Tested: The Best Men’s Bomber Jackets For Timeless Style

It might be a bombastic claim (no pun intended), but one can easily argue that the bomber jacket is the most iconic piece of outerwear in the world. Though its roots began in the military, like many fashion staples, the bomber transcended its original arena and made its way worldwide as different subcultures adopted it for its versatile and stylish looks. The bomber’s many different permutations throughout its storied history have made it all the more appealing to own as they go with virtually any style. Whether you own one that’s truer to its military roots or one that’s been reinterpreted by a designer, a good bomber is a must-have item for any man’s wardrobe, which is why we decided to take a closer look at some of our favorites in this hands-on guide.

How We Tested

The bomber jacket is a classic piece of menswear with deep military roots, so we needed to make sure that the brands we include in this guide not only make a solid jacket, but also honor the history in some way. That doesn’t mean every bomber in our guide is an MA-1 recreation; as many labels have unique takes on the silhouette that blend classic style with modern taste. With that, we set out to scour the web, discuss with colleagues and friends, and immerse ourselves in the world of bomber jackets before selecting which brands were worth including.

As for the physical testing of these jackets, bombers can act as both warm shells (which is how they were historically used for pilots to keep them warm in the cockpit), or as a convenient, stylish layering piece. To determine what each jacket is best for, we wore them with the same undershirt to see how warm they can keep you. Generally speaking, leather jackets will be best for cold weather, and nylon jackets will be better for transitional seasons, so we put that to the test. Between cold winter morning walks and sunny afternoons grabbing lunch, we put each bomber through its paces, making sure it looks good, feels good, and is built to last.

How a bomber looks is just as important as the material used to make it, so we wanted to establish a baseline to see how each jacket looks with the same pair of jeans, tee, and shoes. After that, we mixed and matched to determine which jackets could easily be dressed up for (semi) formal occasions, and which were better suited for casual settings.

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear 34×30 pants, and you’ll see each XL bomber on this guide styled with the same jeans and white tee. It’s worth noting that I’m on the taller side (with a slightly longer torso), so some bombers may run short on me but fit others differently, and I’ll make sure to point that out when it comes up.

What to look for

Material: The most popular materials for a bomber jacket include nylon, leather, and cotton. The original jackets were made of leather and lined with fur, so if you want the classic look, then go for a leather jacket (nylon jackets are quite classic as well, however). For a more formal look, leather and suede are the way to go, as opposed to cotton jackets, which are usually more laid-back. There’s a lot of debate surrounding faux leather and whether or not it’s worth grabbing a jacket that uses it. To cover our bases, we included one faux leather option because we understand that not everyone has the budget for a premium leather jacket, but if you do, we highly recommend getting one as they age beautifully and last much longer.

Fit: Bomber jackets should fit a lot like a trucker jacket, falling just at your hip, and having a more tailored look. But you should still have enough space to wear something underneath, and it shouldn’t be too tight in the midsection. Don’t worry if it seems a bit baggy above the waist, either, because bombers have a traditionally roomier fit in the body, with a closer fit on the arms and waist.

Lining: If you want the old-school look or live somewhere cold, a fur lining may be for you, and feels soft on the skin. On the other hand, a quilted lining is more sustainable and also great at keeping you warm. An unlined jacket is great for more layering space, but you’ll miss out on some warmth. Polyester lining provides a nice middle ground, giving you a thinner option that’s still reliably warm.

Design: Most classic bombers will come in green or brown, but you can shake it up with a different pattern/color or something more modern if that’s your speed. Varsity jackets, while they look a lot like bombers, are technically not bombers, but a preppy evolution of the style.

Collar: If you stray from the picks in our guide, an immediate way to spot a true bomber is the collar. For that quintessential bomber look, you’re looking for a low ribbed collar, and it’ll sometimes be lined with shearling or fur (which is usually reserved for leather jackets).

Closure: The classic bombers used zippers, but many modern options include button closures that look just as good. The choice between these two really comes down to personal preference, with buttons being hard to break but requiring two hands, and zippers offering a one-handed solution that’s prone to getting stuck or malfunctioning.

Everlane The Bomber Jacket 

Best Starter Bomber: Everlane’s bomber jacket is a fixture on any “best bombers” guide for good reason. This particular option offers a more modern interpretation of the famous garment with a water-resistant, recycled polyester blend construction, magnetic closure pockets, and a two-way zipper. Its silhouette still retains the classic bomber shape, and the sleeve pocket is an appreciated nod to its military roots.

