Trends come and go. What’s in style today may fall out of fashion tomorrow. So, when you’re building a wardrobe, you want something timeless and future-proof—something you can wear for years to come.
The bomber jacket delivers on that promise. For decades, the bomber jacket made the rounds in different circles, from Mods and punk rockers to high fashion designers and hip-hop artists. Because of this journey, a bomber jacket outfit looks spot-on in almost any setting.
What is a bomber jacket, exactly? While you’ll see brands giving the name to all sorts of outerwear clothing, a bomber is defined by three things:
- A waist-length silhouette
- A ribbed collar, waistband, and ribbed cuffs
- A front zipper closure
Let’s explore this streetwear staple and get inspired by some bomber jacket outfits.
The Origin of the Bomber Jacket
Like t-shirts, cargo pants, camo patterns, and countless other men’s fashion mainstays, the story of the bomber jacket begins in the military.
Back when plane cockpits were open to the elements, Air Force pilots needed a jacket that would keep them warm despite cold temperatures without restricting movement. The original flight jacket was designed to meet these needs, with a fleece inner layer underneath a leather shell that came to the waist.
As times changed and cockpits became enclosed, Air Force pilots no longer needed the bulky, insulated jackets, and the modern, fur-free version of the bomber leather jacket was born. Further advances led the military to switch from leather to lightweight materials like cotton and nylon, giving us a few distinct styles of bomber.
Eventually, the bomber jacket made its way into the fashion world by way of military surplus stores, moving through the skinhead subculture to haute couture, and finally to the mainstream by the 2000s.
5 Types of Bomber Jackets
Because the criteria for what defines a bomber jacket are pretty open-ended—cropped at the waist, ribbed extremities, and a zipper—there’s no shortage of different varieties.
Knowing which type of bomber jacket you like is the first step in styling them, so we’re walking you through the available options.
Leather Bomber Jackets
The most traditional version of the bomber is made of leather. Closely mimicking the original aviation jacket, leather bomber jackets maintain the coolness that’s so often associated with leather.
Leather bombers are heavier, making them better suited for colder weather. Some even come in fur-lined varieties, which you might see sold as pilot or aviator jackets.
Nylon or Polyester Bomber Jackets
Lightweight and versatile, nylon and polyester bombers are the natural evolution of bomber jackets. Most of these bombers take inspiration from the MA-1, the original nylon military-issue flight jacket that replaced the leather version.
Our Lightweight Bomber Jacket is the ideal layering option. Warm enough for fall and early winter but light enough to throw on over anything, these are the outerwear staples you’ll reach for again and again. Alternatively, our Velour Bomber Jacket has a satin-like finish, adding a touch of finesse to a classic design.
Cotton Bomber Jackets
While it might not keep you warm in an open-air cockpit, a Cotton Bomber Jacket is another timeless iteration of the classic bomber. As the lightest version, these bomber jackets are ideal for spring and early fall.
Cotton bombers can swing more into casual territory, looking at times like a zip-up hoodie without the hood. That said, they still feel more dressed up than your standard sweatshirt. You can also pick up a more matte Ruched Bomber Jacket if you want to lean into the military look.
Bomber-Inspired Jackets
Along with your standard bombers, a handful of other outerwear clothing options take inspiration from military flight jackets. Some of our favorites include:
- Bomber trench jackets – Our Zip Up Bomber Trench takes nods from the aviation style but has a unique thigh-length silhouette and quilted construction.
- Trucker bomber jackets – With a Trucker Bomber Jacket, you get the best of both worlds: The denim details of a trucker jacket meet the classic silhouette of the bomber.
Varsity Jackets
Technically a varsity jacket isn’t a true bomber jacket since it has buttons on the front instead of a zipper. But the construction and silhouette are similar enough that you’ll likely style a varsity jacket as you would a bomber.
Some pieces, like our Teddy Bomber Jacket, are in between a bomber and varsity. Others are pure varsity jackets, with the collegiate feel coming through.
How can you tell the difference between varsity and bomber jackets? Aside from the buttoned enclosure, you’ll also find most varsity jackets have blocky wording or logos on the front or back. Another telltale sign of the varsity (that you’ll rarely find on a bomber) is the distinctive sleeves, which are often a separate color from the body.
How to Style a Bomber Jacket
Have you figured out which type of bomber suits your style? Great. Now, let’s look at how to work them into your wardrobe.
Finding the Perfect Fit
If you want your bomber jacket to look its best, it needs to fit well. Whether you choose a velour bomber jacket or a polyester bomber jacket, the ribbed bottom should come right to your waistline, and the sleeves should sit just above the wrists.
You can go oversized in the body, but usually, the waist and wrist cuffs will follow these guidelines.
Picking the Perfect Color
If you’re looking for something you can throw on over just about anything, a neutral black, brown, or olive green is probably the move. A neutral bomber will look as good with a floral button up shirt and slim blue jeans.
For more of a standout piece, consider wearing a colored option, like this burgundy velour bomber jacket. You can’t go wrong with the classic ripped black skinny jeans and a quality white tee. If you want to add personal flair, try jeans stacking that makes the look effortless, yet polished.
Layering for the Weather
As far as layering goes, you have options with a bomber.
In warmer weather, a polyester or cotton bomber is the perfect choice. Wearing a lightweight bomber over a vintage tee and some nylon pants keeps you looking put together without feeling the heat. Bomber jackets are also one of the few outerwear options that go well with shorts; try pairing this layered bomber jacket with some matching black sweatshorts and a plain tee underneath.
As it gets cooler, you can layer a classic black bomber over a colored hoodie. You can even wear a bomber over your favorite flannel. The bomber jacket truly does it all.
Add the Versatile Bomber to Your Collection
When you have a bomber (or two) to reach for in your closet, any outfit can become more put-together in seconds. Bomber jackets are universally recognizable, relatively affordable for outerwear, and easy to pair with practically anything.
So, if you’re ready to add this staple to your collection, check out the bombers that mnml has to offer. Explore different types of men's jackets to expand your fashion knowledge and wardrobe.
