If you want to add some much needed "edge" to your persona, a leather jacket should do the job. It is one of those articles of clothing that straddles the fine line between rugged and stylish. Countless movie stars have worn it to perfection in iconic roles, from James Dean to Frank Sinatra, Harrison Ford, Hugh Jackman and Keanu Reeves, just to name a few. But finding a cheap leather jacket for men is no easy task.

Leather jackets are one of the few fashion elements that transcend multiple styles. Many of us tend to change up our look over time. The leather jacket will integrate itself into your updated fashion palette with ease. The versatility alone is worth the price of a leather jacket. It can be worn with jeans, dress slacks, dresses, and skirts. Let's face it, wearing a leather jacket gives you status points. If you’re wearing a leather jacket, you’re part of the cool crowd. But leather jackets can be expensive, it certainly is an investment. Where to find cheap leather jackets? Where to buy leather jackets online? Are leather jackets for cheap really worth it? We're going to answer all these questions and more in this article!

Here is the deal with leather jackets: good quality leather can cost a bomb. Think north of $500 or even $1000. Real leather is expensive, and not for nothing either. A high-quality leather jacket is like fine wine, in that it gets better with age. It's all about patina, and if you want, you can learn more about that here.

You don't need to become an expert on leather, but if you can identify a good quality natural leather article from the fake stuff, it is an advantage. Check out this article on D'Marge for a very helpful guide on leather jackets.

There are several avenues you can explore in your quest to find cheap black leather jackets. They range from brand new at stores, to thrift stores, used and vintage listings online.

It's settled, you definitely want a leather jacket. And not some old, worn, outdated, hand-me-down leather jacket from Mom or Dad. You certainly don't want your brother’s Michael Jackson “Beat It” jacket. Sorry Michael, but that’s not fashion forward anymore. Most popular leather jacket types have changed over the years. And your sister has an imitation leather jacket in a light shade of mint, which doesn't fit your style at all. You want a real leather jacket, but you don't have a lot of money to spend.

Prices at the mall tell you that brand-name leather jackets typically cost slightly less than genuine mink fur coats. You think you'll have to shell out a hefty mortgage payment to get that little black leather jacket. You also think you'll have to buy the most expensive jacket out there because that way you know it's real leather. Of course, there are some lifehacks for how to find cheap leather jackets (for men).

Then there’s the issue of what brand to buy. Should you go with All Saints, a signature brand that many celebrities wear? Or perhaps Versace, Timberland or Gucci, worn by some of your favorite hip-hop artists. You have a black Coach purse, so it would be sweet to have a matching Coach leather jacket, right?

Unfortunately, many of us are so conditioned to buying the latest and greatest from a designer brand. We even know we're paying more for the name rather than the actual garment. But ask yourself, "Do I really need a Timberland leather jacket?" You acknowledge that you don’t need a Timberland, you just want one to go with your Timberland boots.

But if there was a place where you could get the same jacket, without the Timberland logo and for 40 percent less, would you buy that instead? Society today has trained us to believe that buying brand-name items is a requirement. You’re a fashion disaster if you don’t buy designer products.

The reality is that you pay more for brand-name items because of marketing and retail markups. However, the evolution of the “green lifestyle” is slowly but surely making an impact on how folks choose to spend money. We now demand more bang for our buck. The current trend is to search for more affordable items that are comparable to designer brand items. And leather jackets are no exception. The great news is that you don't have to spend a small fortune on a real leather jacket. You just have to know where and how to look.

This is the most straightforward option, but also the most expensive. How much is too much for you, regarding asking price? This will determine your luck in finding the right jacket for you. The best US brands will cost you dearly, as this shortlist on Men's Fitness so clearly illustrates. But you can still find less than stellar quality stuff, in real leather, for under $500 and even under $300 at most stores and outlets like GAP and Zara.

But if budget leather jackets for even lower than that, you might want to look at the next best option, which is again filed under the "easy and straightforward" category.