Immediately after putting this jacket on, I appreciated how lightweight and flattering it was, and I was already getting ideas about what to layer underneath because the clean design and fit were ideal for styling. For storage, you get four pockets total, with a small zippered one on the upper left arm, one on the inside, and two for your hands. The real kicker for me with this bomber is the magnetic closures, which were very intuitive and saved me from fiddling with a zipper or a button (something I never knew I needed). They also result in a cleaner look that lends itself well to the already stripped-back silhouette of the jacket, complemented by the utility pocket on the arm. I like that it’s water-resistant, too, and doubles as a light rainjacket, and it’s perfectly capable of handling some light rain. Stylistically, this bomber is also very versatile and can be dressed up easily with a pair of chinos and dress shoes, or worn casually with just a basic tee.

It’s worth noting that the bomber is on the thinner side, and is better suited for fall weather (or a milder winter) because it’s unlined. It still kept me relatively warm in the California winter weather (around 60°F with a breeze while testing), but I recommend wearing a warmer layer underneath (like a thick tee or a long sleeve) if you plan on tackling the cold weather with this jacket. Also, since I’m a bit taller, this jacket ran a little short on me, but it’s not at all a deal-breaker, and it didn’t detract from the overall style.

Verdict: Inspired by the absolutely classic MA-1, Everlane’s take is a sleek and modern option that will look good with just about anything. The added water resistance is a nice bonus as well, along with the magnetic closures in the hand pockets.

Levi’s Aviator Bomber Jacket with Sherpa Collar

Best Sherpa Collar Bomber: When it comes to pieces rooted in American heritage, it’s virtually impossible to overlook any offerings from Levi’s as the perfect entry-level piece. The iconic clothier produced a modern bomber jacket with a silhouette that parallels its traditional, ’40s-era predecessor. From the polyurethane shell and sherpa collar to the bevy of utilitarian secret pockets, Levi’s new-age offering stays true to its military roots, offering a well-assembled piece of outerwear that provides far better durability than its price suggests.

Hailing from an absolutely legendary label in the menswear space, it’s no surprise that Levi’s is sticking to the classics with this sherpa collar bomber. It has that iconic B-15 look (think Top Gun), but I have to say that the fit on this one is more relaxed than I generally expect a bomber to be (even when fully zipped). This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and do like the roomier feel, but a more tapered silhouette would go a long way in giving you that classic bomber look. As for the warmth factor, this beefy jacket is a great winter choice that’s bolstered by a thick sherpa collar (that can easily be removed to customize the look and feel), and a warm polyester lining that’ll keep you insulated in the cold.

This jacket is also made with what Levi’s is calling a “leather look fabric”, which is made with polyurethane instead of, well, actual leather. On one hand, this is more sustainable and affordable than real leather, but the jacket won’t last as long as something from a label like Golden Bear (which makes a similar B-15-inspired jacket we’ll get into below). All that aside, I still think this a great bomber for a reasonable price, and it comes with two zippered side pockets, a zippered breast pocket, and a pocket on the inside for plenty of storage.

Verdict: This is an absolutely classic bomber with a heavyweight construction that’s ideal for a winter jacket, with a removable sherpa collar and polyester lining adding to the comfort. The use of polyurethane instead of real leather docks this jacket some points, but given the reasonable price and accurate look, this is still a win for Levi’s.

Taylor Stitch The Bomber Jacket

Best Cotton Bomber: When it comes to blending proper warmth and timeless style, the folks at Taylor Stitch outdid themselves when making its bomber jacket. The Bay Area-bred brand used 13.5 ounces of cotton moleskin to make a responsibly built bomber with fully sustainable construction. Its 100% organic moleskin build gives it a suede-like look and feel, and it’s finished with dark horn buttons. All things considered, the bomber is as good for the environment as it is for your wardrobe, deeming it one of our favorite pieces from top to bottom.

It’s not every day you see a cotton bomber, and it’s a bold design choice considering the history of the jacket, but Taylor Stitch comes through with an elegant, refined, and very comfortable take. The cotton moleskin feels very sturdy and has been shaved down to give it a texture/feel resembling suede, with a nice medium weight that’s somewhere between a leather bomber and a nylon one. On top of that, this jacket has a unique, almost letterman look that’s elevated by the texture of the moleskin fabric (which feels luxurious yet durable). I was also surprised by how warm this bomber was given that it’s unlined, complemented by the generous fit that allows for more layers and the medium weight. A T-shirt underneath was enough to keep me warm outside, and I was impressed by how well it blocked the wind as well.

