Bombs away: The best bomber jackets for men
Hitting the sweet spot between smart and casual, the bomber jacket has become a modern-day essential
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Versatile, flattering and timelessly stylish, bomber jackets are a sartorial staple in the wardrobe of any well-dressed man (or woman). Originally designed for American fighter pilots during the Second World War, like the tried and tested trench coat, the bomber jacket has transcended its beginnings as military utilitarian wear to become an icon of contemporary style. Later adopted by skinheads and punks in the 1960s and ’70s, by the late ’90s, the bomber had become a symbol of the anti-fashion movement, and as such, high fashion designers, including Rick Owens and Raf Simons, began to send their own bomber jackets down the runways.
Now a firm favourite of the street style set, with fans including Kanye West and David Beckham, the bomber jacket is the ideal trans-seasonal piece to level up your classic jeans-and-a-white-T-shirt look. To best integrate your new bomber jacket into your existing wardrobe, you’re better off plumping for neutral shades – black, brown, navy blue, even forest green and khaki – that won’t clash, and will make styling your look that much easier. Alternatively, if you’re looking to make a statement a la Ryan Gosling in Drive, disregard that advice entirely and go for bright colours (white and metallic shades work equally well) with contrasting embroidery or appliquéed motifs.
So, whether you’re keeping things toned down or going balls-to-the-wall with your style, these are the best bomber jackets to buy right now.
Acne Studios bomber jacket
With its dappled cotton fabric, this relaxed bomber jacket by Acne Studios is perfectly pared-back. With a ribbed hem and cuffs, the mid-length jacket features logo-embroidered flap pockets. This is the perfect jacket for easy layering over every outfit.
Alphatauri reversible bomber jacket
Not satisfied with only producing state-of-the-art F1 cars for Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri has since launched a standalone fashion brand combining innovative textile technology with directional design and top-tier fabrics for a seamlessly suave aesthetic. Crafted from recycled fibres, this lightweight waterproof jacket is reversible and has been tailored for a streamlined silhouette – much like AlphaTauri’s racecars.
Off-White College Souvenir bomber jacket
Made to steal the show no matter where you are, this sky blue Off-White bomber jacket is a slice of modern Americana. Complete with striped detailing at the ribbed hem, collar and cuffs and vintage sport-style embroidery on the back, this piece will work best with a monochrome outfit.
Amiri Bones bomber jacket
Amiri’s bomber jacket is the perfect way to add a subtle edge to your look. Made from a textured wool blend, it features bone patches on the sleeves with ribbed ribbons on the hem and cuffs. Supplement the jacket’s sporty vibe with some baggy jeans and chunky trainers.
Burberry leather bomber jacket
Burberry chose supple lambskin for its luxe take on the classic bomber jacket. Rendered in all black, with side jet pockets and rib-knit trims, this suave jacket shows that, sometimes, less really is more.
Givenchy 1952 bomber jacket
If you’re looking to make a style statement, Givenchy’s varsity-inspired bomber jacket is sure to do the trick – the French fashion house has certainly not held back with this eye-catching design. Made in Italy, it features contrast piping on the shoulders, welt pockets and embroidered detailing across the chest.
John Smedley baseball collar bomber jacket
Lightweight and luxuriously soft, this slim-fitting bomber jacket from heritage knitwear brand John Smedley is crafted from 100 per cent Merino wool. Elegant in its simplicity, wear with jeans and your best white trainers for a laidback look, or with a rollneck, chinos and a pair of Chelsea boots for seriously sharp style.
Parajumpers Flame bomber jacket
Offering supreme protection from the elements, Parajumpers’ bomber jacket is guaranteed to see you through winter. Cut from nylon ripstop with a polyurethane coating on the back and the brand’s signature hardware clasp closure, the Flame bomber jacket is the epitome of fashion-meets-function.
Thom Browne bomber jacket
Adorned with the brand’s hallmark 4-bar stripe, Thom Browne’s wool bomber jacket is cut for a straight fit. Exemplifying the brand’s off-beat preppy style, it features contrasting leather sleeves along with ribbed trims. Wear with your favourite black jeans and chunky trainers.
Read more: The best loafers for men
