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Hitting the sweet spot between smart and casual, the bomber jacket has become a modern-day essential
23 August 2022 | Ellie Goodman | If you purchase something via our website, we may earn an affiliate commission.
ersatile, 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…
Complete with the classic bright orange lining – traditionally included to help alert rescue crews to the location of stranded servicemen – this organic cotton bomber jacket by Acne Studios is perfectly pared-back. Cut for a relaxed fit and featuring a ribbed collar, hem and cuffs, as well as an adjustable drawstring at the waist and a leather logo patch, it’s the ideal piece to layer over a cosy hoodie on crisp autumnal days.
Cotton bomber jacket, £490, acnestudios.com
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 goat leather and featuring a detachable teddy collar, monogram inner lining and silver metal hardware, this sleek suede bomber jacket has been tailored for a streamlined silhouette – much like AlphaTauri’s racecars.
Suede leather bomber jacket, £899, alphatauri.com
Rendered in army green and cream, Ambush has taken inspiration from the bomber jacket’s military beginnings for its panelled colour block design for AW22. Complete with relaxed drop shoulders, front flap pockets and barely-there logo embroidery on the chest, bomber jackets don’t get much more classic than this.
Ambush double army-style bomber jacket, £970, farfetch.com
True to the brand’s attitude-heavy style, Amiri juxtaposes the clean-cut aesthetic of this two-tone bomber jacket with its trademark California grunge edge. Crafted in silky satin, with bold black trims, contrasting ribbed-knit collar, cuffs and hems, and gunmetal snap-button closures, this is one we’re sure Mr Gosling would approve of.
Amiri satin bomber jacket, £2,150, mytheresa.com
Burberry chose supple lambskin to craft its luxe take on the classic bomber jacket. Rendered in all black, with embossed logo detailing at the chest, and side jet pockets, this suave jacket shows that, sometimes, less really is more.
Logo-embossed lambskin bomber jacket, £1,990, burberry.com
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 on its eyecatching design. Crafted in Italy from a warm wool blend it features lambskin trim, monogram detailing across the back and contrasting printed sleeves and embroidery.
Givenchy wool blend varsity bomber jacket, £3,345, mytheresa.com
With a century of craftsmanship under its belt, San Francisco-based brand Golden Bear is one of the Bay Area’s best-trusted outerwear specialists, and it’s clear to see why. Crafted from supple goatskin suede in a deep forest green with a sleek satin lining, this classic bomber jacket is the ideal investment for inter-seasonal layering.
Golden Bear suede bomber jacket, £970, mrporter.com
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 it 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.
John Smedley 15 Singular zip bomber jacket, £275, libertylondon.com
Offering supreme protection from the elements, Parajumpers’ down-filled bomber jacket is guaranteed to see you through winter. Cut from water repellent and windproof shell, with a drawstring hood to keep surprise showers at bay and the brand’s signature hardware clasp closure, the Gobi bomber jacket is the epitome of fashion-meets-function.
Parajumpers Gobi black shell bomber jacket, £645, harveynichols.com
Adorned with the brand’s hallmark four-bar stripe, Thom Browne’s panelled wool bomber jacket is cut for a relaxed fit. Exemplifying the brand’s off-beat preppy style, this colour block bomber features tonal ribbed trims, a silver tone two-way zip closure and a structured stand-up collar complete with the label’s tricolour tab.
Thom Browne multi-panel bomber jacket, £2,240, brownsfashion.com
Read more: The best loafers for men
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