The only downsides that I personally had with this jacket are the lack of inner pockets and the sort of awkward positioning of the hand pockets, which aren’t quite sideways or upright. I’m being a little nit-picky here, but I figured that it’s worth mentioning for anyone that’s particular about pockets and pocket placement. All in all, the construction of this jacket is quite impressive down to the immaculate seams, and it certainly feels like it was built to last.

Verdict: The cotton moleskin construction used to create this bomber results in a suede-like jacket that’s soft yet durable, with a weight and size that offer plenty of warmth. It’s perfect for anyone interested in a 100% cotton option that manages to honor the jacket’s roots while offering something new.

Alpha Industries MA-1 Bomber Jacket Heritage

Best Bomber Overall: It should come as no surprise at all that the maker of the original MA-1 Bomber would make it on this list. As mentioned in our introduction, the brand pioneered this incredible style, so, obviously, it manufactures one of the best bombers on the market, as has been the case for decades. Just like its field jackets, Alpha Industries’ design has a more rugged silhouette while evoking a fashion-forward yet militaristic vibe. Compositionally, its bomber boasts a mid-weight flight nylon construction and Ottoman knit cuffs; plus, the piece is reversible, so it’s arguably the most versatile option you’ll find in this comprehensive guide.

This absolutely classic nylon bomber is soft and lightweight, with a warm quilted lining and a water-resistant finish. It checks nearly every classic box you want an MA-1 bomber to check (which is no surprise, given Alpha Industries’ history), with a fit that sits right above the hip, and an iconic reversible design revealing the orange polyester underneath. The fill provides nice warmth and weight (especially in the sleeves, which felt particularly thick), and works well with the water resistance to give you enough protection in the elements. For storage, you get two inner welt pockets, two flap pockets on the sides, and the iconic utility pocket on the sleeve (with Alpha Indsutries’ signature red ribbon to tie it all together). With a look that’s somehow managed to stay modern even after all these years, Alpha Industries offers multiple versions of the MA-1, but this jacket has been designed after the classic military specs of the OG. As for the construction, the jacket is expertly stitched and lightweight, even with the polyester fill.

I do have a few minor complaints with this bomber, starting with the size of the sleeves, which are quite big and thick. On the one hand, this is great for trapping heat and keeping you warm, but it might look a bit baggy on smaller people. The jacket kind of runs large in general as well, resulting in a somewhat puffy look that I don’t think is necessarily bad, but you may want to go down a size if you want a more true-to-size fit.

Verdict: The MA-1 is an absolutely iconic bomber originally designed by Alpha Industries, making it a no-brainer choice if you want a truly classic design. While the sleeves can be a little baggy, it fits like a true-blue bomber, and has a look that will never go out of style, with a polyester fill that makes this a solid winter choice as well.

Todd Snyder Italian Quilted Down Snap Bomber

Best Down Bomber: Leave it to Todd Snyder to find a way to elevate the bomber to an even more stylish and practical level. Todd Snyder’s Italian Down Quilted Snap Bomber combines the warmth and versatility of puffer jackets with the rugged silhouette of a traditional bomber. This modern interpretation of a classic has a construction made of 100% Italian diamond-quilted nylon, snap pockets, and an added chest compartment. Plus, the added insulation will keep you warm and stylish in the winter weather.

Using Italian nylon and duck down, this lightweight and plush bomber provided reliable insulation in the cold, and was a personal favorite because of the distinct, stylish design. The diamond quilt is a nice stylistic touch and definitely elevates the look, with a chest pocket on the outside adding to the unique style (inspired by retro mountaineering jackets). As a California publication, our team unanimously appreciated the lightweight warmth this bomber provided (ideal for California winter), along with the modern, down jacket-like look that we haven’t really seen any other bomber attempt. You get two hand pockets on the side and a snap button closure for easy adjustments, along with ribbed cuffs and a ribbed collar that feel incredibly soft. The stitches along the seams of the diamond quilt are tight and clean, and I was really impressed by how durable the jacket feels overall.

While I really appreciated the overall lightweight construction of this jacket, especially for California winter, I do feel that it may be a little too light for harsher climates like the East Coast. Depending on the temp, I’m sure you could pair the bomber with a warm layer underneath (like a wool long-sleeve) to get enough warmth, but you may want something more heavy-duty depending on your needs. However, the 650-fill power-down should keep you warm down to temps in the 40s/late 30s and is still a solid winter choice.

Verdict: Combing the warmth and style of a quilted down jacket with the classic design of a bomber, Todd Snyder’s cold weather redesign is a stylish choice that looks truly unique. The duck-down filling also makes this a great winter jacket that’s lightweight yet still incredibly warm.

