12 best bomber jackets for men in 2023
We’ve rounded up the best bomber jackets that prove why the ageless style is an essential piece for every man’s wardrobe.
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There are only a handful of items in your wardrobe you simply can’t live without — your favourite pair of jeans, that one shirt that just fits perfectly, your all-purpose hoodie and those indestructible boots. Included in this mix is a timeless bomber jacket.
This classic cut began life in the United States military, originally designed to keep pilots warm in the cockpit during World War I. Over the years, it’s been adopted by a wide spectrum of subcultures to create the styles we’ve grown to love today, for example, leather varsities, lightweight Harrington numbers and nylon windbreakers. However, these adaptations still bear the most iconic details: a cropped, waist-hitting silhouette, ribbed hems, knitted cuffs, a front zip closure and two to four pockets. All of these qualities make the bomber one of the most functional and fashionable jackets, suitable for any age, body shape and occasion.
But with so much variety on the market, it can be challenging to find the right one that fits your style and needs. So, we’ve rounded up the best ones right here that you’ll instantly fall in love with.
BEST BOMBER JACKET OVERALL
Tommy Jeans Seasonal Bomber Jacket, The Iconic, $199
Regardless of the season or your personal style, this Tommy Jeans bomber jacket will slide into any wardrobe with ease.
Expertly crafted from a robust Taslan weave and partially made from recycled materials, everything about this jacket harmonises aesthetics and function while offering a sense of pared-back elegance. This durable jacket will not only stand the test of time fashion-wise, it will last and last (and last), too.
The timeless black hue goes with pretty much any outfit – dressy or casual – and the luxurious insulated lining adds to the jacket’s warming powers.
BEST HOODED BOMBER JACKET
Nena & Pasadena Alpine Hooded Bomber Jacket, Myer, $199.99
While a classic black bomber can easily be dressed up for more formal occasions, add a hood in and you instantly have a street style, “cool guy” look. The grey contrast hood with drawstring on this one from Nena & Pasadena just adds another level of warmth and comfort to an already cosy outwear piece. Slip into it and you’ll feel like you’re wearing a nice, warm hug.
Urban Classics Men’s Tech Bomber Jacket, $104.96 (down from $139.95)
Battle the wind with this lightly lined bomber jacket created with a polyester shell and nylon padding. Coming in a light grey (something a little different from the usual navy and black, right?) this bomber jacket also features a lightly lined hood for added warmth. You’ll score free shipping on this order, too.
BEST REVERSIBLE BOMBER JACKET
Fidelis Reversible Jacket, MJ Bale, $349
Get two looks for the price of one with this genius jacket from MJ Bale. The style is reversible, with one side flaunting a 100 per cent wool check water-repellent finish that’s more formal and on the other side, a more casual and sporty 100 per cent polyester fabric.
BEST BOMBER JACKET FOR WINTER
Tommy Hilfiger Essential Down Bomber Jacket, The Iconic, $349
Is there any better jacket than the humble puffer to help you survive through the winter chill? The answer is a hard no. This Tommy Hilfiger style is ridiculously comfortable, insulated with the finest duck down and feathers for extra warmth, and is stylish yet practical enough to wear just about anywhere. Whether you pair it with a hooded fleece sweat or clean-cut shirt underneath, know that working this staple into your wardrobe will be a seamless process you won’t think twice about.
BEST MA-1 BOMBER JACKET
Superdry MA1 Bomber Jacket, Myer, $169.95
When you picture a bomber jacket, there’s a good chance the MA-1 style is the first thing that comes to mind. Superdry’s MA-1 takes heavy inspiration from the ones issued to Air Force pilots in the ‘60s: a plethora of exterior pockets, embroidered detailing and a tough nylon shell. But it’s not all about aesthetics — the warm padding in this jacket is actually crafted from 100 per cent recycled polyesters and contains up to 10 recycled bottles to reduce landfill and ocean pollution.
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY BOMBER JACKET
It’s hard to believe that you can get your hands on a durable lightweight bomber jacket for under $50 but alas, you can, thanks to this style from H&M. Reviewers especially love the flattering length and cut.
“This jacket is super cool and fits nicely,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “For once, I found a jacket whose length is simply perfect.”
Another person added: “Such a bargain, looks far more expensive.”
It comes in four dreamy colourways including classic black, elegant navy, fresh beige and a vibrant brown. With such an affordable price tag, it’d be rude not to purchase more than one hue.
