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12 Best Men’s Bomber Jackets Pay Homage to a Classic
What’s the key focus of a menswear wardrobe? Is it comfort? Functionality? Style and heritage? How about a dash of each pulled from those categories and dialed down to one standout piece of outerwear?
That’s what the best bomber jackets add to your closet, with history in spades and casually cool looks to work with plenty of other style favorites.
- Built for action: Bomber jackets were made for anything, with a ribbed collar and cuffs for a snug fit and a hip-length cut offering ease of movement in air and on land.
- Historically cool, fashionably modern: Once trusted by pilots, bomber jackets now have modern cuts, modern fabric – including waxed cotton and wool options – and details that can even be dressed up slightly.
- Effortlessly cool: The bomber jacket is a prime casual style pick – it looks especially great when worn over a simple, crisp T-shirt or henley, or with jeans or joggers.
Favored by pilots (as the name would imply), the bomber jacket rests among the cotton chino pant and the white T-shirt as durable military staples turned into versatile must-haves for the modern man.
Some of today’s 21st-century models stick to the specs of the original style, and others use rugged materials like waxed fabric and a more tailored cut. Either way, the bomber jacket is a grab-and-go style with classic appeal, and these are the ones we love now.
In my opinion, few men’s clothing brands strike the right balance between the core pillars of a menswear wardrobe – comfort, style, utility and heritage – quite like Buck Mason. That makes its Storm Stopper Bomber Jacket a true essential, with a fully lined interior, a classic fit and a water-repellent finish.
Buck Mason Storm Stopper Bomber Jacket
Although prized as a casual style move these days, the best bomber jackets still boast top-notch functionality. This jacket is a prime example, with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, plus a PrimaLoft insulated interior. In matters of style, it’s versatile enough for your entire wardrobe.
Flint and Tinder Golden Bear Leather Bomber
They don’t make bomber jackets like they used to, except in the case of our favorites – and this handsome, heritage-quality leather bomber qualifies.
Made by famed San Francisco jacket makers Golden Bear in partnership with Flint and Tinder, it uses rich nubuck leather and an elegant, functional removable sherpa collar.
Alpha Industries MA-1 Heritage Bomber Jacket
If ever there were a bomber jacket that defined the category, it might be the Alpha Industries MA-1.
Originally made for the military, it’s since crossed over into the mainstream, with flight nylon construction, a vivid orange lining and a wide range of sizes available for crisp, cool looks.
Bill Kelso Manufacturing Bomber Jackets
True menswear essentials stand the test of time, and stand out while doing so. Take Bill Kelso’s handsome, rugged and yes, timeless wares.
They’ve scoured the market for the most authentic, genuine bomber jackets out there, down to the contract, style and design awarded to the original manufacturer. The results? Impossibly stylish, useful and made to last.
Bradley Mountain G-1 Waxed Bomber Jacket
The best bomber jackets have taken on many forms over the years, with different styles used for different pursuits. Bradley Mountain pays homage to the iconic G-1 with this beautiful, waxed canvas edition, using flannel-lined sleeves for comfort.
Eddie Bauer Skyliner Waxed Jacket
Bomber jackets have a true heritage in the skies, but what about high alpine summits?
Eddie Bauer himself dreamed up the legendary Skyliner Jacket, which was warm enough to help cold-weather explorers in frigid weather, and gets an upgrade via a Huckberry-exclusive colorway and weather-ready finish.
Billy Reid Collegiate Bomber
Billy Reid draws inspiration from menswear icons, and then uses flair and refinement to make them downright remarkable for today’s stylish guy.
The Collegiate Bomber uses rich herringbone wool for warmth and horizontal stitching for sleek style day after day.
Bonobos The Boulevard Bomber
The thing I personally love about bomber jackets is the fact that you don’t have to overthink it. The style is casually cool enough to wear with jeans and a tee or with chinos and an Oxford shirt.
That’s exactly how Bonobos designed this sleek, sharp bomber jacket. The cotton-nylon blend is also lightweight and layering-friendly.
Everlane The Bomber Jacket
It’s like we said: The best bomber jackets pair seamlessly with everything from jeans to chinos and corduroy pants.
Everlane designed this water-resistant bomber to work with its entire line, right down to the neutral, classic color selections. Handy details like magnetic-closure pockets make for easy EDC gear access.
L.L. Bean 3-Season Bomber Jacket
The best bomber jackets help bridge the gap between seasons, as the name of this classic L.L. Bean number indicates.
The heritage brand is true to its word, using a durable recycled nylon shell and cozy fleece lining for added warmth in inclement weather. Add your Bean Boots and cold temperatures don’t stand a chance.
Alex Mill Dean Bomber Jacket
In my personal experience, the bomber jacket is something you needn’t worry too much about. That is, when you wear this Alex Mill bomber jacket over a soft garment-dyed tee and stretch jeans, it functions as a slightly rugged yet polished layer, no doubt about it. Want to look cool and on-point? The best bomber jackets deliver.
Iron and Resin Vandenberg Jacket
Regardless of how much time you spend on the open road, or whether or not you own the kind of bike beloved by the team at Iron and Resin, a hard-working bomber jacket can always come in handy.
Made from a supple yet tough Bedford cord in three washed-out colorways, this flight-inspired bomber jacket boasts useful EDC pockets and a cinch collar, cuffs and waist for a secure fit anywhere you roam.
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