Marks And Spencer Faux Leather Jacket

I remember the exact moment I became a person who covets a jacket. It was a drizzly Tuesday in Manchester, and I saw a woman on the bus. She was wrestling an umbrella, a shopping bag, and a toddler, but her jacket—a sleek, black moto style—looked utterly unbothered. It wasn't real leather; I could tell from the way it held its shape without creasing. It was a faux leather jacket, and she looked like someone who had her life together, or at least didn't care if the bus was late.

That little bus-ride moment is probably why I ended up standing in a Marks & Spencer last autumn, staring at their own version. You know the one—it’s kind of a secret weapon in their outerwear section. Honestly, I’ve walked past M&S for years thinking of it as the place for sensible cardigans and emergency Christmas presents. But this jacket? It made me stop.

Why This Jacket Feels Different

Let’s be real: faux leather has a bad reputation. It sounds like something that will peel after two washes and make you smell like a plastic raincoat. Marks & Spencer seems to have heard the critics, because this thing doesn’t do any of that. The material is surprisingly soft—almost buttery—and it has that subtle sheen that says “I cost more than £30” without screaming for attention.

I’m not going to say it’s indistinguishable from real leather, because it’s not. But for a high-street piece? It’s dangerously close. You can run your hand over the sleeve and it feels substantial, like it will survive a few windy bus stops without cracking. (Side note: I tested this. It survived the 29 bus perfectly.)

The Fit: A Little Bit of Magic

Here’s where M&S actually nails it: the fit. This jacket comes in a “regular” and “plus” fit, which is great, but the regular version already has a bit of forgiveness. It’s not a skin-tight moto jacket that makes you feel like you’re in a music video from 2008. Instead, it’s a classic biker silhouette—slightly boxy, with enough room to wear a thin jumper under it without looking like a stuffed dumpling.

The sleeves are just the right length (finally!), and the collar snaps into a neat stand when you don’t want the wind on your neck. It also has these little epaulettes on the shoulders that are completely unnecessary but make you feel like a minor character in a spy thriller. I wear them unbuttoned because I’m a rebel. Look at me, breaking the rules of a jacket.

Marks and Spencer's new faux leather jacket shoppers 'can't believe isn

The Real Test: Life, Not a Rack

The ultimate test for any jacket is how it holds up on an ordinary Tuesday. I wore mine to the supermarket, and it did something strange: it made me feel slightly less annoyed about having to buy milk. The zip is reliable, not that sticky kind that catches on the lining. The pockets? Deep enough to hold a phone, keys, and a crumpled receipt without bulging.

I also wore it to a pub, and my friend—who owns three real leather jackets—looked at it and said, “Wait, that’s faux?” That’s the kind of win you can’t plan for. It’s also very easy to clean. A damp cloth wipes off rain spots or accidental coffee dribbles. No special conditioner needed. Your cat drooled on it? Just wipe it off and move on.

One Tiny Grip (Because I’m Honest)

I’m not going to pretend this is a perfect piece of clothing. The inner lining is a bit polyester-y—it can make your arms a little sweaty if the temperature decides to do the British thing and jump from 10°C to 18°C in an hour. Also, the black version shows every single speck of dust and lint. I’ve become that person who carries a lint roller in my bag now. You’re welcome for the warning.

For the price point (usually around £70–£90, but often on sale), it’s a smart buy. It doesn’t pretend to be a luxury leather piece. Instead, it plays to its strengths: it’s affordable, cruelty-free, and looks 90% as good as the real thing in street lighting. And honestly, most of us are in street lighting 90% of the time.

M&S faux leather biker jacket that 'compliments every outfit' and has

Who Is This Jacket Actually For?

This is for the person who wants to look effortlessly cool without spending a mortgage payment. It’s for the person who wants a jacket that can go with jeans and trainers, but also with a black skirt and boots for a slightly dressier vibe. It works for dads, mums, students, and that friend who always shows up late and looks great anyway.

It’s also for anyone who’s ever stood in front of a fast-fashion store and wondered, “Will this fall apart in three months?” M&S has a reputation for durability, and this jacket is part of that legacy. It’s not trend-led; it’s a staple. You can buy it now and still wear it in 2028, and it will just look nicely broken-in.

So, if you’re on the fence, let me be your push. Go to the M&S website or brave the store, find the faux leather jacket in black or chestnut brown, and try it on. Stand in front of the mirror, zip it up, and pretend you just walked off a bus in Manchester looking like you have your life together. It feels good. And that’s worth the price of a nice jacket.

Just remember the lint roller.