For those of you who can't or don't want to drop hundreds of dollars into real leather jackets, faux leather is the affordable alternative. Many people don't even get the difference between the two. These can be had for as low as $50 or less brand new. Just don't expect them to last as long as the real thing, or develop that awesome looking patina. On the plus side though, you do get to flaunt your vegan credentials!

Again, quality and price can make a difference here as well. For dirt cheap prices, you will get Made in China jackets that have been cobbled together using glue. Steer well clear of these, as they will fall apart in no time. When buying leather, what you need is stuff that has been sewed or stitched together. Those will last the longest and are easy to repair as well. Cosmo has some really helpful advice about buying all things faux leather.

Not satisfied with the fake stuff? If real animal hide at rock bottom prices is still what your heart yearns for, get ready to do some digging your local thrift stores.

Alright, this one calls for a warning from the outset: there is no guarantee that you will find what you are looking for, like ever. Finding a cheap biker jacket is probably easier than trying to find other styles, but still. You could make the find of your lifetime with a killer aviator jacket from WW II, or you could just as easily end up sifting through cheap faux leather jackets bought from the above-mentioned stores. It is all about luck, and persistence, and lots and lots of patience.

Don't let those words discourage you from looking at your local thrift stores. But if you need a leather jacket on the double, our advice would be to buy a cheap one new and keep digging at thrift shops. But if you want to save some extra dollars by buying from thrift stores, here are some bits of wisdom, courtsey of Thriftanista In The City.

Avoid anything with bits of fur: Avoid suede: Focus on the stitching: Don't worry about the linings:

• Avoid anything with bits of fur: this is about real fur, not the faux variety. Real fur will take a lot of maintenance and cleaning, and is probably not worth the effort when you are buying from a thrift store. Jackets with faux fur linings are more manageable and worth a punt if you like the style/fit.
• Avoid suede: The material is fragile and requires a lot of maintenance. Plus, it is quite hard to find one in acceptable condition second hand.
• Focus on the stitching: Jackets with tight stitches are highly desirable. As we already mentioned, if it is glued together, give it a miss.
• Don't worry about the linings: In leather jackets, these are often the first casualty with the passage of time. And they can always be quickly patched up if things are terrible. Otherwise, no one will notice them anyway, as they are hidden away inside.

This is more of an extension of the thrift store shopping. But while you can be guaranteed lower prices at a thrift store, a vintage store is more of a mixed bag. Leather items thankfully have longevity on their side. So you can expect to find perfectly wearable jackets at a vintage store. But expect their prices to be anywhere from rock bottom to sky high. The reason is best explained in this article here. Long story short, its got to do with warehousing and bidding policies.

For the best results while vintage shopping, do your homework on the best brands from bygone eras. And inspect the jacket well, look for holes, wear and tear, the works. Try it on for size. And if you can get pally with the proprietor of the store, it could help throw some good deals your way. Its a nice way to find cool cheap leather jackets and spend your day off!

This is such an obvious move; we probably don't even need to put it here on this list. But for completion's sake, we feel that this should be mentioned here. You can find two kinds of leather jackets from sellers online. In the brand new category, expect to find some good deals, especially on real leather stuff.

But more interesting is the vintage leather jacket query. That one throws up a mix of really expensive and affordable options. Some of them even date back to several decades ago if not more. But you know the drill with buying stuff online: What you see is what you get. Just make sure that the seller has a dependable refund or returns policy to avoid getting burned.

You opt to join the crusade of cost-conscience consumers who like to save a buck or two. You’re looking for nice cheap leather jackets and a friend suggests you go with imitation leather. After all, it’s cheaper than real leather. While this is true, you need to weigh the pros and cons of both materials. Real leather is made from tanned animal hide and has a unique texture to it. It’s relatively durable if it is well maintained and takes on a rich patina as it ages.

And nothing can imitate that distinctive smell of real leather. On the other hand, faux leather is constructed of man-made materials. It stretches far more than real leather and takes on a scabby or flaky appearance with use. It smells like plastic and burns like plastic too. Finally, faux leather does not last as long as real leather.

In the long run, you want to purchase something that will last. You don’t want to replace it every two years. You want a leather jacket that will carry you through at least a half-dozen fashion phases. Why wear plastic when you can wear authentic. And the best part is that you can have authentic for a fraction of the cost.

