The History of The Bomber Jacket | What is a Bomber Jacket?
If we asked you to guess the origins of the bomber jacket, what would you say?
Born in the Skies, Raised on the Streets
Bomber jackets were first designed for American fighter pilots during World War One. They were sitting in open-air cockpits, and they got pretty chilly, they also had bright orange lining so that they could be turned inside out and used to signal for help if a pilot became stranded. What’s confusing is that bomber jackets were first administered in 1917.
Between the wars, they closed the cockpits, streamlined them, and added more gadgets, meaning there was less space available for a jacket to occupy. The bomber jacket got elasticated cuffs and an elasticated waist, giving it its classic flattering silhouette. It also got a zip up front, replacing the buttons of the original design. Warmer, lighter, more practical, better.
The Evolution of the Bomber Jacket
Marlon Brando wore a bomber in A Streetcar Named Desire; James Dean was a rebel without a cause in an era-defining bomber; Gosling, Bogart, Cruise, McQueen, Lowe. Bomber jackets haven’t changed a whole lot since the 1950s, and that’s because they’re almost perfect. Almost. We’ve made a few little upgrades to our men’s bomber jacket that we think you’re going to love.
The Bomber Flight Jacket
This isn’t just a jacket, it’s aviation history you can actually wear to the pub. We’ve taken that fighting spirit and given it the Percival treatment. Classic cut, tough fabrics, modern comfort. Pockets where you want them, a fit that looks sharp on the ground, and a nod to the sky in every stitch. It’s heritage made practical, so whether you’re heading into battle with Monday morning or just catching the last train home, the Flight Jacket’s got your back.
The Casentino Bomber Jacket
So you’ve got your Bomber Jacket, right? Classic cut, classic silhouette, classic design. Now imagine that but it’s made from Casentino Wool originating from 14th Century Renaissance Italy (it was actually created by Tuscan farmers but the Italian Renaissance was happening at the same time and that sounds luxurious). What you end up with is archive style and design combined with the infamous comfort and warmth of an historical fabric.
The Cotton Suede Bomber Jacket
It would be easy to come up with that Casentino master stroke, sit on our haunches and admire our work. We didn’t. We went further. We’ve also designed a gorgeous Cotton Suede Bomber Jacket. It’s made of cotton — comfortable, lightweight, made of plants — but it feels and looks like suede. Bit of magic from us, there. It’s got pockets to spare, and we’ve stuck a carabiner on the inside pocket because you simply never know when that’s going to come in handy — for your keys, perhaps? For your wallet? For scaling a cliff face on your way home from the pub? In a Percival Bomber Jacket, the possibilities are endless.
The Boucle Wool Bomber Jacket
You thought that was it, didn’t you? So wrong. Do the words Bouclé Wool mean anything to you? Essentially, looped wool fibers. Soft enough to provide utmost comfort, rough enough to provide protection from the elements, this one is truly the best of both worlds. It comes with a luxurious quilted lining, and a classic Black colourway, so it goes with just about any fit.
A Wardrobe Essential
Bomber Jackets have been around for over 100 years, and they’re not going anywhere. An essential part of any man’s wardrobe. Shop the men’s bomber jacket collection now, you wont regret it.
