What Is a Bomber Jacket? Style Types for Fashion Bombers

In this post, we explore the classic bomber jacket. It's been a staple in men's fashion for over 100 years, going through several iterations. What's a bomber jacket? Why is it called a bomber jacket? How are bomber jackets supposed to fit?

As an iconic part of American fashion, bomber jackets are instantly recognizable. These lightweight threads are sometimes called "flight" or "aviator" jackets and usually sit high on the waistband with a knitted collar and cuffs. These knitted parts of the jacket’s outer shell help insulate the wearer from the cold without being too heavy. 

Bomber jacket definition: A men's short coat that hits at the waist with a thick lining and fitted waistband and cuffs, name after the style of jackets worn by soldiers in WWI and WWII.  

Today, Men's bomber jackets come in many different flavors ranging from functional to stylish. But where did this name come from? 

History of the Bomber Jacket

During World War 1, many airplanes didn’t have enclosed cockpits that shielded the pilot from the elements as they flew at high altitudes. The U.S. Army began manufacturing and distributing heavy-duty leather jackets to its pilots with the specific purpose of keeping the pilot warm. With high collars and a tight cuff and waistband, the pilot would be insulated against the cold as they flew. 

This trend continued into World War 2, where pilots of bombers had to fly at especially high altitudes where it was very, very cold. Because every crewmember of a bomber like a B-17 needed a flight jacket, it became colloquially known as a bomber jacket. 

And so bomber jackets became an iconic part of American fashion throughout the 20th century and into the modern day. There are a lot of different styles and deviations in bomber jackets, but they usually are:

• Tight-fit around the waist and cuffs
• Zipper/buttons down the middle 
• Sleeve pocket
• Insulates against cold air
• Tight, sometimes high collar

Types of Bomber Jackets

Of course there’s a lot of wiggle room for different styles and materials as a modern person isn’t likely to need a jacket that can withstand minus 50-degree weather at 10,000 feet in the air. 

Bomber “baseball” jackets, for example, have sleeves colored differently from the torso. They’re also generally constructed with cotton or polyester rather than leather. 

Varsity jackets, or “letterman” jackets could also be considered a variation of a bomber with the main difference being the inclusion of a sports logo, icon, or number on the back. 

Other “flight” jackets may have higher collars made of heavy fur or leather with a waistband that’s less tight. 

Bomber Jacket Fabric

Original bomber jackets were constructed of heavy leather and wool that would insulate pilots against extreme cold. To this day, some bomber jackets still adhere to this classic style. But the bomber jacket has also evolved to encompass a wider range of materials and styles. 

For example, RSO’s streetwear bomber jackets are constructed of 100% polyester to be more lightweight and comfortable in day-to-day use. Other bomber jackets may be made entirely of wool, satin, silk, or suede. 

How to Wear a Bomber Jacket

Bomber jackets are a great casual choice for fall or mild winter weather. They generally ride higher on the waist, especially when zipped up, and fit tight around your wrists. If you haven’t worn a bomber jacket before, you may be surprised at how short the bomber jacket is compared to other jackets. This is intended, though, as the bomber should meet with the middle or top of the waistband of your pants.

Bomber jackets are meant to be layered with casual clothing that matches the same colors. A simple white t-shirt with dark jeans or chinos can look with a RSO bomber jacket. Remember to contrast darker colors in your outfit with light accent colors like a pair of white sneakers. 

In the winter, also consider wearing a hoodie underneath your bomber for versatility when it gets colder. 

A more interesting bomber like the Scott Black Bomber Jacket can accent an outfit with a lot of neutral black colors.