Although fashion trends tend to cycle through (hello again, bucket hats), at some point, outfits become obsolete. If you think of different clothing worn a century ago, there aren’t many you would stick in your closet that would fit in with the trends of today.
There is one exception to this rule: the bomber jacket.
Bomber jackets have made a significant comeback in fashion, blending timeless appeal with modern trends to create versatile and stylish outfits.
Whether you're aiming for a casual, streetwear-inspired look or a more polished ensemble, incorporating a bomber jacket can effortlessly elevate your style.
Here’s how you can embrace this trend, and we’ve provided some outfit inspiration and styling tips to guide you.
What Is a Bomber Jacket?
Bomber jackets are a spin-off of the World War I jackets that pilots wore to stay warm in the cockpit. They have become a staple on the fashion scene for nearly a century.
With their roomy sleeves and torso area, bomber jackets bring a flattering shape into the picture with their elasticized waist. The signature zipper in the front has taken on different forms throughout the years, but it remains a constant of the bomber.
Key Features of Bomber Jackets
Versatility
Bomber jackets come in various materials and designs, making them suitable for different occasions and seasons. Lightweight bomber jackets can be worn during cool spring and fall days, while thicker materials make for a fashionable way to stay warm in the winter.
The layering you do with a bomber jacket opens the door for many outfit combinations. You can dress it up or down, let it take the spotlight or the backburner. It is the chameleon of clothes, blending in with whatever you wear with it.
Comfort
Known for their relaxed fit and often lined interiors, bomber jackets offer comfort without sacrificing style. Throwing on a bomber jacket can make you look more put together than you feel.
Stylish Details
Features like ribbed cuffs and hems, zipper closures, and pockets add both functionality and aesthetic appeal. They can also have other embellishments, such as the founding year on a DST bomber jacket (1913), Zeta Phi Beta bomber jacket (1920), or Sigma Gamma Rho bomber jacket (1922).
Outfit Inspiration
Crafting an outfit based on one piece can seem simple at first, but when you start putting pieces together, it can quickly become intimidating. We took the guesswork out of outfits and put some inspiration together for a starting point.
Casual Streetwear Look
Layer a satin bomber jacket over a graphic tee, high-waisted jeans, and chunky sneakers. Add hoop earrings and a crossbody bag for a trendy touch.
Smart-Casual Office Attire
Opt for a structured bomber jacket in a muted color. Pair it with a blouse, ankle-length trousers, and pointed-toe flats or heels. Accessorize with delicate jewelry and a structured tote bag.
Sporty Weekend Ensemble
Wear a cropped bomber jacket with a sports bra or tank top, leggings, and athletic sneakers. Carry a duffle bag and accessorize with a baseball cap or headband.
Long-Legged Look
Pair your bomber jacket with a mini skirt to add some femininity to the utilitarian look of the jacket. Play up the feminine qualities of your look with heels and accent jewelry.
Patterned Getup
With your bomber jacket on top, play with patterns on your legs. Whether you’re flaunting florals, strutting stripes, or parading plaids, let your legs do both the walking and the talking. Keep the rest of your look simple to let the patterns shine.
Styling Tips
No matter which vibe you decide to give off, you can rock it if you follow some basic styling tips.
Fit
Ensure the bomber jacket fits well, with sleeves ending at your wrists and the hem hitting your waist or slightly below. Different looks do have different fits, though, with an oversized bomber jacket deliberately chosen as a statement piece.
Layering
Experiment with layering different textures and colors to create depth and interest in your outfit. You can wear it with crop tops, t-shirts, dresses, bralettes, polos, or blouses. Dig through your drawers and see what you can come up with.
Accessorize
Use accessories like jewelry, hats, and belts to complement your bomber jacket ensemble and add personal flair.
Occasion
Choose the appropriate bomber jacket style and material based on the occasion. Casual outings, work settings, or leisure activities might each need a different style of bomber jacket.
Though you may not be manning the cockpit of a fighter engine, you can definitely pull off a bomber jacket as you soar through life.