Leon Kennedy stands as one of the most popular and beloved of all of Capcom's zombie-busting children. Starting out as a rookie police officer who ends up in over his head on his first day on the job, his character goes through great changes as the franchise grows, and so naturally, his attire changes with his character.
With him appearing in several games across the franchise, and with some of these games coming with optional unlockable costumes, Leon boasts some true fashion sense, and could rightfully be called one of the most fashionable characters in the franchise.
10 Purple Tank Top - Resident Evil 2
The original version of Resident Evil 2 includes this unique look in which Leon can doff the typical RPD uniform in favor of tactical pants, a cap emblazoned with RPD, and most notably, the deep purple wife-beater that shows off the impressive muscles on his arms.
However, players must work hard if they want this unlockable costume. The only way to obtain it is to kill the zombie version of Brad Vickers, who will only spawn under the condition the player forgoes any items they can pick up during the introduction. Brad will appear outside the police station, and once dead he will drop a key that unlocks a locker the players can find this outfit in.
9 Arklay Sheriff - Resident Evil 2 Remake
For those that wanted an outfit with a little more authority in the Resident Evil 2 Remake, the Arklay Sheriff outfit is the perfect fit for them. This outfit replaces Leon's RCPD uniform, giving him a hat and a nice shiny badge to let everyone know his position. After all, he stands as the only survivor of the RCPD force, so why shouldn't he claim the title of Sheriff?
Obtaining this outfit is easy, but costly, as it is sold as paid DLC for RE2, but players will receive it bundled in the Deluxe Edition, along with the other DLC costumes. But with a stylish hat and a fresh haircut, it is worth the cost.
8 RCPD Uniform - Resident Evil 2
The police department outfit might be Leon's most famous, as it is the costume he debuted in all the way back in 1998. It's Leon's first day on the job, and the young, fresh-faced cop looks a far cry from the curtain-haired, harder Leon fans see in RE4 and RE6. His earnest and youthful appearance is endearing to see and survives as one of his best looks.
The RCPD outfit retains its iconic place in the franchise, with it getting a fantastic new coat of paint in the RE2 Remake, and it is even an unlockable costume in Resident Evil 4 once players complete the main campaign, with other costumes available to the player as well.
7 Special Outfit - Resident Evil 2 N64
After being ported to the N64, the RE2 Remake featured a special outfit that players could unlock to dress Leon up in, changing the typical RCPD uniform for something a little cooler, while still remaining practical enough to defeat zombies.
Featuring a statement black vest, shades, and a bandana to keep his hair from his eyes, Leon looks like the protagonist of a cheesy 80s action movie, but this is the main attraction of this outfit, and definitely worth dusting off the N64 for another playthrough.
6 Default Outfit - Resident Evil 4 (2005)
In Resident Evil 4, Leon has leveled up from rookie cop to the President's bodyguard, and as such is charged with the task of rescuing his daughter when she is kidnapped and taken to a remote village in Europe.
As such, his look is leveled up from that earnest-looking fresh-faced cop in his uniform to a more mature, older Leon sporting curtain bangs and a stylish outfit, especially the fur-trimmed brown jacket that combines fashion and comfort, even if he does lose his jacket part way through the campaign.
5 Default Outfit - Resident Evil 6
Though Resident Evil 6 is often viewed as the weakest entry in the Resident Evil series, it can't be denied that Leon's default skin is one of his greatest looks. The emphasis on action continued the departure Resident Evil 5 took from the mainline games by implementing non-stop action sequences, a campaign designed with cooperative play in mind, and very few horror elements.
With this more casual approach to horror in mind, it makes sense Leon's look is more casual. Doffing the RCPD uniform of earlier entries and the tactical trousers of Resident Evil 4, Leon dons a killer leather jacket, a button-up shirt, and comfortable slacks, giving players a glimpse of the man behind the officer.
4 Special 2 - Resident Evil 4 (2005)
In Resident Evil 4, players had the option to play through an alternative scenario where they took on the role of Ada and her goings-on in the remote village titled "Separate Ways." It became available once the main campaign was completed on any difficulty, and the scenario itself holds some unlockables in the form of more alternative outfits for Leon.
This set was simply called "Special 2," and while it inflicts a terrible, bulky armor on Ashley, Leon becomes decked out like a 1940s gangster, complete with a suit, a long coat, hat, and scarf. The look definitely compliments Leon well and cements itself as one of the greatest of all time.
3 Leon EX1 - Resident Evil 6
What RE6 lacked in scares and atmospheric horror Resident Evil is known, it more than makes up for in the wardrobe department, offering multiple unlockable costumes for the game's playable characters. One of Leon's skins, which is a contender for the greatest look of all time, is his pirate outfit, which dresses up Leon like he's on his way to a Halloween party, putting him in a swashbuckling outfit complete with an eyepatch and tri-pointed hat.
This costume becomes available to fans by playing through the optional Mercenaries' mode while wearing that character's default outfit, and obtaining a grade A or higher. This is a lofty task, but the rewards are worth the risk.
2 Noire - Resident Evil 2 Remake
One of Leon's multiple looks available to him in the brilliant Resident Evil 2 Remake sees Leon taking on the look of a gumshoe in an old-fashioned Noire movie. All that's missing is a seedy jazz soundtrack and a black-and-white filter.
Unlike some of the other entries on this list, obtaining this skin only requires the purchase of the relevant DLC that includes the Noire outfits for Leon and Claire. Slick-backed hair, a clean-shaven face, a smart waistcoat suit, what more could players possibly ask for?
1 Romantic Outfit - Resident Evil 4
Though the remake is still a few days away from release, fans have been treated to multiple trailers, a fantastic demo, and a preview of the skins available when they purchase the deluxe edition of the RE4 2023 remake. So far it seems two cosmetics are available - casual and romantic. Both of these provide alternative outfits for Leon and Ashley, but it is unknown if they alter the appearances of other characters such as Ada or Luis.
The romantic outfit has Leon taking on a Lestat look from Interview with the Vampire, which is a surprising look for him, but one he pulls off excellently. The high-waisted pants, frilly shirt, and long, silvery hair elevate his looks to the levels of vampire heartthrob and will be a treat to see when the full game releases.