Quality starts with the best raw materials. You don't want to sacrifice quality just to say you have a leather jacket. You want a jacket that's going to outlast most of your clothes! So be diligent when choosing your next leather jacket. Before you start looking, learn how to buy a quality leather jacket.

But what exactly do you look for? Well, start by finding reputable companies that specialize in real leather products. Make sure the merchant uses top grain leather, which is the second highest quality grade of real leather you can get. Top grain will give you a more consistent look without the high price tag.

You also need to consider the style of your new leather jacket. You want something that can go the distance. A simple jacket with pockets, minimal zippers, and clean lines is a classic choice for any style. Basic black or brown is a much more timeless color choice than wild, vivid colors that keep popping up on the fashion trend radar. Color jackets such as green, yellow, pink and red inevitably find their way to the clearance rack due to the realization that neon green does not go with everything.

For the cost-savvy shopper, opt for the traditional slim-fitting casual jacket, the iconic biker jacket or the classic bomber jacket. These styles work well with almost any outfit. Stay away from overly adorned jackets, unless that is part of your personal style. And definitely stay away from vivid colors that can only be worn with certain outfits.

If you want something more tailored to your style, look for online merchants who specialize in customizing the perfect little leather jacket to fit your tastes. Unless you're a celebrity, designers don't provide custom options for the common customer. So if you want to find cheap white leather jacket, chances are, you'll have to turn to custom made.

That Andrew Marc jacket in a size 12 could be two sizes smaller than your actual size 12. A custom designed jacket makes you look sleek and well put together.

You may think that a custom tailored jacket equals more money, but that is not necessarily the case. At Independence Brothers, you can order a custom fitted leather jacket for under $300. The process is painless and the result is something that you designed for you. How fun is it when someone asks you, "who are you wearing?" and you answer, "me!"

Finding cheap leather jackets online can prove to be a difficult task, so here's a list of ten worthy jackets under $500 that you should consider adding to your wardrobe.

Independence Brothers Minimalist Bomber

Made of 100% Grade A lambskin leather, this minimalist bomber fit leather jacket is sure to mold into any style that it is added to. This sleek fit jacket can be customized through the Independence Brothers, assuring that you receive a high quality piece that fits your tastes perfectly. Customization includes color, zipper metal, interior lining and even leather type. The interior and exterior pockets offer plenty of practical space for your belongings while serving their decorative purposes with a trademark patch design.

Selected Homme Leather Biker Jacket

This midweight leather jacket features a characteristic button collar that could easily sit below a biker's helmet. Even if you're not the biking type, this jacket would pair perfectly with any casual look, whether sits over a comfortable Henley or a basic white tee and a pair of distressed jeans. Regardless of the outfit, this leather jacket will elevate the look to a new level of rugged sophistication.

Massimo Dutti Nappa Jacket with Seam Detail

This slim fit jacket flatters most body types and pairs well with relaxed fit pants. The jacket is supple due to its construction from genuine sheepskin leather, offering protection from wind and chills. This jacket features unique zippers across the cuffs, as well as tabs to adjust the fit so that it's perfect for your wrists. Several interior pockets are also included to keep your belongings safe.

Alpha Industries Men's MA-1 Leather Flight Bomber Jacket

With a 100% genuine leather exterior and 100% polyester interior, this bomber is as close to the authentic war flight jackets as you can get. A cigarette pocket is featured on the left sleeve, much like the original 1940s style. Alpha Industries actually has a history with the US government's armed forces and they have made their NASA approved designs, an ode to the original MA-1, available to you for purchase. Now is your chance to rock this iconic WWII look in the present!

Vanquish Lamb Nappa Leather Jacket

This Japanese brand incorporates an unconventional yet modern flair into this minimalist design with its silver toned hardware. The jacket features woven logo tags and silver zippers along the cuffs. In addition to this, a button cuff collar also has the logo embellished around it. A sporty double zipper design is incorporated into the middle zipper of the jacket. This genuine leather jacket is sure to earn looks of appreciation on nights out.

