A bomber jacket is a short, waist-length jacket with a ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem, originally designed for military pilots and now one of the most common jackets on the UK high street. The name comes from its wartime origins as flight gear for bomber crews, and the shape has barely changed in a century: zip front, snug fit, and a fold-down collar built to keep wind out at the waist rather than trap it in a longer coat.
This guide covers where the bomber jacket came from, the main styles you’ll see in UK shops today, what they’re made from, typical prices, and how to style one without it looking like fancy dress.
Where the Bomber Jacket Came From
The bomber jacket started life as the flight jacket, designed for open-cockpit pilots freezing at altitude during the First World War. Early versions were heavy leather lined with wool or shearling, built purely for warmth rather than style.
The US Army Air Corps adopted the A-1 jacket in 1927, featuring a button-up front and knit cuffs, according to a UK menswear history piece covering the jacket’s military evolution. This gave way to the A-2 in the Second World War, which replaced buttons with a zip and added the shirt-style collar still seen on leather bombers today. In the UK, aviator Leslie Irvin set up shop in 1926 and began supplying the Royal Air Force with sheepskin flying jackets, a design that became known simply as the Irvin jacket.
By the Korean War, the shell colour shifted to olive green and the fabric got lighter, giving us the silhouette most people picture when they hear “bomber jacket” today. The MA-1, developed for the US Air Force in the 1950s, is the version that eventually left the military and moved onto the street, adopted by mod and skinhead subcultures in 1960s London before working its way into mainstream fashion.
The Main Bomber Jacket Styles You’ll See Today
Not every bomber jacket is built the same way, and the style names get used loosely, so here’s what each one actually means.
MA-1 Bomber
The most recognisable shape: a lightweight nylon shell, ribbed collar and cuffs, and often a reversible orange lining originally used as an emergency signal colour if a pilot had to bail out. This is the version you’ll find at most UK high street shops for under £60.
A-2 Leather Bomber
Heavier and more tailored, with a shirt-style collar, snap-button front on some versions, and full-grain or suede leather construction. Expect to pay considerably more for a genuine leather A-2, often well over £150, with specialist UK leatherworkers charging more again for made-to-measure versions.
Varsity or Letterman Bomber
Wool body with leather sleeves, popularised through American high school sports culture and now a recurring UK streetwear trend. Usually less structured than an MA-1 and often oversized by design.
Satin and Fashion Bombers
A softer, dressier take that swaps technical fabric for satin or polyester, seen frequently in womenswear ranges from UK high street retailers. These prioritise drape and shine over the wind resistance the original design was built for.
What Bomber Jackets Are Made From
Material affects both how the jacket wears and how much it costs, so it’s worth knowing what you’re buying before you commit.
Nylon and polyester are the most common shells on affordable bombers, lightweight and reasonably weatherproof, though not genuinely waterproof unless stated. Leather and suede offer durability and a dressier finish but need more care and cost considerably more. Wool shows up mainly on varsity-style jackets, warmer but heavier and less wind-resistant than nylon. Satin is style-first rather than function-first, better suited to layering indoors or on milder days than as genuine outdoor protection.
What Bomber Jackets Cost on the UK High Street
Prices vary a lot by material and brand, so treat the following as a general guide rather than fixed figures, since retailers run frequent sales and prices change often.
Standard nylon or polyester bombers from mainstream UK retailers such as Zara and M&S commonly sit in the £30 to £70 range, with padded and stormwear-branded versions from M&S often priced around £35 to £45 based on recent listings. Vintage and pre-loved bombers through resale platforms tend to run cheaper, frequently £15 to £30, though quality and condition vary by seller.
Leather bombers cost significantly more. Entry-level faux leather versions can still fall under £80, but genuine leather, particularly from specialist UK makers, regularly starts above £150 and can run into several hundred pounds for full-grain hide with a proper lining.
Whatever you’re buying, check the current price on the retailer’s own site before ordering, since high street stock and discounting move quickly, especially around seasonal sales.
How to Style a Bomber Jacket
The bomber’s short length and structured shoulders make it a fairly forgiving jacket to style, but a few pairings work better than others.
With jeans and trainers is the easiest starting point, and it’s where the jacket started once it left military use. A plain MA-1 in black, navy, or olive works with almost any casual outfit without trying too hard.
Over tailoring is a newer trend worth trying carefully. A slim bomber over a shirt and smart trousers can work for a smart-casual office or evening look, but it depends heavily on fit: anything boxy or oversized will read as mismatched rather than deliberate.
With a dress has become a popular womenswear pairing, particularly with satin or cropped bombers, offsetting a feminine silhouette with something structured on top.
Length matters more than most people expect. A bomber that sits below the hip loses the proportion that makes the style work, so if you’re buying online, check the garment length against a jacket you already own that fits well.
Caring for a Bomber Jacket
Nylon and polyester bombers are usually machine washable on a cool, gentle cycle, but always check the care label first, since padded or lined versions sometimes need dry cleaning instead. Leather bombers should never go in a washing machine: wipe down with a damp cloth and use a proper leather conditioner every few months to stop the hide drying out and cracking.
Store bombers on a hanger rather than folded where possible, particularly leather ones, since folding creases can become permanent over time.
FAQs
What is a bomber jacket?
A bomber jacket is a short, waist-length jacket with a fitted ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem, originally designed as flight gear for military pilots and now a staple casual jacket across UK fashion.
Why is it called a bomber jacket?
The name comes from its origin as issued outerwear for aircrew on bombing missions during the Second World War, when pilots needed insulated jackets to cope with freezing high-altitude cockpits.
What’s the difference between a bomber jacket and a flight jacket?
Flight jacket is the broader military term covering any aviation-issued jacket, while bomber jacket is the popular nickname that stuck, specifically tied to jackets worn by bomber crews. In everyday UK use, the terms are treated as interchangeable.
Are bomber jackets still in fashion in 2026?
Yes. Bomber jackets remain a recurring feature on UK high street ranges each spring and autumn, with satin and polka dot versions among the styles trending through 2026 according to UK fashion coverage.
Can you wear a bomber jacket in the rain?
Standard nylon bombers offer light wind resistance but aren’t fully waterproof unless the product specifically states it, so they’re better suited to dry or drizzly days than heavy rain. Check the product description for a waterproof rating if that matters to you.
What should I wear under a bomber jacket?
A plain t-shirt, jumper, or shirt works well, since the jacket’s boxy cut leaves room to layer without looking bulky. Avoid anything with a heavy collar that competes with the bomber’s own collar shape.
Is a leather bomber jacket worth the extra cost?
It depends on how often you’ll wear it. Leather bombers cost considerably more upfront, often £150 or above for genuine leather, but tend to last far longer and age better than nylon or polyester versions if properly cared for.
How should a bomber jacket fit?
It should sit at or just below the waist, fitted enough at the cuffs and hem to keep the boxy silhouette rather than ballooning outward. Sleeves should end at the wrist, not past it, since the ribbed cuff is meant to sit snug.