BEST MINIMAL BOMBER JACKET
Academy Brand Standard Issue Men’s Bomber Jacket, Surfstitch, $99.95
For the simple guy who likes well-made pieces without a hefty price tag, this minimalist bomber jacket from Academy Brand will have you sorted. With a ribbed neck, cuffs and hem, dual front pockets, an inner pocket and a smart slim-fitting cut, it really is proof that you don’t need to mess with the classics.
BEST RATED BOMBER JACKET
Country Road Bomber Jacket, $179
It’s hard to overlook this Country Road jacket that boasts a 4.8 out of five-star average rating and over 220 reviews. Users have specifically commented on the durable water-resistant material and versatility of being able to wear it seven days a week, for both casual and work wear.
“A very comfortable and great looking jacket,” one reviewer wrote. “I have been able to wear it to work and continue looking smart. The water-resistant nature of the material is an added bonus!”
A second person added: “It’s warm and stylish and goes with just about everything. It’s light enough to wear in the spring but warm enough to get you through the colder winter days.”
BEST ECO-CONSCIOUS BOMBER JACKET
AERE Recycled Bomber Jacket, The Iconic, $150
Not only will you look great in this AERE jacket but you can also feel good knowing it’s made from recycled cotton Taslan fabrication. Finished with all the classic bomber trimmings and neutral hues you can pair with practically any outfit, this piece is bound to become one of your hardest-working wardrobe items.
BEST LEATHER BOMBER JACKET
Oxford Noah Goat Leather Jacket, Myer, $699
Adding a cool, classic and high-quality leather bomber jacket to your wardrobe will never be an affordable decision but it will be a lifetime investment. Thankfully, the Oxford Noah Goat isn’t too expensive in the world of leather bombers and yet, still exudes the same timeless style of one that will heavily leave a dent in your wallet. Interestingly, it’s crafted from 100 per cent vegetable-tanned leather, which is a process that replaces chemicals with natural ingredients to improve its environmental impact while maintaining the high quality of leather.
BEST KNITTED BOMBER JACKET
Marks & Spencer Cotton Blend Ribbed Knitted Bomber Jacket, $75.99
If a shiny nylon or leather exterior doesn’t suit your fancy, a knitted number like this one from Marks and Spencer might be the perfect match for you. The softness of the knit gives superb comfort and because it’s low maintenance and wrinkle-resistant, it makes the most perfect travel accompaniment.
ARE BOMBER JACKETS STILL IN STYLE?
Short answer: yes. Bomber jackets are in style in 2022 and will continue to be fashionable for years on end, making them a great investment piece. And if you think you’re too old to pull off a bomber, think again. This type of jacket is universally age-appropriate and will quickly become one of your most used wardrobe items, regardless of your age.
HOW DO YOU WEAR A BOMBER JACKET?
What you pair with your bomber jacket will ultimately depend on the colour, cut and material of the jacket, as well as your personal style. However, pair it with any of the below items and you’ll take any ordinary bomber to the next level:
A T-shirt: The ordinary T-shirt and jeans look can become a bit mundane. But a bomber jacket over the top? Now that’s a whole other story. Try graphic tees if you’re feeling adventurous or stick to your solid black, white and grey tees for a look that’s anything but basic.
Ashirt: No, bomber jackets aren’t just reserved for basic crew neck tees — a collared shirt underneath is so effortlessly suave, relaxed and sophisticated and doesn’t look like you’re dressed for a conference meeting or wedding.
Slim jeans: Dress up a plain crew neck tee and slim-leg jeans by throwing on your bomber jacket for a smart casual look. It’s the perfect outfit for your night out in town.
Trousers: If jeans are too casual, slim-leg trousers that are cropped just on the ankle will elevate your look tenfold. Stick with darker coloured trousers, which will provide you with endless opportunities to accessorise with an array of colours and prints.
A hat: Whether it be a baseball cap or beanie, a bomber and hat make a great combo when pulled off correctly. Ideally, you’ll want to leave the logos to one or the other — if your jacket has logos, opt for a plain hat or if your hat has loud logos, choose a plain bomber. Also, don’t be afraid to try unexpected colour combos so your jacket and hat aren’t too well matched.
The right shoes: Your shoes can make or break your entire outfit. If you’re wearing jeans, a pair of suede boots are a match made in heaven and gives off a relaxed vibe without being informal in the slightest. If boots aren’t your style, go for dress sneakers.
HOW SHOULD A BOMBER JACKET FIT?
Bomber jackets shouldn’t be boxy or oversized. In saying this, you don’t want to opt for a fit too tight — you want enough room around the arms so you can move freely and you should be able to easily zip the front up and still have room for a light jumper underneath. You also want to ensure it hits right above your waist.
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