How to Choose a Men's Bomber Jacket: Styles, Leathers and Fit

A bomber jacket is one of the few pieces that looks right with jeans and a tee, chinos and a knit, or a hoodie on a cold morning. But "bomber" covers a lot of ground, from lightweight flight jackets to heavy shearling-lined coats. This guide walks you through the main styles, leathers, fit and colours, so you can choose the one that suits how you actually live.

1. Start With the Style

Most modern bombers trace back to military flight jackets. Each style keeps a few signature details that change how it looks and how warm it is.

MA-1 Bomber

The MA-1 dates from the 1950s jet era. Look for a rib-knit collar, rib-knit cuffs and hem, and a clean, slightly cropped body. In leather it is the most versatile bomber: sharp enough for evenings, easy enough for weekends.

Best for: everyday wear and mild to cool weather.

Shop it: the Falcon MA-1 in black or brown.

A-2 Flight Jacket

The A-2 was issued to US Army Air Corps pilots from the 1930s. It has a shirt-style collar, snap-flap chest pockets and knit cuffs and hem. It sits closer to the body and has a slightly rugged, vintage feel.

Best for: a classic, heritage look over shirts and knits.

Shop it: the Ranger A-2 in brown or black.

G-1 Flight Jacket

The G-1 is the US Navy's take on the flight jacket, known for its fur-trimmed collar. It reads a little more polished than the A-2 and works well layered over a sweater.

Best for: cooler days and a smart-casual look.

Shop it: the Maverick G-1 black leather flight jacket.

B-3 Shearling Bomber

The B-3 was built for open, unheated aircraft, so it is the warmest bomber you can buy. Expect a full fur or shearling-style lining, a wide collar with buckle straps, and a heavier feel.

Best for: real winters. It is too warm for mild climates.

Shop it: the Everest B-3 in black or brown and cream.

Hooded and Puffer Bombers

Modern twists add a hood, a fleece lining or quilted puffer panels. These are the most practical choice for wind, light rain and commuting, with the bomber shape kept intact.

Shop it: the Ridgeway hooded bomber or the Alpine leather puffer bomber.

Varsity Jacket

Strictly a cousin of the bomber, the varsity jacket has the same rib-knit trims with a sportier, college-inspired look. Leather and hybrid versions dress it up a little.

Shop it: the Bradley green leather varsity jacket.

2. Choose the Material

• Sheepskin leather: soft, lightweight and supple from day one. The most comfortable choice for a jacket you plan to wear often.
• Goatskin leather: slightly firmer with a visible grain. Very durable and develops character over time, especially with a rub-off or distressed finish.
• Suede: velvety and relaxed, with a softer, more casual look. Best for dry days, as suede doesn't like rain.
• Nylon, satin and waxed canvas: lighter and more weather-friendly, at a lower price. A good second jacket, or a first one if you live somewhere warm.

A simple rule: if you want one jacket that does everything, choose smooth sheepskin. If you want texture and a vintage feel, choose goatskin or suede.

3. Get the Fit Right

A bomber should look neat, not boxy. Check these four points when you try one on or compare a size chart:

1. Shoulders: the seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder, not past it.
2. Length: the hem should land at or just below your belt. Bombers are meant to be short.
3. Sleeves: the cuffs should reach your wrist bone with your arms relaxed.
4. Room to layer: zipped up over a tee, you should still fit a light knit or hoodie underneath.

Leather softens and moulds to you with wear, so a jacket that feels snug, but not tight, will usually fit best after a few weeks. If you are between sizes and like to layer heavily, size up.

4. Pick a Colour You Will Wear

• Black: the most versatile. It works with almost everything and suits evenings.
• Brown and tan: warmer and more relaxed. Great with denim, chinos and boots.
• Green, blue and maroon: a confident choice for a second jacket. Keep the rest of the outfit simple.

5. Match the Jacket to Your Climate

• Mild winters: an MA-1 or A-2 with a quilted lining.
• Cold winters: a hooded, fleece-lined or puffer bomber.
• Freezing winters: a B-3 with a full faux fur lining.
• Warm climates: suede, satin or nylon for evenings and air-conditioned spaces.

6. Care Tips That Make It Last

• Hang it on a wide, padded hanger to keep the shoulders in shape.
• Store it in a breathable cloth bag, never plastic.
• Keep it away from direct heat and long periods of sunlight.
• If it gets wet, let it dry naturally at room temperature.
• For deep cleaning, use a professional leather or suede specialist.

Looked after well, a quality leather bomber lasts for years and only looks better with age. Read more in our guide to why quality leather jackets are worth the investment.

Find Your Bomber

Now you know what to look for, browse our men's leather jackets, from classic MA-1 and A-2 styles to hooded, shearling and varsity designs, all in sizes XS to 4XL with free shipping. Need outfit ideas once it arrives? See how to style your leather jacket for every season.