Buck Mason Bruiser Leather Bomber Jacket

Best Leather Bomber: By fusing two menswear essentials into one impeccable garment, Buck Mason managed to up the ante with its Bruiser Bomber Leather Jacket. The handsome piece of outerwear packs a punch with its streamlined design and semi-vegetable-tanned lambskin construction that undergoes a unique two-stage dye process, with the second dye ensuring a fantastic patina. Then, it’s rounded out with traditional zip pockets and moisture-wicking Bemberg lining. Despite its rough-and-tumble design, the Bruiser’s partially eco-conscious build makes it more flexible than traditional calf leather, translating to a comfortable fit on its first wear.

I instantly felt how supple the lambskin leather on this jacket was, and it fit similarly to Everlane’s bomber with a flattering true-to-size fit. This jacket combines the style of a moto jacket with a bomber, using a special process that involves dyeing the leather crust, and applying another top dye to give the semi-vegetable tanned leather a natural patina. On top of that, the jacket is garment-washed to elevate the already soft properties of the lambskin, resulting in a jacket that feels like you’ve owned it for years, bolstered by the waxed and hand-burnished finish. The moisture-wicking properties of the Bemberg lining also make this an ideal pick for spring and fall. Yes, the leather feels incredible, and the jacket is comfortable overall, but the highlight of this pick for me is how the jacket looks when wearing it. The blend of motorcycle and bomber jacket style is unique without being flashy, and sleek without being flimsy. Also like Everlane’s bomber, I felt that this pick struck a nice balance between semi-formal and casual, with a look that can be dressed up or down according to your needs.

I was hard-pressed to really find anything that I disliked about this jacket, but a very mild critique I have is the warmth it would be able to offer in colder weather. I personally felt the warmth it provided at around 58°F was more than enough, even with just a T-shirt on, and the addition of wool in the ribbed cuffs and waist certainly added to it. But also like Everlane’s bomber, Buck Mason is more concerned with style and craftsmanship this time around, and those living in particularly cold climates may need extra protection.

Verdict: Buck Mason strikes the perfect balance between a bomber and a moto jacket with this sleek and supple offering, using premium lambskin leather that feels incredibly soft yet durable. Like Todd Snyder’s quilted-down variation, the blend of styles here makes for a fashion-forward pick that will only look better with age.

Golden Bear The Carter

Best Premium Bomber: Few American heritage brands hold as cherished an ethos as Golden Bear, and timeless investment pieces such as this are a premier example of why. Founded in 1922, the San Francisco-based label makes one-of-a-kind jackets from premium materials here in the States, supplying and collaborating with some of our favorite brands like Flint and Tinder, Kith, and Reigning Champ.

Incredibly luxurious and noticeably soft, while Golden Bears jackets are made to order for quite the pretty penny (the one we tested will set you back $1,295), they’re definitely worth it if you have the budget and are looking for true heirloom quality. It’s made with a genuine naked cowhide that feels buttery smooth, with a noticeable character to it that will only look better with age. The charcoal wool body lining is great for warmth (along with the overall heavyweight construction of the jacket), and the satin lining in the sleeves makes it feel great to wear casually with a tee or with something thicker like a crewneck. One thing I really like about this jacket is the side entry on the patch pockets in the front, allowing you to rest your hands naturally (rather than awkwardly trying to stuff them in the patches). Up top, the sherpa collar is made with plush sheep fur and feels quite soft against the skin; it’s removable, too, so you can customize the look and warmth. Between the immaculate stitching, premium animal hide, and the classic, G-1-inspired design, this jacket is sure to last for decades.

Honestly, the only thing going against this jacket is the hefty price tag. In a perfect world, every bomber would have this much attention to detail and level of craftsmanship, but it takes a considerable amount of time to make something this high-quality, and the price reflects that.

Verdict: If you have the budget, Golden Bear’s bombers are the way to go, especially considering the label’s 100-plus years of experience crafting premium jackets. Do keep in mind that the jackets are made to order, and The Carter may not be available in the future.

Bomber Jackets Comparison Chart

A Brief Bomber Jacket History

As its name suggests, the bomber jacket (also known as a flight jacket) was the garment of choice for pilots during WWI. At that point in history, bomber planes didn’t have cockpits, so pilots had to wear a warm, insulating jacket to keep from freezing while flying at high altitudes. The first standard flight jacket, the Type A-1, was introduced to the U.S. Army in 1927. It was made of sheepskin, horsehide, or goatskin leather and had a knit collar and cuffs to better insulate the pilots.

