The bomber jacket is a truly unique piece of clothing. Even though it was originally created to keep military pilots warm whilst up in the sky, it has become stylised and fashionable over the years, not belonging to any one look. This gives it a one-of-a-kind versatility that can work in many different contexts, whether you opt for black leather or the classic army green fabric.
From colour to cuffs, this guide will walk you through the main things to look for when purchasing this iconic piece of outerwear. After that, we’ll show you our ten favourite men's bomber and flight jackets available to order right now from Amazon, John Lewis and ASOS, featuring high street and designer brands such as Topman, Alpha Industries and Ted Baker.
Quick List - Top Bomber Jackets for Men
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While many of us will know that what we want is a bomber jacket, there’s no harm in understanding some of the nuances that separate the different styles within this category. In this section, we’ll contemplate some of the defining features such as materials, colours and pockets.
Without a doubt, the first thing to think about when it comes to bomber jackets is the material. Traditionally, they were made from either leather or suede because these are both tough and durable, so if you're looking for a coat that lasts and you like the classic look, this could be the material for you.
Leather and suede are also warm – after all, the people wearing them were working at 50,000 feet – so consider this if you want something you can wear during the colder months that's more of a coat than a jacket. Of course, leather bombers are also popular with motorcyclists owing to their protective qualities.
However, from varsity to Japanese silk styles and the classic orange-lined, most bombers manufactured today are for fashion purposes, so you’re more likely to find one made from either polyester or nylon. Though their padding can vary, these are lighter and therefore great for layering if required, making them arguably the more versatile choice.
While jacket colour is often a personal preference, it’s worth touching on with a bomber because it really does live in a unique space in the fashion world. Before purchasing, consider what types of occasion and what seasons you mainly want to wear it for; many designers regard neutral colours, such as beige, green, brown or navy, to be better suited to casual wear.
Then, of course, there's the black bomber. Aside from being an easy-to-find choice, it can also be a little more formal, making it a good option if you want a jacket for more exclusive events. That said, black bombers dress down well too – just pair with classic denim, a well-fitted T-shirt and canvas trainers for an effortless off-duty look.
One of the main design features of the bomber is the elasticated cuffs on the waist and sleeves. These additions actually came about later in the jacket's life, but regardless, they will keep you warm by providing better insulation and preventing cold draughts from getting in. For a really toasty winter jacket, look for one that blends a bomber style with an aviator, utilising sherpa or fleece for the collar and/or lining.
The original design of these cuffs was made from a different material – usually wool – but over time, this has changed. Many modern jackets still include the style but will use the same material as the jacket, such as polyester or nylon, instead of real wool. Opting for synthetics will keep the cost down while still maintaining the flight jacket aesthetic.
Finally, consider the pocket situation. These are all about convenience, so as far as we see it, the more, the merrier. With bomber jackets, you can generally expect two side pockets at the very least – perfect for those everyday items such as your wallet or phone, or simply as somewhere to keep your mitts toasty.
Another defining design feature is a sleeve pocket, which do tend to be quite small and therefore may be more about style than practicality. Supposedly, these offered a place to hold pens – something that might not be overly significant today – but they could be helpful for public transport tickets or even a pair of sunglasses if you can squeeze them in!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alpha Industries MA-1 TT Bomber Jacket | ![]() | A Traditional Bomber With Something for Everyone | |
2 | Brandslock Leather Bomber Jacket | ![]() | Great Value for Durable, Genuine Leather | |
3 | Alpha Industries MA1 FLC Reversible Camo Bomber Jacket | ![]() | Reversible With a Cosy Fleece Inner | |
4 | Ted Baker Bars Cotton Blend Bomber Jacket | ![]() | The Contemporary Bomber | |
5 | Levi's Bay Street Bomber Jacket | ![]() | For Those Who Like to Make Bold Fashion Choices | |
6 | Topman MA1 Padded Bomber Jacket | ![]() | Padded for Additional Warmth | |
7 | KEFITEVD Casual Bomber Jacket | ![]() | A Modern Cut With Seven Colour Options | |
8 | Miracle Trading Air Force A-2 Leather Jacket | ![]() | A Casual, Vintage-Style Take | |
9 | Collusion Recycled Polyester Bomber Jacket | ![]() | Good for Your Style and the Planet | |
10 | ASOS Design Bomber Jacket With MA-1 Pocket | ![]() | A Classic Style Without the Cost |
Alpha Industries were always going to be the brand that made our winning jacket – after all, they are to the bomber world what Levi's are to denim – but our favourite from the collection is the MA-1 TT. This is a classic design that works equally as well on its own as it does with other layers.
Furthermore, it's available in a range of neutral colours (plus black, of course) as well as an inclusive size range, so there really is something for everyone. As you'd expect, it has all the hallmarks of a traditional bomber, as well as the company's signature 'Remove Before Flight' tab on the sleeve.
