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.
A Brief History of the Bomber
Where Military Meets Style
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 for 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.
Now that we’ve covered a brief history of the bomber’s importance, let’s dive into our picks of the best bomber jackets for men currently on offer.
The Best Bomber Jackets To Buy Right Now
LEVI’S Unlined Bomber
The Starter: 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 nylon-composed satin construction 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. That said, the heritage brand’s construction and quality have fallen off since its mid-century heyday, but pieces as timeless as this arguably look better with proper aging.
Recap
Levi’s Unlined Bomber
An entry-level piece that still screams Americana.
Pros
- No gimmicks
- Loads of pockets
Cons
- Lack of lining provides little warmth
Alpha Industries MA-1
The Safest Bet: 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.
Recap
Alpha Industries MA-1
An iconic piece of outerwear from the brand who pioneered it.
Pros
- Boasts a traditional construction
- Reversible design for versatile wear
Cons
- None — it doesn’t get more genuine than this
Taylor Stitch Quilted Bomber Jacket
The Best Quilted Bomber: When it comes to blending proper warmth and timeless style, the folks at Taylor Stitch outdid themselves when making its quilted bomber jacket. The Bay Area-bred brand partnered with world-renowned Halley Stevensons to make a responsibly built bomber with fully sustainable construction. Its 100% organic cotton dry wax build gives it a waterproof finish, while the lining and quilted filling are made of 100% recycled nylon and polyester, respectively. 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.
Recap
Taylor Stitch Quilted Bomber Jacket
A more weather-ready spin on the popular garment.
Pros
- Cotton dry wax construction holds up in colder weather
- Sustainably-made
Cons
- Runs a bit small
Buck Mason Bruiser Leather Jacket
The 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.
Recap
Buck Mason Bruiser Leather Jacket
High-quality style matched by an even smoother feel.
Pros
- Bemberg lining keeps things lightweight
- Lambskin undergoes a two-stage dye process to guarantee a great patina
Cons
- Zippers could be a bit stronger
- Its vintage inspiration is a cool touch but tends to look cropped
Golden Bear Suede Bomber Jacket
The 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 as to why. The California clothier’s suede-crafted bomber is constructed from pure goat suede, one of the textile world’s most supple materials by a mile. Moving on to its cozy trim and interior, the jacket’s wool and polyester-made satin composition ensures nothing but rugged longevity and unapologetic coolness for years to come. And while this isn’t Golden Bear’s only example of a bomber, the deep green-colored option is undoubtedly one of its finest.
Recap
Golden Bear Suede Bomber Jacket
An investment piece for fans of anything green.
Pros
- Supple goat suede construction
- Built to last for years to come
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
- Cleaning can be a hassle
Best Of The Rest
Our Other Favorite Bombers
Everlane The Bomber Jacket
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. Add to that its lean price, and you’ve got a must-have bomber.
Bonobos The Boulevard Bomber Jacket
With a bomber as stylish and well-made as the Boulevard, it’s hard to believe that Bonobos started out making pants. The Boulevard offers a classic silhouette with an understated yet classy design. It’s slimmer fitting and has a really smooth, matte texture that evokes a modern vibe. Bonobos’ offering features single-welt hand pockets with snaps to secure your belongings, a cotton and nylon construction, and an array of four colors to choose from.
Brixton Dillinger Reserve Suede Bomber Jacket
This Southern California-bred brand acknowledges the bomber’s stateside history, touting its suede-crafted option as “an Americana staple with vintage roots.” In our eyes, the humble clothier’s take on the matter is a wallet-friendly alternative to Golden Bear’s premium offering. Its traditional design still promotes idealized longevity thanks to a durable suede exterior, ribbed collar, hem, and roomy welt pockets. Whether you’re dressing it up or down, you won’t regret picking up this enviously soft piece.
Todd Snyder Italian Quilted Down Snap 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 frigid winter weather.
Sunspel Knit Bomber Jacket
The usual bomber jacket features either a nylon shell or some sort of leather outer — this, meanwhile, is not the usual bomber. Sunspel’s handsome Knit Bomber Jacket is one of the softest options on our guide, as the English heritage label takes the traditional construction for a whirl by composing it out of luxe lambswool and plush cashmere. This is the perfect pick if you can’t decide whether you want to wear a jacket or a sweater.
Hartford Fleece and Cotton-Corduroy Bomber Jacket
Hartford shows off a unique construction method with its cozy spin on the bomber jacket, and it’s arguably the warmest option you’ll find in our guide. Composed of insulated fleece and finished with cotton-corduroy panels, the French-made piece offers a distinguished design that you’ll typically see on French chore coats, deeming this a seamless bridge between two quintessential menswear staples.
The Real McCoy’s Flying Winter Type-C-2 Vest
Japanese boutique The Real McCoy’s takes tons of inspiration from old-school American designs, leaving us in awe of its unique Type C-2 Flying Winter Vest. It serves as an eye-catching bridge between the iconic bomber and premium knitwear. While the piece is cut and shaped like a traditional bomber jacket, it features different elements, including a single bucket pocket, a set of raglan sleeves, and a tight-fitting wool construction that we typically don’t find on the prototypical bomber — that said, The Real McCoy’s is far from the prototypical brand.
The Best Trucker Jackets for Men
Familiarize yourself with another wardrobe essential with our guide to the best trucker jackets.
