Bomber jackets were originally designed as flight jackets in 1917 to keep WWI fighter pilots warm while sitting in open cockpits. Made from heavy-duty leather, they often had wraparound collars, wind flaps and were fur lined. While their overall look has evolved over the past century, the best bomber jackets for men today are versatile, stylish and cool.
The best bomber jackets for men are inspired by flight jackets and have modern features for comfort … [+] and ease.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
“Bomber jackets are extremely practical,” says personal stylist Michelle McCool, founder of McCool Style. “They’re great for the in-between seasons like fall and spring, they’re flattering and comfortable to wear and they just look cool.” Our pick for the overall best bomber jacket, the Everlane The Bomber Jacket, and our selection for best affordable bomber jacket, the Banana Republic Vegan Suede Bomber, have a modern design and can be worn year round. Read on for all the best bomber jackets for men that we highly recommend.
Affordable luxury brand Everlane is great at nailing simplicity and classic style. This jacket, made from a recycled, water-resistant cotton-poly blend, is a reinvented version of the MA-1 flight jacket style, which was originally created in the 1950s. It features signature bomber details such as a knit collar and cuffs to keep out wind and trap body heat, flap hand pockets (although these are upgraded with magnetic closures) and a zip pocket on the sleeve.
What the reviews say: “The jacket fits great. This is a very versatile piece, took it on a trip and was able to wear it for all occasions. I went slightly larger so I can wear a hoodie underneath for those cooler evenings.” —Everlane
Best Leather Bomber Jacket
Excellent Quality At An Affordable Price
Quince
Quince 100% Washed Leather Bomber Jacket
Sizes: S-XXL | Materials: Sheep leather | Colors: Black
Quince’s bomber has James Dean vibes with a retro meets modern classic design. It has a slightly worn-in look, sleek silver hardware, zip pockets at the waist to store belongings securely, an interior chest pocket. It also comes at a fraction of the cost of similar bomber jackets.
What the reviews say: “Soft, wonderful leather. Great fit, great price, I love the jacket.”—Quince
For a refined take on a traditional bomber, this streamlined style is a solid wardrobe staple for the shoulder seasons of fall and spring. It has single welt hand pockets, is fully lined, water repellant and machine washable. Users say it fits true to size.
What the reviews say: “Fits nice, great quality, perfect for a cool, not cold day. Looks great over a tee or button down.”—Bonobos
Best Stylish Bomber Jacket
A Dressy Riff On A Traditional Jacket
Mr Porter
Rag & Bone Icons Manston Nylon Bomber Jacket
Sizes: XS-XXL | Materials: 100% nylon | Colors: Black
Rag & Bone’s black nylon bomber has a very slight sheen and it’s lightly padded to keep you warm on cooler days and nights. Fun style fact: Like early bomber jackets, this one has an orange lining, which was initially done to make pilots more visible in case of a plane crash. If you’re between sizes and need extra room across the shoulders, you’ll want to size up.
What the reviews say: “Well worth the money and very warm and comfortable. Not to mention, it’s a very attractive jacket, and not quite as shiny as the photos on the website make it out to be, which is a good thing…The quality of the jack is great, and I think this will last me quite some time.”—Nordstrom
Functional style is the DNA of Lululemon athleisure, and this casual, water-resistant bomber works with everything from elevated joggers to a white tee and jeans. It’s reversible, with a cotton-poly-nylon blend on one side and quilted PrimaLoft-filled puffer on the other. The classic fit allows room for layering, and it’s machine washable, which makes it a great option for travel too.
What the reviews say: “Looking to upgrade my jackets from hoodies to something more mature I went with this bomber jacket. Bonus fact that it’s reversible and the underside style is a bit like a puffer jacket. Exactly what I needed…” —Lululemon
It seems fitting that all-American brand Levi’s would make a great bomber, and this one is equal parts sporty and utilitarian. The diamond quilting adds warmth, and ribbed banding keeps out wind gusts. Style details include an orange liner, diagonal hand pockets, an interior drop-in pocket and a zip pocket at the sleeve.
