Vintage, retro and antique are terms used to define items from past eras. A vintage leather jacket is not only a piece of clothing, but a piece of history. Most vintage leather jackets have considerable emotional and historic value attached to them. Also, the styles and designs of old always bring back memories of days gone by. Vintage leather jackets are no exception to this rule. Leather jackets from the 1950s are especially popular and in high demand. Prices on them are understandably high, since they are a rare collector's item.

The vintage leather jackets are among the most popular vintage clothing. The vintage leather jackets can be anywhere from 10 to 50 years old.

Some of the designer labels available in vintage leather jackets include Lakeland, Lyon for Lepshire, Leathers of New England, Glamor Girl, Helene Junior's New York, Turtle Bax, Honda Motor Company, Marbury Coats, Front Quarter STEER by Grais and Sears Hercules Outwear.

Many companies like Marks and Spencers offer vintage leather jackets. The most famous vintage leather jackets are the ones worn by celebrities. Therefore, some of the leather jackets available are styled after ones worn by celebrities for example the famous leather jacket worn by Bret 'Hitman' Hart. There are also designs based on jackets worn by soldiers in World War Two.

Vintage leather jackets can also refer to leather jackets embossed with retro imaginary characters, for example Betty Boop, Popeye, Scooby Doo and others. Vintage leather jackets can be found in all the styles as their modern counterparts.