The men’s bomber jacket. It to me, is the epitome of cool, and a classic. Every man should own one, whether or not they are in the military.  Timeless and practically seasonless.  A statement piece like the trench, but somehow the bomber has fallen a bit out of favor.  

MILITARY STYLE. ORIGINS OF A CLASSIC.

Like all great classic pieces in the fashion world, this one too, originated from the military, out of utility, and then recycled into a trend. We can thank the French during WWI for discovering the significance of leather as the most sturdy of materials for warmth and protection from nature’s elements.  These pilots had enough to focus on!  The “Bomber” jacket was officially born.    It was only a couple of years later in 1917, that the US military took note of this too and established an “Aviation Clothing Board.”  Then, in the early 1930s, the A-2 bomber jacket was issued as part of the official military uniform.   Originally, these jackets were made of seal skin, for maximum warmth and durability.   It didn’t take long for that to change to horsehide, which was much more practical. These jackets featured cinched cuffs and waists and wrap-around collars.

Though A2 retired in the early ’40s, the next iteration was the B-15. This jacket, a bit more rugged than its predecessor, featured a fur collar. This was short-lived, however, because the fur got in the way of the parachute. A few modifications were made and the MA-1 was born, featuring a knit collar and an orange lining, specifically for the purpose of SOS.  These brave military pilots were the guinea pigs for what is now a versatile and timeless wardrobe statement piece.

In the post-WWII era,  these once-military commissioned only jackets were making their way into the mainstream.  There were some adjustments in material and style, making the jackets more practical for everyday wearing.

BOMBER JACKET – SWAGGER BE DAMNED.

There are a few statement pieces worth investing in and the bomber jacket is among them. While the jacket is quintessentially masculine, I have to admit it looks equally cool on a woman, whether she’s clothed or not.

In the 21st century, leather jackets have come a long way. The colors, style, and even pleather, give Vegans something to smile about. I still stand by the original classic as the epitome of cool.