What the reviews say: “Very warm. Great quality.” —Nordstrom
The fit and feel of this casual bomber make it an easy-wear staple. It’s lightweight and convenient to pack in a duffle for a quick trip, and its durable water repellant finish will keep you dry if you get caught in rain. Certain design details make it a departure from your typical bomber: It has vertical quilting with poly fill for warmth and two, lower front patch pockets rather than your typical flap or side pockets. It’s also cut without a ribbed hem, so the fit is a bit looser around your waist.
Best Casual Bomber Jacket
A Lightweight 2-in-1 Style
Faherty Brand
Faherty Reversible Surplus Bomber
Sizes: XS-XXL | Materials: 66% cotton, 34% nylon | Colors: Washed Black Deep Sage
Founded by twin brothers Alex and Mike Faherty, Faherty as a brand is known for its casual vibe. This style reads more sporty than surfside, and it’s reversible, so you basically get both a black and a sage jacket, and you can pick the side based on the rest of your outfit. Note: The sage-colored side features diamond quilting.
What the reviews say: “Exceptional quality and innovation per the Faherty norm. Both sides of the reversible Bomber look great. Perfect for the chilly days in between winter and summer.” —Faherty
Best High-End Bomber Jacket
An Investment Piece Made With Quality Craftsmanship
Think of this as a bomber-meets-puffer jacket that can take you from fall right into the winter. With 650-fill duck down, ribbed cuffs and collar and a zip that’s concealed by snaps, it will keep you warm despite raw weather, but still looking sophisticated. This style isn’t gathered at the waist, so it allows for a bit more room.
What the reviews say: “I haven’t owned a more comfortable bomber than this one from Todd Snyder. Out in the cool air, the warmth packs in close to you. Perfect for layering. I have it in black and the interior lining matches my beanie.” —Todd Snyder
This military-inspired jacket looks like high fashion but comes at an affordable price. Made from rich faux suede that’s brushed for softness with a luxe feel, it also has vertical hand pockets and a waist-slimming hem and ribbed arm cuffs. It’s great with everything from crisp trousers to worn-in jeans.
What the reviews say: “The suede is of excellent quality, and looks, feels, and smells like the real deal. Thick material on the cuffs, hem and collar will look good and lay well for years to come.” —Banana Republic
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, fashion is more than just about reporting on style trends. The clothing and accessories we review must be well made, offer an impeccable fit and be worth the money. Our fashion and style editors collectively have decades of experience profiling designers, reviewing brands and evaluating clothing. We’ve interviewed fabric scientists, product designers and stylists, and we’re also discerning about how we look and feel in our own clothing. Style items have to check a lot of boxes to make the cut.
The writer for this story, Forbes contributor Molly Calhoun, has covered fashion, beauty, health and entertainment for twenty years. She has written about the
You don’t need to have your finger on the pulse of running to be familiar with Hoka. While the brand got its start in 2009 designing plump, maximalist running shoes that bucked minimalist trends, Hoka shoes now come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Still, two models—the Clifton and Bondi—are praised for their comfort and…
Just because summer is coming to an end doesn’t mean the outdoor dinner parties or evenings around the fire pit have to. Our expert home editors scouted out the best patio furniture that will not only make your outdoor space comfortable for gathering, but can also withstand the elements and stay in top shape when…
I named the Canada Goose HyBridge Mittens the warmest mittens in my extensive tested review of the best winter gloves for women. Find out why these buttery soft mittens are so exceptionally warm. Canada Goose is renowned for its winter wear, which is built to endure extreme cold. The brand is worn by everyone from…
With so many options available, it’s worth browsing the best Apple Watch bands to suit your style (and lifestyle). If you really want, you can switch up your device’s look and feel regularly. Perhaps you’re looking for something waterproof for swimming or sweatier sports, a subdued shade for business meetings or a leather strap for…
Not only are the best electric skateboards a great way to add a bit of fun to your journey, but they’re also portable enough to carry onto the train or bus to simplify your commute. If you’re tired of getting your bike stolen and want another set of wheels to getting around town, we’ve got…
Whitening your teeth using an at-home product is a convenient and affordable alternative to going to the dentist’s office. According to dentists, the best teeth whitening kits are user-friendly and offer fast, professional-quality results, like our top pick the Ultradent Opalescence Go. These versions for home use come in many forms, including LED mouthpieces, strips…