What Is a Bomber Jacket?
Bomber jackets, also known as flight jackets, are waist-length jackets with a ribbed elastic waistband and matching knitted cuffs, typically featuring a zip front closure. While originally leather, modern bomber jackets can come in a variety of materials like nylon, cotton, suede and wool.
The Origin of the Bomber Jacket
The original bomber jacket was created by the US Army Aviation Clothing Board in 1917 to keep World War 1 pilots warm in the uninsulated, open-air cockpits of the early fighter planes. Originally known as ‘flight jackets’, the design evolved alongside aviation advancements and the cockpits becoming closed and narrow. The US Army Type A-1 was introduced in 1927 and featured a knit waistband and cuffs to insulate the jacket from cold air - forming the bomber jacket style we know and love today. The A-1 was followed by the A-2, which featured the same design but with a zip closure.
By World War 2, flight jackets had grown in popularity and were being worn by bomber crews on missions, leading them to be nicknamed “bomber jackets”, the term we often use today. Specific bomber jacket models were developed during this time period to offer protection for various different conditions, for example, the B-3 that was designed for extremely cold, high-altitude missions and featured a thick sheepskin lining.
Bomber Jackets Today
Bomber jackets have become a timeless fashion staple thanks to their versatility and practical style. They have evolved into a seasonless and genderless garment that can be paired with almost anything and really bring an outfit together
