What Is a Bomber Jacket? Style, Fashion & When to Wear One

Bomber jackets are not mere utility items but are loved and worn as fashion accessories to create memorable looks. The short jacket style has been around for 100 years and is characterised by its ribbed neck, cuffs and waistband. Through the years, bomber jackets have become an indispensable part of the fashion wardrobes of both men and women. 

What is a bomber jacket?

Brown chrome appliqué bomber jacket

Bomber jackets originated during World War I. The jackets were designed to keep fighter pilots warm in open-cockpit planes. The original bomber jackets were made from horse leather or sealskin and lined with fur. Over the years, the jacket went through several advancements in terms of design elements and materials used to make it more efficient and comfortable to wear.

The characteristics that make bomber jackets stand apart from other jacket styles are their distinctive design elements, including their cropped length and ribbed cuffs, collar, and waistband.

The commercial popularity of bomber jackets began in the 1960s and 1970s, as they started to integrate into various subcultures, particularly in Europe and the U.S. With top Hollywood stars wearing and endorsing them through their movie characters, bomber jackets secured a permanent spot in the closets of fashion enthusiasts.

The popularity of these jackets kept growing over the years and gradually became an indispensable part of the global fashion scenario. 

Are Bomber Jackets Fashionable?  

CENDA EMBELLISHED FLEECE JACKET - Falguni Shane Peacock

Bomber jackets have been around for over 100 years and have stood the test of time, survived through a rigorous fashion evolution and are still one of the most popular jacket styles for both men and women. Bomber jackets for women can be used to create a variety of looks, ranging from streetwear to high fashion, making them a fashionably relevant item in the fashion scenario. 

Some of the reasons that make bomber jackets for women a fashion-worthy accessory are: 

Versatility: Bomber jackets are one of the most versatile jacket styles for both men and women. These short-silhouetted jackets can be styled for both casual and semi-formal occasions seamlessly. 

Style Quotient: Bomber jackets have endured fashion evolutions and have managed to stay fashionably relevant over the years. 

Adaptability: Bomber jackets have adapted to different fashion scenarios over the years, making required changes to the fabric choices, patterns, colours and embellishments used. 

Functionality: Bomber jackets are not just about fashion. These are highly functional garments that are worn for warmth and protection, making them a practical choice. 

When Are Bomber Jackets Worn?

PURPLE FSP MONOGRAMMED BOMBER SET - Falguni Shane Peacock

The versatility of bomber jackets allows you to wear them on various occasions and in different settings all year round. Apart from leather, bomber jackets are now available in a variety of fabric options to serve different purposes and seasons. 

Bomber jackets for men are the perfect trans-seasonal option, as these can be styled with your everyday outfits to add the right amount of warmth without making you feel bulky. These may not be your first choice during winters, but you can create a warm yet fashionable look with a chunky sweater underneath. 

For the hot and humid weather, you can opt for lightweight bomber jackets made from breathable fabrics, such as silk, cotton, or linen, to add a fashionable touch.

What are some bomber jacket style essentials?

Proper styling is a must if you want to create a bomber jacket look that will go down the fashion memory lane influentially. There are certain styling essentials which can help you achieve that. 

Layering: Layer your bomber jacket or bomber sets for women with a t-shirt, shirt, sweater or sweatshirt to create warmth and style.

Bottoms: Experiment with all sorts of bottom wear, including chinos, jeans, skirts, shorts, and even joggers to create distinctive looks. 

Footwear: Depending on the type of look you want to create, you can style your bomber jacket with different types of footwear. From sneakers to boots to heels, you can pair your jacket with any footwear of your choice.

Accessories: Add personality to your look with the right type of accessories. Hats, bags, scarves and jewellery pieces are a great addition to elevate your bomber jacket look.

Colour coordination: Create a symphony of colours by using them sensibly. Use neutral colours to create easy-to-carry, laid-back looks. While bold colours and patterns can be used to create statement looks.

Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Bomber Jacket Design

FSP Pink monogrammed bomber set

Finding the perfect bomber jacket can elevate your fashion game like no other. But how to pick the best bomber jacket design? There are certain factors which you must consider when buying a bomber jacket. 

Pick the right material: The original bomber jacket was made out of leather to provide maximum insulation for fighter pilots. However, times have changed today, and bomber jackets are now available in a plethora of fabrics to match different requirements and fashion preferences. From leather and fleece to silk and nylon, there is a bomber jacket for all your fashion needs. If warmth is your priority, go with the classic leather jacket. 

Pick suitable colours and patterns: Is there anything more versatile than a black bomber jacket? We don’t think so. A perfectly fitted black bomber jacket or a bomber set for men is a wardrobe staple that can help you create innumerable fashionable looks.

Neutral colours and earthy tones are also great picks if you want a softer alternative to black while adding variety to your fashion closet. Colours such as beige, olive, brown, and navy are some great options if you want to explore this colour spectrum.

Bold colours, vibrant prints and embellishments are some must-have women’s bomber jacket stylesl for those who want to create a statement look. Pair your statement bomber jacket with a simple outfit to make the jacket stand out. 

Ensure a seamless fit: A bomber jacket should have a snug fit but be comfortable enough to move around freely.

  • The shoulders of the jacket should align perfectly with your shoulders for a seamless fit. Droopy shoulders will make you look shabby, and shoulders too tight will restrict movement.
  • The sleeves should end right over the wrist bone.
  • The length of a bomber jacket should traditionally sit below your waist, above your hips. But you can choose a length as per your preference.
  • It is recommended to get a jacket that will leave some room, as you will wear it with a layer or two underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Bomber Jackets

What is a bomber jacket?

A bomber jacket is a short-silhouetted jacket that has a very distinctive shape, featuring a ribbed collar, cuffs, and waistband. The jacket was originally designed for fighter pilots during World War I to keep them warm and insulated in open-cockpit planes. 

As fashion evolved, the jacket gained popularity among Hollywood celebrities during the 1980s and 90s and then swiftly made its way into American pop culture. Fairly soon after that, bomber jackets became a mainstream fashion item, worn by people from all walks of life. 

Are bomber jackets and flight jackets the same thing? 

Yes, bomber jackets and flight jackets are the same. Originally, bomber jackets were called fighter jackets, as these were designed for fighter pilots during World War. The term bomber jacket is a more commercialised and recent term used to acknowledge the popular jacket style.

What makes a bomber jacket different from other jackets? 

The bomber jacket offers a distinctive look with its cropped silhouette and ribbed elements. Bomber jackets are not just a utility item, as you can style them in various settings and for different occasions to create distinctive, fashionable looks. 

How should a bomber jacket fit? 

A bomber jacket should fit you snugly, but should not be too tight. You should be able to have a free range of motion without feeling restricted. The length of the sleeve should end right over the wrist bone for a polished look. The length of the bomber jacket should end at the hip, as anything shorter may look boxy and longer ones may look shabby.

Are bomber jackets still in style? 

Yes, bomber jackets are still in style, and fashion-loving individuals always have bomber jackets as part of their fashion wardrobe.

Where can you shop for designer bomber jackets for women?

Faguni Shane Peacock is one of the most revered luxury designer brands to shop for bomber jackets for women. From classic bomber jackets to embellished and printed ones, you can explore an exquisite range of jackets and bomber sets for women.

What are some must-have women’s bomber jackets?

Some of the most popular women’s bomber jacket styles include leather bomber jackets, printed bomber jackets, embellished bomber jackets and silk bomber jackets.