Shopping for a Balenciaga Jacket

The Leather Biker Jacket

The most famous and desired of the entire line, these iconic jackets are updated every year. Made of the softest lambskin and exquisitely fitted, they have an asymmetrical front zip, flared sleeves with zip details and a pointed collar. 2 zippered vertical pockets decorate the front. Enticing even to those without a biker bone in their body, it adds edgy attitude to any outfit and is perfect for cooler days in spring and fall. It is a must have if you want the best from Balenciaga, and well worth the large price tag if you value workmanship. Get it directly from the Balenciaga website (they only carry the black and brown colors) or from sites like Polyvore.com (various colors available).

Mid-Length Jackets

They have a small line of longer jackets that are not form-fitting with long sleeves that flare out above the wrist. Most come in soft pastel shades of blue or gray with two breast pockets or a loosely belted waist. Not nearly as stylish as the other collections, wear these for practical purposes and every day wear. These are not offered on the website, so click over to Polyvore.com to check out the selection.

Full-Length Coats

Balenciaga also offers full-length coats (that end above the knee), although you have to go through online vendors as they do not sell them on their website. Mostly black and with lower price tags than the biker jackets, these are always stylish with sharp cuts and edgy angles. A few are thickly lined for colder weather with a less figure-hugging silhouette. For those who want less of the warmth, they have a transparent coat that is entirely made of woven lace. If you live in a place with cooler temperatures or want a trendy coat for the winter months, pick up one of these.

Tweed Jackets

While not all the jackets in this category are made from tweed, they all go very well with tweed. Close in shape to the biker jacket, these are fitted with 2 front pockets and come in a variety of tweed fabrics and springtime colors. Fashionable, austere and a touch mature, these are perfect for a formal outing or for work. Once again these are not offered on the Balenciaga website.

Miscellaneous

A few stragglers hang around various online shopping sites that are more than worthy of being purchased. A white seersucker jacket will look great with shorts or pants, and is fitted perfectly. They also offer a black boyfriend blazer that harkens back to the biker jacket in its edginess. Wear it out to dinner and dancing, paired with skinny jeans and high black heels, or during the day with shorts for a more casual look. For those looking for something to combat the cold weather, they have a thick lamb's wool jacket that looks large enough to withstand arctic temperatures (while still being stylish, of course!).

For those who want a true Balenciaga item the Biker jacket is the best choice, but there are plenty of other options to suit different styles.