a winter use jacket and like the conray. I have ordered in a 12 which does do up but Im worried it is a bit flappy? Is it usual to order a bigger size for layers underneath or is this the wrong way about it? Any tips please
Author
Hi Jo! That’s normal, I do it all the time, I buy a size up to layer things underneath. You have to, otherwise you can’t layer if you have a slim fit jacket. Hope this helps!
Just want to say thank you, this was incredibly helpful and well put together. I was debating on buying an All Saints mens Milo and was unsure if a few things. You cleared up, everything, so again, thank you.
Author
You are so welcome, Brian! Let me know how it goes! I’d love to see how it works out!
Hey, thank you for this great information. I have become obsessed with the All Saints jackets myself and own 3 even though I live in the hot humid area of central Florida. Question I would really like support with (and a little personal), how does one wear the jacket with sleeveless little dresses and tops without getting the underarms yucky? Of course I wear deodorant, but that can cause stains as well. Not like you can drop a leather jacket off at the cleaners every time you wear it. Would love to know if you have a solution. Until then, I only will only wear it with tops with sleeves. Thanks, Kamala
Author
Hey! Unfortunately there is no way around it. I haven’t found a way. There is a deodorant called ‘Secret – Out Last’ as it leaves next to no residue at all and it’s unscented. I’ll link it below, but also, I get around it by having one specific jacket for those kind of outfits. So then you know what will happen to the armpits of that jacket, but it’s not one you have to wear with anything else other than sleeveless. I know it’s extra money, but it’s a good way around it!
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Antiperspirant-Deodorant-Unscented-Packaging/dp/B007CZE4R6
Hi Lorna, thanks so much for this. I JUST got into the All Saints leather jackets and I have questions. I bought the Balfern in Deep Berry and iBlack and the belt buckle on the Berry is beautiful and branded with All Saints on it but on the black it’s just plain and not even shiny silver? No branding and it looks cheap. I bought multiples of both colors in both sizes 2 and 4 and they all have the plain belt buckle on the black and the pretty branded one on the berry. Do you know why this is? Also I purchased a Caden in both 2 and 4 and I’m trying to see if the smaller will be better on the Caden because it’s a little like the Dalby and I choose 4 in Balfern but I’m thinking 2 in Caden. Btw, do the black jackets stretch more than the berry and other colors because the berry Balfern seemed pretty tight in the 2 but when the black ones arrived they already looked WAY “floppier” than the berry, even though they are brand new and I thought I wonder if these are going to stretch a LOT more?? I already choose 4 and returned the others. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated I absolutely love the beautiful belt buckle on the berry jacket so I’m very disappointed about the one that comes on the black ones 🙁
Author
Hi Michele 🙂 Which is the berry Balfern? They have come out with so many different burgundy berry shades over the years! The branding on it will just be what they decided to do at the time. The black is a classic piece so they keep it minimal and sleek, at all times, and in every season. The other colours like berry are seasonal jackets which sell out after one season and they often design them a little differently. The black lamb leather on Balfern is very thin and supple – it’s a gorgeous and comfortable leather, so it is softer than the seasonal colours 🙂 I have found that it can stretch quite a bit because it’s so soft. If it still has tags on, you can probably still exchange it if needs be! I haven’t tried Caden as I think it’s new! It’s super cool though. Just go with the size you feel best in and what fits you. All of their leathers vary and I have size UK 6, 8 and 10 in them! I hope this helps? But show me the berry Balfern! I want it! Ha ha.
Thank you so much for your response and for the help. I emailed AS directly and I’m waiting for them to let me know because the jackets are identical…it’s literally just the belt buckle that says All Saints on it and it looks really cool… the Buckle is very shiny and on the black it’s very dull and says nothing, so I thought if I buy directly from them and there’s a difference, I will do that. Otherwise, I am keeping the two that I got from Nordstrom because they were steeply discounted. I paid $256 for the Deep Berry and $376 for the black… here in the states they go for $549 and $569! I would post you a picture of the berry color, but there’s no attachment option here. It is just the basic brownish burgundy that you always see in leather jackets when they call it Oxblood… it is my very favorite color in leather jackets, after the black of course. Anyway, thank you so much again for all of your help! Have a wonderful holiday season!!
Author
You can send me an email of the jacket to: [email protected] and I will let you know how to exchange the size too!
All Saints got back to me today and said that the black model doesn’t come with the engraved/ branded belt buckle. Thank you so much for the help, though. I totally appreciate it.
I’m keeping all 3 jackets in size UK8, US4
Author
Hi Michele,
Yeah that’s what I said, it doesn’t come with it. It’s just sometimes the seasonal ones that do! I thought you meant you wanted to exchange sizes!
We should not order large quantities of leather jackets before trying them on. We should buy a minimum quantity for the first time.
Author
Incorrect. You should order multiples because they all fit differently. Return the ones that don’t fit.
I could not agree more here. I ended up having to buy multiples of different styles and ended up keeping different sizes of each style. I ended up with two Balferns, 1 Dalby, and 1 Neko. In the end I realized the tighterr fit on some styles is better and the looser was better in others, just as you said. More over, they’re all different fits even in the same style and sizes due to being hand sown, so Thanks again, Lorna!
Author
You totally get it!! Isn’t it crazy? Lol.
Excellent advice Lorna!! I’ve had the Lark for some time and love it, which inspired me to get the Milo in brown last year and I’ve just had the Milo in black delivered today. Fantastic fit !! Keep up the fantastic reviews. I’ve just followed you on Insta!!
Author
Oh thank you, Lee! I’m glad you like my advice here 🙂 The Milo is a great jacket. Do you find the new ones run huge though? I swear they changed the sizing!
I tried it briefly before I went to work with just a tee shirt on and then a sweat shirt and if I’m honest it was a great fit with both. Not too loose with the tee shirt and a great fit, not too tight with a sweater, so I’m happy lol, my brown one is a little tighter, so like you say, they are an individual cut and this one is ever so slightly bigger. Very happy with my purchase though…. I’m catching you up as I have 3 so far 😄
Author
Well that’s really good news 😀
Hello, thank you so much for the extremely informative post. I was wondering if you may know whether there is a difference between the Lark vs Luck men’s leather jacket? Both styles look extremely similar to me.
Author
Hi, the Luck is basically the Lark, it’s just a new name and a slightly different fit. I think the Luck runs a lot bigger than Lark did.