Men’s Bomber Jackets: Styling Guide
Sometimes you simply can’t beat a clean, cropped style, and that’s why this intro is nice and shor—
What is a bomber jacket?
From that (debatably) witty opening, you have almost certainly guessed that bomber jackets are the short kings of the jacketsphere. Their history is long but their cut ain’t making it past your hips. An ex-military number thriving amongst the civvies. Elasticated cuffs and waist, easy on the collar. Now for the nitty gritty.
The history of bomber flight jacket
We’ve literally written an entire article on The History of the Bomber Jacket, and you can find the in-depth stuff there. A few key points for your consideration, though:
- The original bomber jackets had orange lining so that they could be turned inside out and used to signal for help if necessary.
- They acquired zips instead of buttons, and the lightweight silhouette we now know and love between the World Wars, when cockpits became smaller and enclosed.
- Perci’s Bomber Jacket collection features Nylon Bomber Jackets that are your Streetcar Named Desire Marlon Brando classic silhouette, whilst our Leather Flight Jackets are a fresh take on a cult classic, with a couple of pockets where you’d want them, and a collar you’re going to be flipping all AW25.
Why are bomber jackets timeless?
Because they were designed with practicality in mind and they’ve lost none of that, whilst spending the past century-and-a-bit being lovingly refined by people like us so that you don’t need to be a sharpshooting fighter pilot to look good in a bomber. Also James Dean and Marlon Brando… Those fellas did a lot for the cause.
Benefits of nylon bomber jackets
Nylon bomber jackets are ultra-lightweight and easy to wear, yet give the smart and clean silhouette of a much heavier duty fabric.
How should a bomber jacket fit?
The waistband should sit around your hips, basically overlapping the waistband of your trousers. The fit should be fairly snug but not too snug. You want space to move and a little room that lets the fabric fall naturally as opposed to hugging the skin.
Flight bomber jackets
Perci’s Raceway Flight Bomber Jacket does away with the wrist cuffs in favour of classic leather jacket cuffs, and adds a very clean collar whilst maintaining a classic bomber silhouette. There’s a special Ford edition too… Trust us.
Leather bomber jackets
If you’re after a clean, sharp look that also makes you seem like you might be a young man from the 1950s who can look after himself, and has been beamed here from the past to steal your girl, and then it turns out you’re the biological grandfather of the fella whose life you’ve just ruined etc. then get yourself a leather bomber jacket. And, listen, that’s about the coolest look imaginable.
What can you wear with a bomber jacket?
White T-shirt underneath—case closed. Jeans or trousers, that’s up to you. With a leather jacket, go for leather shoes. If you’re going nylon, trainers are an option for a more relaxed look.
Styling a forest green bomber jacket
A Forest Green Bomber Jacket opens up your possibilities in terms of colour schemes and style. If you want to go smart, you absolutely can, but it’ll also pair nicely with jeans and brown boat shoes or loafers. Earthy tones love earth tones.
Styling a midnight navy bomber jacket
Again, you have options. White tee, Relaxed Trousers, and black loafers—solid look. Very grandad-off-dancing-down-the-Victory-Club in the coolest possible way. Pint of bitter and a foxtrot with Betty. Lovely.
Pairing bomber jackets with jeans
All bomber jackets will also pair beautifully with jeans. Go Black, Dark Wash, or Midwash. Match shoes accordingly i.e. don’t go for brown shoes with black jeans.
Bomber jackets for smart casual looks
An easy way to get that easy-looking smart casual look is to pair a Nylon Bomber with Midwash Denim Jeans and a more relaxed shoe e.g. Off-white Vans.
Are bomber jackets warm enough for winter?
Nylon bombers are a great midlayer for winter, but you’re going to want an additional outer layer for the colder winter days. Leather bomber jackets will see you through just fine provided that you’ve layered smartly. Follow our Winter Layering Guide for an easy walkthrough.
