Men's Bomber jackets: The Ultimate Style Guide

The fashion industry is coming out with new trends every year. As of late, society has taken a step back and brought back a piece of fashion that is timeless - the bomber jacket! The bomber jacket is commonly mistaken for a puffer jacket and shearling jacket because of the sherpa, but let us be the first to tell you that there is so much more to this jacket than what other jackets can offer. It's more comfortable than a moto and parka and more stylish than a puffer jacket. With many different styles, this jacket is extremely versatile, and every person should have one in their wardrobe.

 

Where did they come from?

Although the bomber jacket has only recently made a splash into our social media pages, this stylish jacket has been around for many decades. This jacket was established during World War II for those who were pilots. Originally called, “flight jackets”, bomber jackets were created by the US Army Aviation Clothing Board in 1917 to help combat the cold. The early jacket design was made to keep the pilots warm, so they were lined with fur to keep the cold out.

As society advanced, so did the bomber jacket! New styles and features were released such as a zip closure, knitted cuffs and waistbands. It wasn't until around the 1960s that the bomber jacket made it out to the public. Since then, brands have adopted the bomber jacket making it the popular piece of clothing that it is today!

 

Different types of bomber jackets

As with any fashion trend, there are a variety of styles when it comes to bomber jackets. There are men's bomber jackets and bomber jackets for women. There are options with faux fur or faux leather. A lot of people are making debuts in their denim bomber jackets and even camo seems to be making a comeback. There are constantly new arrivals with this type of jacket and so many things to consider. Here we discuss the basics of flight jackets, better known as bomber jackets these days.

 

The Basics: The OG Flight Jackets

A-1 Jacket
The most famous jacket of them all is the A-1 jacket which was issued in 1927. The A-1 jacket was the first to feature a waistband and cuffs made of knitted wool. This design set the standard for all bomber jackets moving forward. Today, the A-1 jacket can still be found with knitted collar, cuffs, and waistband with two large flap pockets on each hip.

A-2 Jacket
The A-2 jacket is very similar in design to the A-1 however it was given shoulder epaulettes, a zipper closure and instead of a knitted collar, it was made of leather. Since then, this jacket has been simplified by removing the epaulettes giving it a more modern feel.

MA-1 Jacket
In the 1950s, the MA-1 rewrote the rules in the flight jacket handbook. This jacket was designed by the US Air Force which acted as a lightweight flight jacket. The MA-1 was made from very high-quality nylon fabrics and polyester. This bomber jacket is the most recognizable style on the market today featuring slanted flap pockets, a zip in the front and a zip arm pocket.

 

Today: Bomber Jacket Styles

Since first appearing in 1917, the bomber jacket has come a long way with many different styles available on the market! As the supply chains evolve, so do the styles and times of fashion. Each bomber jacket is unique in its own way with characteristic distinguishing itself from other jackets.

Flight Bomber: The flight bomber jacket is the most popular of all bombers on the market today. With the design most similar to the flight jackets used in the military, these jackets come in various materials including suede, leather and nylon.

 

• Suede bomber jackets can boast a smart and casual look. They may not be ideal for less than sunny weather, but suede is very stylish. When choosing the right suede bomber, keep in mind which colors will look best on you. Colors such as beige, brown and stone make a great suede bomber to pair with your look.
• Leather bomber jackets can be used for a casual and or dressed up occasion. When opting for a leather bomber, you will want to aim for top quality to ensure it lasts a long time.
• Nylon bomber jackets are a number one choice for their lightweight material. Nylon does not add too much drama to your look but can still keep you looking elegant. Nylon jackets are the traditional bombers you see many men wear today, however over time these jackets have shifted into a slim fit which is still highly sought for.
• Varsity Bomber: The varsity bomber jacket grew in popularity when colleges began to refashion these jackets into varsity jackets. The varsity bomber is comfy and super sporty usually featuring a stripe pattern on the sleeves, waistband and cuffs of the jacket. Similar to the silhouette of the flight bomber worn by the US military, this varsity jacket is worn proud by the students wearing it, sporting their university’s colors.

How to Pick a Bomber Jacket

With so many different styles, it can be tough to pick a bomber jacket right for you. A bomber jacket is an excellent choice for any occasion because of how versatile it is. For casual occasions, a bomber jacket looks amazing paired with a pair of jeans or trousers. Sneakers tend to be a great choice to complete this casual look. For more upscale type occasions, select a bomber jacket that is a neutral color. You will want to pair it with a collared shirt, trousers, and a pair of loafers.

You might get confused with all of the different styles and how to wear them, so we put together a quick list to help guide you on your bomber jacket journey

• Make sure when you purchase your bomber jacket, you are getting the right fit. You don't want to buy it undersized or oversized as you want to be able to zip it up in the front. The jacket should rest loosely on your hips and the cuffs should not be above or go past your wrists.
• Do not wear your jacket over another jacket. This will cause you to look bulky.
• Invest in wool or leather bombers if you wish for additional warmth.
• For a casual cool look, pair your jacket with a t-shirt, jeans and a pair of sneakers.
• Want a minimalist approach? Go for a bomber without the zipper!
• If you are shooting to look a little higher end, opt for a nice pair of trousers with your bomber jacket and a pair of plain toe-derbies or loafers.
• Match your outfit with the style and color of your outfit.
• Consider using a gift card to buy your bomber jacket so that you can return the jacket for another style if you don't love the first one you bought.
• Try wearing a shirt with a print to instantly uplift your look with a neutral color bomber.
• Give the single tone look a try! For casual and formal purposes, many people will opt for blouse and trousers that are the same color as your bomber.

How to Wear a Bomber Jacket

There are a variety of ways a person can style their bomber jacket. Depending on the fabric of your bomber jacket, you can wear it casually as outerwear or dress it up for a wedding. If you're considering how to pull it off at a wedding then it all comes down to fabric and layering. Blazers are a huge inspiration for high-end bomber jackets. Find a blazer bomber jacket that's made of suede and opt for a deep maroon color or navy blue. Even a fleece bomber jacket or leather jacket can give you the dressier look you're going for.

If you're looking for a more casual look, try layering your bomber jacket with your favorite sweatshirts or hoodie. It will give you a casual appearance while keeping you warm and comfortable. After all, who says you have to compromise comfort for style? That's why bomber jackets are considered one of the best sellers of jackets. They're comfortable and stylish.

Bomber jackets have always been fashionable dating back to many decades ago. Men in uniform have been a muse to the fashion industry creating many of the popular styles on the market today for both men and women. Bomber jackets were created to keep pilots warm however now they're used as a fashion statement. Although the use of the jacket has changed, the history will always remain the same.

Bomber jackets are timeless, and we recommend you give them a try! Experiment with different colors, patterns and styles pairing with t-shirts, collared shirts, sweaters, jeans, trousers and anything that you desire to make your look yours! Try suede, leather and nylon to see which feel is best for you! You can even experiment with bombers in different colors like olive green, burgundy, and mint. No matter what you choose, we know you will look stylish in your bomber jacket!