Layering obsessives will already be well acquainted with the joys of a bomber jacket. Its unique silhouette has managed to transcend the trend cycle and now the bomber is a outerwear classic that pops up on the runway, season after season.
Having received the coveted fashion set seal of approval (Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner have all been spotted in versions of the staple), the bomber is infinitely versatile.
© Instagram / @alexachungSo versatile in fact that our favourite style muse Alexa Chung, who is known for her ballet flat and tight combos, posted an image to her Instagram yesterday sporting an oversized khaki green option.
From glossy leather to party-appropriate metallics, the styles we're eyeing up this season are all infused with cool-girl appeal and can be styled multiple ways.
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What is a bomber jacket?
© GettyA bomber jacket derives from military origins, having evolved from the flight jacket style. It was intended for functional use, to be worn as a lightweight layer that would keep aircrews warm while not restricting their movement.
They were originally made from leather in a midnight blue shade, which was later changed to sage green following its military usage – a colour that made it easier for soldiers to camouflage themselves into their surroundings.
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© GettyThe design typically includes an elasticated ribbed waistband and matching cuffs, a central zip fastening and deep pockets.
Modern bombers tend to play with this classic formula, with some styles featuring cropped lengths, oversized fits and textural details such as quilting.
Is it on trend this season?
© SpotlightLeather, boxy versions of the jacket ruled the runway at Eudon Choi's AW23 show whereas fanciful, gothic iterations with sateen finishes took centre stage at Bora Aksu. But as far as the street style set are concerned, it's all about oversized silhouettes in either leather or bouclé.
How we chose:
© Getty- Style: Naturally, a super flattering silhouette is essential. When combing through the internet's top fashion sites for the best styles, we made sure that each of our picks were either bang on trend or had a certain classic appeal for maximum wearability. We've delivered on scope - from H&M to Chloé, these are the bomber jackets we're lusting after right now.
- Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a piece in your price range. We've selected this season's most stylish bomber jackets, ranging from affordable high street and mid-level brands to luxe designer labels.
Hello! Fashion shares the best bomber jackets to shop this season:
Best Bomber Jackets
Balloon-sleeve Cropped Satin Bomber Jacket
Simone Rocha
Wear with...
The label's matching gathered skirt and cool-girl ballet flats.
Championing the balloon sleeve, this navy piece by Simone Rocha is the perfect way to inject your outfit with a sense of drama, while keeping things rich and understated in the shade department.
Sunrise Rodeo Bomber Jacket
Wear with...
Light-wash jeans tucked into slouchy suede boots.
Hayley Menzies excels in quirky prints, and this piece featuring a cowgirl on her steed poses no exception. The five-colour jacquard design is high impact and the gold domed buttons have a luxe, polished feel.
Leather-effect Metallic Bomber Jacket
Wear with...
White kick flares and glossy ankle boots.
In a flashy silver hue, this leather-effect bomber by Zara is giving major Space Age drama. The crinkled effect feels textural and cool and the silhouette is unfussy, allowing the metallic finish to take centre stage.
Banto Shearling Collar Leather Bomber Jacket
Ba&sh
Wear with...
A polo neck knit and dark denim jeans.
Cut from smooth lambskin leather, this maroon bomber bypasses the traditional flat collar in favour of a cosy shearling. The shape is boxy and cool, and lends itself to a relaxed layering moment.
Padded Bomber Jacket
Wear with...
Baggy jeans and retro sneakers.
This two-tone bomber by H&M looks far more expensive than it actually is thanks to luxe-looking neutrals. The internal padding gives it shape and the simple press-stud pocket on the sleeve adds a sense of utilitarian cool.
Quilted Bomber Jacket with Down and Feather Padding
Massimo Dutti
Wear with...
Slouchy cargo pants in a dark beige hue.
Partly constructed from recycled polyester, this earthy khaki bomber by Massimo Dutti is seriously wearable. The non-traditional quilting shape feels fresh and interesting, and the down interior will keep you cosy all season long.
Sequin-embellished Denim Bomber Jacket
Rowen Rose
Wear with...
A silver crinkle-effect mini skirt.
Adorned with light-reflecting rhinestones, this denim bomber by Rowen Rose takes the classic style into fresh territory. The boxy fit feels relaxed and cool, and the glitzy finish feels utterly perfect for party season.
Laura Leather Bomber Jacket
Wear with...
A white denim maxi skirt and kitten heel slingbacks.
Created from sheepskin leather with a viscose lining, Whistles' 'Laura' bomber feels sleek and timeless. Featuring matching ribbed collar and cuff detailing, the effect is polished and uniform.
Oversized Bomber Jacket
Wear with...
Wide-leg trousers and platform trainers.
In a dark sandy hue, this oversized bomber by Mango feels utilitarian and cool. The flat collar and round neck detailing feels classic, and it would look great with jeans as well as tailored flares.
Shearling Leather Bomber Jacket
Chloé
Wear with...
Black straight-leg jeans and platform ankle boots.
This shearling bomber by Chloé is perfect for injecting your outfit with a splash of cosiness. The gold-tone hardware looks categorically luxe and the biker buckle provides an edgy focal point.
Cream Boucle Tailored Bomber Jacket
River Island
Wear with...
Wide-leg trousers and platform trainers.
With a slightly sporty air, this cream bomber jacket by River Island is super wearable. The bouclé finish feels polished, but the cropped fit gives it an air of cool.
Farris Oversized Paneled Cotton-Blend Bomber Jacket
Khaite
Wear with...
Leggings and short platform UGGs.
An ode to the oversized silhouette, this sand-coloured jacket by Khaite would make for a great wardrobe investment if you're into your neutrals. I love the slouchiness of the shape and the gleaming silver hardware.
Suede-Paneled Padded Shell Bomber Jacket
Givenchy
Wear with...
Flares and platform trainers.
With a retro varsity feel, this monochrome bomber by Givenchy feels super versatile for everyday wear. I love the off-white accents - I'm a sucker for visible topstitching - and the duality of texture.
Oversized Padded Bomber Jacket
Wear with...
A silky slip to dial down your party 'fit.
In a pretty, cool neutral shade, this bomber by Anthropologie has endless styling possibilities. It would go equally well with combat trousers and a baseball cap, and over a lustrous midi for major cool-girl appeal. Utilitarian fanatics will love the pocket detailing.
Textured Bomber Jacket
Wear with...
A white tee, a gold chain and relaxed-fit trousers.
This wool-effect bomber by high street stalwart M&S has been doing the rounds on Instagram, and I'm into it. I love the cosiness of the finish, the clean neckline and the fact that the pockets sit flat against the main body as to not disrupt the silhouette.
Why you should trust me:
Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It's not just a job; it's a personal quest to
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