Bomber Jacket Style Guide

Bomber Jacket Style Guide

Once a bulky leather jacket made for pilots, now a versatile piece every man needs in his wardrobe. The bomber jacket comes in a wide variety of materials and colours. We will take you through the different types available and how you should be wearing them.

What is a bomber jacket?

A bomber jacket is a style designed like the flight jackets that pilots and flight crew wear. Originally bomber jackets were made of leather but nylon bombers have been available since 1942.

Typically, a modern bomber jacket will have ribbed cuffs and hem, front zip closure and a defined neckline.  A wide range of styles and fits are now available including standard waist length designs, longlines and also some with hoods.

How to wear a bomber jacket

As there are so many bomber jacket designs available, knowing the right one to buy and how to style it can be difficult. This is why Mainline Menswear have made it simple for you with the guide below.

Casual:

To create a casual look, wear your bomber with a pair of ripped jeans and a t-shirt (in colder months you can opt for a sweatshirt or checked shirt over the top). Ensure you keep your jeans skinny, as the oversized fit of the jacket on the top half would not complement wider-fit bottoms. When it comes to footwear, choose your favourite pair of Converse and you’re good to go.

Left to Right: Levis Line 8 Bomber Jacket | Alpha Industries MA 1 TT Bomber Jacket | True Religion Bomber Jacket

Smart Casual:

Smart casual can be a difficult one to perfect. Seeing as though your jacket is more on the casual side, pair it with an Oxford shirt and more relaxed trousers such as light-coloured chinos – keeping them slim fit. Finish off your smart casual look with a pair of desert shoes.

Left to Right: Levis Thermore Bomber Jacket | Lyle & Scott Bomber Jacket | Armani Jeans Full Zip Bomber Jacket

Smart:

A bomber jacket isn’t the first thing you think of when planning an outfit for a more formal event. However, the bomber can look great with formal wear, if you do it right. Wear your bomber with smart trousers cropped at the ankle and a formal shirt. Keep the colours neutral and let the jacket make a statement.

Left to Right: Lacoste Bomber Jacket | Alpha Industries MA 1 VF LW Bomber Jacket | G-Star Raw Rakam Bomber Jacket

Longline bomber jackets:

A popular variation of the traditional bomber jacket is the longline style. Although you may think this length will be harder to style, treat it as you would a cropped bomber. Longline bombers are usually better for a smarter outfit as it is more tailored, making it less bulky than the cropped version.

Adidas Originals Tactics Bomber Jacket

With the many variations of bomber jackets available now, you’ll be able to create endless looks with this wardrobe staple. Whether you’re dressing for a casual or formal occasion, you can always count on a bomber jacket.