Flight jackets would have several different permutations as time progressed until the B-series jackets came along. These jackets were made for high-altitude flights and served as the template for the bomber we all know and love: the MA-1. Designed by Dobbs Industries (which would later become Alpha Industries), the MA-1 was introduced in 1949 to the U.S. Army and offered a lightweight construction and a wool knit collar that allowed soldiers to wear it in warmer weather. The bomber’s versatility, simplicity, and accessibility immediately made it a sought-after garment around the world.

In Asia, the bomber became popular in post-WWII Japan as the Sukajan (souvenir jacket), which was inspired by the bombers worn by servicemen stationed in the naval base city of Yokosuka. In England, the bomber’s rugged silhouette was first adopted by the blue-collar skinhead subculture in the 1960s. As the skinhead movement became increasingly radicalized and homophobic, near the late ’70s, London’s LGBTQ+ community adopted the bomber in protest to the skinheads’ hyper-masculine agenda. In all three settings, the bomber was a symbol of counterculture before becoming a fashion staple. It was also a stateside symbol of counterculture, as it was the preferred jacket of the grunge movement in the ’90s and the hip-hop movement of the early 2000s.

Key Phrases To Know

MA-1: If you see “MA-1” in the name of a jacket, it means the label is using the original MA-1 jacket from Alpha Industries as inspiration for their jacket (and usually stays pretty faithful to the OG).

A-2: Given that bomber jackets are an offshoot of flight jackets, there are a few key silhouettes that helped define the style. The A-2 is undoubtedly one of them, and is probably the jacket that comes to mind when you think of a bomber.

G-1: The G-1 is another important bomber predecessor from WWII and sports the iconic fur-lined collar. It’s used as a uniform to this day for officers and aviation personnel in the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines.

Ribbed: Ribbed fabric features raised vertical ridges, achieved by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches. For bombers, you’ll often find ribbed fabric at the collar, cuffs, and hem.

Shearling: Shearling refers to the hide of a sheep or lamb that has been recently sheared, tanned, and dressed, retaining its wool. One side has a suede surface, and the other has a trimmed fur surface.

Blood Chit: Popularly worn on the A-2 jacket, a blood chit is a piece of fabric that was woven into the jacket to let the Chinese military know that the wearer is an American soldier who lost their plane (and needs help). This was popularized by the Flying Tigers in the early ’40s, which was the first group of American soldiers to fight alongside the Chinese in WWII. You’ll find them sewn on the inside of the jacket, and they’ll usually have an American flag, so if you see a bomber at a thrift store with one of these, grab it immediately.

How to Style a Bomber

Bombers are incredibly versatile and can easily be dressed up with a pair of chinos and dress shoes, or worn casually with something like a henley. For a more formal look, try to avoid wearing casual garments like T-shirts underneath, and opt for something more sophisticated like a (not bulky) sweater or a button-up. While there are plenty of styling options, try to keep the layers underneath the jacket light, and limit yourself to two of them.

For the bottoms, as long as you’re not wearing shorts with the jacket (please don’t), most pants will look good, with a few exceptions. Try to stick with a straight-cut pair of pants, and avoid things like skinny jeans, baggy pants, and cargo pants. At the end of the day, bombers are still considered a casual piece of clothing, especially in military circles where the jackets have patches sewn into them to denote affiliations/squadrons.

On top of the bomber’s versatility, the style itself has nearly a hundred years of proven staying power in the fashion scene. Sure, the space is always evolving, but bomber jackets are an undeniable staple in men’s fashion, much like a pair of Chucks or chinos.

Honorable Mentions

The Real McCoy’s Type MA-1 jacket is an absolute classic that we love over at HICONSUMPTION, from a Japanese boutique that takes tons of inspiration from old-school American designs. Based on the MA-1, this Japanese-made bomber is made with nylon 66 (a durable flame-resistant fabric).

While lululemon is better known for its athleisure, the label’s Switch Over Bomber Jacket is quite impressive, boasting a clean silhouette that’s similar to Everlane’s bomber. It’s made with a water-resistant cotton blend and features a reversible design.

If you like simple, no-nonsense bombers that will look good with pretty much anything, Bonobos’ The Boulevard Bomber is another great choice. Using a blend of nylon and cotton, you get a lightweight jacket that fits true to size.

Serving as a more sustainable option, Taylor Stich’s The Able Nylon Jacket uses 100% recycled nylon and vertical quilting filled with recycled polyester to create a warm and eco-conscious bomber.

We decided not to include a letterman jacket in this guide as they’re not technically bombers, but this pick from Stewart & Strauss Black Wool Gold Leather Varsity Jacket is a great choice if that’s what you’re looking for.

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