What Is a Bomber Jacket? Types, History and How to Wear One
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A bomber jacket is a short, waist-length jacket with a zip front and a gathered waistband and cuffs, usually ribbed knit, that hold the hem at your waist. It began as a flight jacket for military pilots and became one of the most worn jackets in men's and women's fashion. This guide explains where the bomber came from, the main types (A-1, A-2, B-3, G-1, MA-1, suede and varsity), how a bomber jacket should fit and how to wear one.
What Is a Bomber Jacket?
Every bomber jacket shares a few features:
- Waist length: it ends at the waist or high hip, so it doesn't bunch when you sit.
- Gathered hem and cuffs: ribbed knit or an elastic waistband keeps out wind and gives the puffed, blouson shape.
- Front zip: most bombers close with a zip; the earliest A-1 used buttons.
- Collar: a ribbed knit collar, a pointed shirt collar or a big shearling collar, depending on the type.
- Pockets: flap or slash pockets at the waist, and on some styles a sleeve pocket.
"Bomber jacket" and "flight jacket" are often used for the same thing. Aviator jackets are close relatives: they are usually the heavier, shearling-lined end of the family.
A Short History of the Bomber Jacket
- 1917: the US Army Aviation Clothing Board was set up to make warm clothing for pilots flying in open, unheated cockpits during the First World War. Early flight jackets were heavy leather lined with fur.
- 1927: the Type A-1 arrives: a leather jacket with a knit waistband, knit cuffs and a button front.
- Early 1930s: the A-2 replaces it, with a zip, a wind flap and a pointed shirt-style collar. It became the classic WWII US Army Air Forces jacket.
- Mid-1930s: the B-3, a heavy sheepskin jacket with the fleece inside and a big collar with buckle straps, is made for crews of high-altitude bombers.
- 1930s–1940s: the US Navy's flight jacket (later called the G-1) adds a fur collar and a pleated back for movement.
- 1949: the MA-1 appears for jet pilots: a light nylon jacket with a knit collar and a bright orange lining that could be turned out to help rescuers spot a downed pilot.
- 1950s onward: military surplus jackets reached civilians, and the bomber was adopted by youth subcultures in Britain, Japan and the US. In 1986, the G-1 worn in Top Gun made the leather flight jacket famous again.
See which stars made it famous in our post on celebrities in iconic bomber jackets.
Types of Bomber Jackets
Classic Leather Bomber (MA-1 Style)
The shape most people picture: a clean leather body, a ribbed collar, ribbed cuffs and hem, and a zip front. The original MA-1 was nylon; leather versions keep the shape and add durability.
Shop the Men Black Real Leather Bomber Jacket →
A-1 Flight Jacket
The earliest standard flight jacket: knit collar, knit cuffs and waistband, and usually a button or snap front. It looks lighter and plainer than later styles.
Shop the Men Vintage Brown A-1 Flight Leather Bomber Jacket →
A-2 Flight Jacket
A pointed shirt collar, epaulettes, two flap pockets and knit cuffs and waistband. It's the most famous leather flight jacket; read more in what is an A2 bomber jacket.
Shop the Men's Vintage A2 Lambskin Brown Leather Bomber Jacket →
G-1 Flight Jacket
The Navy's version: similar to the A-2 but with a fur collar and a pleated "bi-swing" back that gives the arms more movement.
Shop the Men Black G 1 Flight Leather Bomber Jacket →
B-3 Shearling Bomber
The warmest bomber: a thick sheepskin leather shell, a fleecy lining, a wide collar with buckle straps and a heavy zip. Our shearling linings are faux as standard, with real shearling available on request.
Shop the Men's B3 Shearling Bomber Leather Jacket →
Suede Bomber
Same shape, softer finish. Suede bombers are lighter and more relaxed, best for spring and fall and kept away from heavy rain. Compare the two finishes in leather vs suede bomber jackets.
Shop the Men's Brown Suede Real Leather Bomber Jacket →
Varsity Bomber
A sporty cousin with snap buttons, striped ribbing, a wool body and leather sleeves.
Shop the Men Dark Grey Wool Jacket with Black Leather Sleeves →
Leather, Suede or Nylon?
| Material | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lambskin leather | Soft and light | Slim, dressy bombers |
| Sheepskin or cowhide leather | Firmer and tougher | Everyday wear and colder weather |
| Suede | Soft, matte, velvety | Spring and fall, relaxed looks |
| Shearling-lined leather | Heavy and very warm | Winter |
| Nylon | Light and cheap | Casual wear; doesn't age like leather |
Our bombers are made in genuine leather unless the product title says faux or PU.
How Should a Bomber Jacket Fit?
- Shoulders: the seam should sit on the edge of your shoulder.
- Length: the ribbed hem should sit at your waist or just above the hip, never well below the belt.
- Sleeves: the cuffs should reach your wrist bone and stay there when you reach forward.
- Body: a little blousing above the hem is part of the look, but you should be able to zip it over a sweater without strain.
Check the size guide before you order, and see the size and custom options below.
How to Wear a Bomber Jacket
- Casual: a white tee, dark jeans and clean sneakers or boots.
- Smart casual: a fine-knit sweater or Oxford shirt, chinos and leather boots or loafers.
- Winter: a B-3 or shearling-collar bomber over a hoodie or thick knit, with dark jeans and lug-sole boots.
- Women: cropped bombers with high-waisted jeans, a slip dress or a mini skirt; see our guide to women's bomber jackets.
Shop every style in our men's bomber jackets and women's bomber jackets collections.
Sizes and Custom Options
Every bomber jacket we sell is made to order, so you can have it made the way you want:
- Sizes: most styles come in XS to 5XL.
- Custom size: send us your measurements and we'll make the jacket to fit you.
- Custom colour: ask for the jacket in another leather colour.
- Leather type: choose lambskin, sheepskin, cowhide or suede.
- Lining and shearling: change the lining, or ask for real shearling instead of the standard faux shearling.
To order a custom jacket, see our custom order process (free design consultation) or contact us with the product link and the changes you want.
Caring for a Leather Bomber Jacket
Wipe it with a soft, damp cloth, let it air dry away from heat if it gets wet, and condition the leather every few months. Brush suede with a suede brush and keep it out of heavy rain. Store the jacket on a wide, padded hanger in a breathable garment bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bomber jacket?
A short, waist-length jacket with a zip front and a gathered, usually ribbed, hem and cuffs. It started as a military flight jacket and is now an everyday jacket for men and women.
Why is it called a bomber jacket?
Because flight jackets like the A-2 and B-3 were worn by bomber crews in the Second World War, and the name stuck.
What is the difference between a bomber jacket and an aviator jacket?
They come from the same family. "Aviator" usually means a heavier jacket with a shearling lining and a big collar, like the B-3; "bomber" also covers lighter styles with knit collars, like the A-1 and MA-1.
Are bomber jackets warm?
It depends on the type. A shearling-lined B-3 is built for cold weather; leather and suede bombers without heavy lining suit spring and fall.
Can I order a custom bomber jacket?
Yes. Every jacket is made to order in XS to 5XL, and you can ask for a custom size, colour, leather type or lining.
Are bomber jackets still in style?
Yes. Leather, suede and varsity bombers are worn by men and women every year and work with both casual and smarter outfits.