The best bomber jackets for men are sartorial chameleons. More than any other type of outerwear, they can go from rugged to stylish in the blink of an eye, and will work with virtually any fit in virtually any wardrobe, that’s why you absolutely need it in yours.

The bomber jacket began life, as do so many basic men’s garments, in the military, originally designed to keep the pilot warm in the cockpit during World War I. from slick nylon windbreakers to boxy leather varsities, but a handful of the most iconic details remain the same: ribbed hems and cuffs to keep the cold air out; looser cuts for easy layering; a short length above the waist to make it easier to sit in a cramped fighter while wearing one. This short length goes beyond mere functionality. It’s also extremely flattering, perfect for elongating your legs and showing off all the squat work you’ve put in at the gym. Whether you put your jacket on over high-waisted pants or mid-rise jeans, the bomber jacket flatters all body types.

And with so many versions on the market today, there’s absolutely a top-flight bomber jacket to suit your style and taste. Whether you prefer to keep things clean and classic, dive into something a little wilder and louder, or have fun with a high-end designer rendition, we’ve rounded up a dozen bakers of the best bomber jackets for you. men to slip in again and again and again.

the Jacket

Alpha Industries MA-1 Jacket

When you imagine a bomber jacket, the Alpha Industries MA-1 is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It’s long been a staple of streetwear culture, appearing on the backs of Pharrell and Ye and countless other style icons. Alpha dabbles in modern interpretations and high-fashion collaborations, but their MA-1 bomber remains a timeless icon for a reason: it’s made to the exact same specifications issued to Air Force pilots in the 60s, constructed from a water resistant material. durable nylon with a plethora of pockets inside, outside and on the sleeve. It also happens to be reversible, with an extra orange on the other side for those days when you’re feeling extra. Whether you’re wearing a plain white t-shirt and faded jeans or a button-down shirt and skinny pants, there’s no outfit this classic bomber jacket can’t fly.

The minimalist aviator jacket

The Everlane version of the bomber jacket is the perfect toned down version, if you’re not too fond of the classic cropped, puffy fit. It is more fitted in the length and is made in a subtle twill of cotton and matt polyester. These design decisions make an already stylish jacket even more stylish, meaning it will fit easily into any wardrobe.

The Big Man on Campus Bomber Jacket

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Stewart & Strauss original varsity lettermans jacket

Thanks to guys like Tyler, the designer, the varsity jacket is cool again. Maybe you never got a varsity letter in high school, but the prepared version of the bomber can still earn you plenty of style points on the street. The classic Stewart & Strauss University is affordable and well-made, but its biggest selling point is the sheer number of color combinations (48!) to choose from.

The wallet-friendly bomber jacket

Rothco MA-1 Flight Jacket

Rothco has been providing clothing to the military since 1953 and continues to produce some of the toughest products on the planet. Their MA-1 flight jacket is about as authentic as it gets, with its water-resistant nylon exterior, utility pockets, reversible hi-vis orange liner, and store-level excess price tag.

Nine More Bomber Jackets We Love

Uniqlo Harrington Jacket

Lightweight, preppy and perfect for some aviator hues and a classic convertible sports car.

Rag & Bone Manston bomber jacket in recycled nylon

A crisp white jacket like this is high risk, but very rewarding.

Loro Piana reversible Windmate bomber jacket

The most luxurious nonchalant jacket you’ve ever encountered.

Thom Browne 4 bar bomber

Bomber jackets look A-1 with a layered hoodie underneath. But what if your bomber was just… equipped with a balaclava? The answer, it turns out, is beautiful as all hell.

Recto wool accent jacket

Pairing the loose silhouette of a bomber jacket with the detailing of a vintage work jacket, this Recto number is clean enough to shine on the red carpet.

Oliver Spencer Linfield Bomber Jacket

Say goodbye to your puffer jacket, because this Oliver Spencer bomber jacket, with its gorgeous plaid wool exterior, decadent faux shearling collar and impeccable fit, is aiming for the top spot in your outerwear rotation. of winter.

King Kennedy Rugs Dron Limited Edition Bomber Jacket

The biggest shine a garment can have? Go from laying on the floor of your apartment to a high altitude jacket.

Helmut Lang Suspender Bomber Jacket

Bomber and bondage in equal parts make this blacked out jacket the sexiest in your wardrobe.

The Real McCoy’s Type C-2 Winter Flight Vest

This zipper fuses the DNA of a bomber jacket with the hide of a knit cardigan. Originally designed as a layer for fighter pilots to wear under their flight jackets, this reproduction garment looks killer on its own, but can deliver some serious layering power when paired with a cut-out. wind, a trucker jacket or a sturdy winter coat.