Here, we have another leather option from Brandslock. This has a few defining features that set it apart from many different bombers we've seen before. Firstly, the side pockets are high up on the jacket. Secondly, they've replaced the arm pocket with another zip on the chest, and the collar looks more like something you'd see on a motorcycle coat.
However, with that in mind, there's nothing wrong with being different, and we're rather fond of the design in all three colours of black, brown and tan. Plus, it's made from 100% premium, genuine leather, so it will be long-lasting and durable, which for this price, offers great value for money.
If you're looking for the authentic silhouette and shape of a bomber jacket, then there is nowhere better to shop than with Alpha Industries. The company was born in the late 50s and were given a contract to supply clothing to the U.S Department of Defence, namely the Air Force, so if anyone knows a bomber, it's these guys.
Of course, over time, they grew into the commercial market, and with that came some adaptations, like this FLC reversible jacket. On the outside, you have the classic bomber, but turn it inside out, and you'll get an equally cosy and cool camo-printed fleece. Who said bomber jackets can't be for winter?
Ted Baker has been around for a while and seems to have excellent judgement when it comes to seeing how far they can push design standards. This bomber they've created is a casual, contemporary take on the classic silhouette with detailed panelling, a full-zip, baseball collar and elasticated waist and cuffs.
They've also opted for this attractive off-white, ecru colour, which would look great through several seasons, or there's a navy if you prefer. One exclusive design change they've made is to move the additional pocket from the arm to the chest. It's not traditional, but we have to say, we do like it.
This offering from Levi's might be one of the more unorthodox bombers we've seen, but isn't it a beauty? The design takes inspiration from everywhere, fusing denim with elasticated hems and then adding a sherpa collar for style and warmth.
Therefore, if you're the type of person who likes to make bold, out-there fashion choices, this could be right up your street. The design is cut to a regular length so it'll sit nicely on the waist, and due to the use of denim, we feel like it will also rest a little straighter than a classic bomber jacket.
Although you might not find Topman on our high streets anymore, thankfully, that doesn't mean their quality gear has disappeared for good. Take this killer bomber jacket, for instance, which is well made and also padded for additional warmth.
Described as a regular fit, this is likely going to work in the same context as traditional bombers – a little chunkier on the arms but slim on the body and shoulders. It's made of 100% smooth, crisp nylon and comes with handy poppered side pockets and a couple on the arm, too.
If you're in the market for something a little more formal but without a higher price tag, then the folks at KEFITEVD have got you covered. This bomber has two attributes that point to a slightly more sophisticated style – for one, it has a more fitted cut, and secondly, its lining is the same colour as the outer shell.
Another great feature is that there's an array of colour options to consider, from this deep red to green, grey, blue and, of course, black. Sure, it's a little different from the classic style, but it's pulled it in a modern direction, and we can see why some people would prefer this.
We mentioned the MA-1 style bomber before, but this offering employs a slightly different style known as the (M)A-2. Here, the differences are in the neckline and pockets, with bigger bellow pockets on the body and a more standard jacket collar.
That said, the design still employs the elasticated cuffs and waist, this time with cotton, so it's a good choice for a cosier winter coat. The jacket comes with a distressed look, giving it a vintage, retro-feel right from the off, but if you're wanting something a little more clean-cut, you might be disappointed.
This jacket is sure to please those trying to shop more sustainably as it's made from 100% recycled polyester, meaning that it's not only good for your style but for the planet too. It has all the hallmarks of a classic bomber, with the sleeve pocket and elasticated waist and hems.
Furthermore, there is also a contrasting inner lining, albeit one that appears redder than the traditional orange. It does come with a touch of padding, which might be to the taste of some and not to others, although it's worth remembering that this will also make the jacket warmer.
Getting us underway is this offering from ASOS Design. You might have noticed the term MA-1 in the name, which refers to the style of the bomber. If you're after a jacket with a classic look for a high-street price, then, this could be perfect.
This specific version is made from polyester and cotton with elasticated cuffs and waist, which complement the traditional MA-1 arm pocket. It's worth noting before you buy that this one is known to run a little larger than usual, as to look at its best, a bomber should fit snugly around the shoulders.
Are you of those people who can never have enough coats and jackets? Us too. Whether your signature style is sleek, street or off-duty hiker, we've got lots more inspiration in the men's outerwear articles below.
There you have it – the best bomber jackets for men available right now in the UK. From traditional silhouettes to fresh and contemporary shapes or something that's just completely out there, we hope you've found a suitable fit among our list of recommendations.
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Alpha Industries|MA-1 TT Bomber Jacket
No. 2: Brandslock|Leather Bomber Jacket
No. 3: Alpha Industries|MA1 FLC Reversible Camo Bomber Jacket
No. 4: Ted Baker|Bars Cotton Blend Bomber Jacket
No. 5: Levi's|Bay Street Bomber Jacket
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