How to recognise it
A short, loose silhouette, a centre zip, a ribbed stand collar, cuffs and a hem that gathers the jacket at the waist. Often with a sleeve pocket.
Where it comes from
Leather flight jackets appeared in the First World War, and in the 1950s the US Air Force introduced the nylon MA-1. Youth subcultures and fashion houses later adopted it.
Who and when it suits
A comfortable spring and autumn jacket for weekends. A satin or embroidered version even works in the evening with a dress or pleated skirt.
Variations and look-alikes
It comes in nylon like the MA-1, leather, suede or embroidered satin, short or longer, lined or unlined. A summer version is made of light cotton or linen. It differs from a denim jacket in the zip and ribbed edges, and from a biker jacket in its loose, soft shape.
How to style it
- With jeans and trainers every day.
- With a pleated skirt and heels for the evening.
- Choose a size where the ribbed hem sits at the waist.
- A satin bomber looks dressier.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Why is it called a bomber jacket?
Bomber pilots wore it in the First and Second World Wars.
02What is an MA-1 jacket?
A nylon bomber designed for the US Air Force in the 1950s, often with an orange lining.