Bomber Jacket Styling: 5 Ways to Wear a Bomber Jacket

A bomber jacket is a type of outerwear initially designed as a flight jacket for pilots to wear on military planes during World War II. Bomber jackets were designed to be functional and warm, permitting easy movement while keeping the wearers insulated at high altitudes. The first bomber jackets were made of leather with a fur liner.

Bomber jackets eventually found their way into the popular culture and appear on runways as part of fashion collections. There is a range of styles and materials for bomber jackets, from nylon to suede to silk, made to suit different practical and aesthetic needs.

You can wear a classic bomber jacket with a variety of outfits. Consider the following ways to wear a bomber jacket:

1. 1. Casual: The bomber jacket is a great choice for a laid-back vibe. A minimalist brown suede bomber jacket pairs well with jeans and casual leather shoes, or even sneakers, depending on the cut and the colors. Try adding a hoodie underneath, which can provide extra warmth and can nicely complement the casual-cozy sensibility.
   
2. 2. Retro: Bomber jackets have a retro appeal, given their initial purpose as garments for wartime aviators. Vintage bomber jackets have soft, warm fleece, wool-blend, or wool sherpa collars and are made from sturdy, water-resistant nylon or leather. You can wear a retro bomber jacket over a collared shirt or knit sweater. These will pair well with dark denim jeans or corduroy.
3. 3. Athletic: A popular variation on the bomber jacket style is the varsity jacket or letterman jacket, which features letters or other insignia on the exterior. This jacket has a mid-century sportswear or academic look. You can wear the jacket over a blazer and chinos with boat shoes, tennis sneakers, or loafers. Alternatively, a sporty bomber jacket work with joggers can provide a more updated fitness look.
4. 4. Minimalist: The clean lines of many bomber jacket fits are a great match for a minimalist approach to your outfit. Wear a bomber jacket over a simple white T-shirt, slim-fit jeans, and slip-on shoes for a classic style. You can also pair the jacket with a solid color turtleneck, khakis, and white sneakers to make a statement.

When purchasing a bomber jacket, consider how and where you intend to wear the jacket:

1. 1. Look for a jacket liner. Some of the best bomber jackets come with a removable liner that can be worn on its own. These may be a brighter color and are usually quilted with some degree of warmth protection, adding value and versatility to a single purchase.
2. 2. Coordinate colors. As with any clothing ensemble, bomber jacket styles will benefit from good color coordination. A black bomber jacket will look good with dark or light denim and khakis. If you’re looking for color, but want to keep it classic, a green bomber jacket will pair nicely with blue jeans and leather shoes or boots.
3. 3. Consider the weather. For cold weather, you’ll want to wear a bomber jacket that can stand up to the elements. Some nylon bomber jackets have insulation and a knitted collar, but leather bomber jackets typically have the most resistance to the cold and work as winter coats. Some jackets feature water-repellent materials to handle moisture. You can wear a lightweight bomber made of cotton, linen, or a synthetic blend for warmer months. Lightweight bomber jackets have the same lines as more classic bomber jackets, but are flexible and thinner, allowing for a broader range of outfit ideas.

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