Leather jackets are available in dozens if not hundreds of different styles, though not are more iconic than the bomber style. It’s been around for nearly a century, and since then, it’s only gained momentum among fashion-conscious individuals. Unless you’re familiar with bomber jackets, though, you might be wondering how they differ from other leather jackets.
What Is a Bomber Jacket?
A bomber jacket is a type of leather jacket that was originally designed for pilots. During the early age of aviation, airplanes didn’t have pressurized cockpits or cabins. Some airplanes, in fact, had open cockpits. Combined with the lack of climate-control systems, pilots were exposed to brutally cold temperatures when flying.
You might be surprised to learn just how cold the air in the sky is. Commercial airplanes fly at an altitude of roughly 35,000 feet above sea level. At this altitude, the dry air is about -50 to -60 degrees Fahrenheit.
During World War I and World War II, pilots wore flight jackets to protect themselves from the cold air. Many of these jackets were made of leather because, when compared to other materials, leather offers an exceptionally high level of thermal protection. The term “bomber jacket” simply refers to any classic style of flight jacket.
A-2 vs G-1 Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets are available in several styles, the two most popular being the A-2 and G-1. The A-2 bomber jacket was developed by the U.S. military during World War II. On May 9, 1931, the U.S. Army Air Corps officially adopted it in place of the A-1 flight jacket.
When compared to A-1 flight jacket, the A-2 bomber jacket features a similar appearance. They are both made of leather, and they both have a basic or classic design. With that said, the A-2 bomber jacket features a patch pocket on the side, snap-style buttons, knitted cuffs and cotton lining for the interior, none of which are found in the A-1 bomber jacket.
Along with the A-2, another popular style of bomber jackets is the G-1. Like the A-2, the G-1 was designed by the military during World War II. It features a genuine leather construction that protects pilots from extreme temperatures during flight. The G-1 bomber jacket, though, featured fur lining rather than cotton for the interior.
The G-1 bomber jacket was the successor to the A-2 jacket. Pilots first wore A-1 bomber jackets, followed by A-2 bomber jackets and then G-1 bomber jackets. Nonetheless, the A-2 and G-1 have become recognized as the most popular and widely known styles of bomber jackets.
With that said, the MA-1 is another popular style in which bomber jackets have been made. It was developed around the mid-1950s to replace the military’s B-15 bomber jacket. The MA-1 bomber jacket was designed by the United States Air Force to function as a year-round jacket for pilots
Bomber Jackets Today
Airplanes no longer have unpressurized or open cockpits. Whether military or civilian, all airplanes now have pressurized and enclosed cockpits. Therefore, pilots are no longer exposed to dangerously cold temperatures. They can operate their respective aircraft from the safety and comfort of an enclosed cockpit.
Even though pilots no longer require them, bomber jackets are still around. You can find new bomber jackets, in fact, featuring the same size and characteristics as those made decades ago. Why are bomber jackets still popular after all those years?
Reasons to Wear a Bomber Jacket
With a bomber jacket, you can rest assured knowing that it won’t go out of style. Whether you choose an A-2, G-1 or MA-1 bomber jacket, it will remain stylish for countless years to come.
Most jackets are only trending and popular for a finite period, after which they are considered outdated. It’s frustrating when you buy a new jacket, only for it to fade from popularity just one or two years later. Fashion trends are dynamic and frequently change from year to year. The good news is that bomber jackets will always be popular and stylish because of their traditional appearance.
You can easily wear a bomber jacket in most outfits. From casual and business to formal and semi-formal outfits, it’s a versatile choice of outerwear that’s easy to integrate into most outfits.
A leather bomber jacket will also keep you warm. As mentioned above, bomber jackets were originally developed for pilots. Early aviation pilots didn’t have the luxury of using an enclosed and climate-controlled cockpit. Rather, they were exposed to the elements, prompting the need for ultra-warm clothing, such as a bomber jacket.
How to Choose a Bomber Jacket
When shopping for a bomber jacket, check to make sure it’s made of genuine leather. There are some bomber jackets made of faux leather. While faux leather bomber jackets are typically cheaper than their genuine counterparts, they don’t offer the same attractive characteristics. Rather, they have a stiffer, more artificial-looking texture. By choosing a bomber jacket made of genuine leather, such as premium napa leather, you’ll get the best bang for your buck.
Don’t forget to choose a bomber jacket in the right size. Bomber jackets aren’t one size fits all. You can find them in a wide range of sizes. With that said, only a custom-sized bomber jacket will offer the perfect fit. Custom-sized bomber jackets, such as those sold here at LeatherCult, are designed according to your body measurements. You tell us your measurements, and once we receive them, we’ll use those measurements to create a custom-sized bomber jacket that’s designed specifically for you.
Bomber jackets are available in many different colors. Black and brown, not surprisingly, are the two most popular colors for bomber jackets. Bomber jackets have been made in brown and black colors since their origins nearly a century ago. While you can find bomber jackets in other colors today, brown and black remain universally popular. Regardless, you need to choose a bomber jacket in a color that you are comfortable wearing. Otherwise, you won’t be able to take full advantage of this classic and traditional form of outerwear.