Scotch & Soda Lightweight Leather Jacket

Although this jacket is cutting it close to the price limit, the dollars are well worth it because of the delicately washed look that this cowskin leather sports. Finding jackets that are the right amount of distress is hard, but this one is just enough to look casual but not so much that it looks secondhand. With its shirt-like fit, this flattering jacket will go on your body with ease and give off an effortlessly relaxed look. If "cool" is the vibe you're going for, then this jacket is the perfect choice.

 Blank NYC Russian Navy Suede Jacket

You don't see suede leather jackets too often, but this one is unique. Inspired by casual workwear, this 100% leather jacket comes in a practical navy color that will pair with any outfit, whether its casual or formal. The collar on this one allows it to be dressed up to fit those fancy occasions while the pockets give the piece a more utilitarian look with plenty of space for storage.

Buck Mason Bruiser Moto Jacket

This timeless leather moto jacket is the epitome of a heritage piece, one that will outlast your lifetime and still cruise through the next with ease. Made of high quality lambskin leather, this durable jacket will elevate any outfit to a higher level of luxury without sacrificing comfort. The details in this piece speak for themselves.

 Golden Bear Virgin Wool-Blend Leather Bomber Jacket

A bomber that has heavy varsity influences, this jacket is perfect for youth who stroll around high school or college campuses. Of course, it fits anyone who's feeling nostalgic, too. Although the center is made of a rich, virgin wool-blend, the sleeves on this are supple brown leather that matches the details across the design. The semi-fit look makes it perfect for layering.

Allsaints Lark Leather Jacket

The epitome of minimalism, this matte black leather jacket exudes chic elegance. With its all-black look, including the zippers, this jacket can fit formal and informal settings seamlessly. In fact, you can simply throw it on top of a clean button-down instead of a blazer before you head into the office. The point collar makes this a versatile piece to add to your wardrobe today.

Some of the reasons why many people prefer leather jackets are:

• They are available in different varieties: The advancement in technology has ensured that leather items are available in various designs and types. If you are a fashion enthusiast, you will never get it wrong with leather jackets since they are easy to blend with other outfits. Different types of leather jackets are designed for separate occasions, both casual and official wear.
• Trendy for all ages: Leather jackets have never run out of fashion because they are always stylish. If you purchase a leather jacket, you will not be worried that the item will get out of style soon, and this makes it attractive for many people.
• Leather jackets are appealing to both men and women: Leather jackets are a fashion trend for both women and men. There are different designs of leather jackets that are designed for men and women while other leather jackets have been created unisex.
• Maintaining a leather jacket is easy: All you need to keep your leather jacket is a leather conditioning spray that will help moisturize your jacket to protect it from becoming dry. Cleaning your leather jacket is simple since you will only need a damp cloth that you can use to wipe out debris and dust that accumulates on it.
• Durable: Although acquiring a good leather jacket will require you to invest cash significantly, you will enjoy a great value for your money since it does not wear or tear easily. If you maintain your leather jacket well, it will serve you for many years to come. Although some leather jackets are soft, their durability is often guaranteed.

Some people have a problem wearing a cheap leather jacket and argue that they suck. The argument stems from the idea that leather jackets are a reserve of the rich in the society. This, however, is not entirely true. If you do a proper market research, you can find high quality leather jackets that are also affordable to most people.

Finding a cheap leather jacket for men is not that hard, provided you are willing to make a few compromises. Where to buy cheap leather jacket? Hopefully now you know the answer to that question. Getting that dream vintage jacket can be quite hard, expensive, or a combination of the two. But as they say, great things in life don't come that easy. Keep on the lookout for good deals online, keep digging at your local thrift and vintage stores, and you could soon get your hands on what you seek.

Now that you have a reasonable guide of affordable leather jackets to go off of, it's time to pick one that suits your needs and style. Although these options should have given you a clear idea of what to look for in a leather jacket, which is an important staple in any men's wardrobe, you may have some ideas of your own. Is there a leather jacket that you think is missing from our collection? Are you going to add one of these pieces to your own collection? What else do you look for in an ideal leather jacket?