Full History of Bomber Jackets: Military Heritage to UK Streetwear

Not many items in menswear have stood the test of time like the Men's bomber jacket. Originally designed for military pilots, the bomber has become a staple of everyday style. It’s crossed continents, subcultures, generations and wardrobes and is one of the most loved pieces in both menswear and unisex fashion.

In this piece we’ll be exploring the history and evolution of the men’s leather bomber jacket from its wartime origins to its place in British fashion in UK 2025. We’ll also be featuring some of our favorite jackets from the collection to show how the past is still influencing the present.

1. The Birth of Bomber Jackets – WWI to WWII Aviation Roots

The bomber jacket originated in the cold, windy cockpits of early 20th century aircraft. During WWI pilots were flying in open cockpits at freezing altitudes. The need for heavy, insulated outerwear brought about the first flight jackets leather bomber coats with wool or shearling lining.

By WWII bomber jackets were standard military issue. The US Army introduced the A-1 and later the A-2 bomber jackets, made from leather with tight cuffs and waistbands to keep warm at high altitudes.

Featured: Men’s Military A-1 Pilot Leather Bomber Jacket

This jacket is a nod to the past, for the streets of today’s UK.

2. The Classic A-1 Jacket – Foundation of Bomber Style

The A-1 jacket was the first official flight jacket adopted by the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1927. It had a button-up front, knit cuffs, and a stand-up collar the foundation of all bomber styles to come.

Unlike later styles with zippers and epaulettes, the A-1 was minimalist and often came in suede leather. It was functional but had a tailored look.

Featured: Men’s A1 Classic Suede Sheepskin Bomber Jacket

Soft suede and sheepskin elements make this modern A-1 a versatile choice for casual and semi-formal outfits.

3. WWII & The A-2 Jacket in Pop Culture

The A-1 laid the groundwork but the A-2 bomber jacket became iconic during WWII. It replaced the button front with a zipper closure, added a shirt-style collar and often had customized patches and hand-painted squadron insignias a way for pilots to express themselves as they risked their lives in the skies.

These jackets told stories: a painted eagle here, a bombing mission count there. The A-2 was no longer just a uniform it was a canvas.

After the war, returning veterans kept their jackets and wore them as symbols of manhood, adventure and survival. Hollywood soon followed.

4. Post-War America – Veterans, Hollywood, and the Civilian Shift

Post war the leather bomber jacket left the military and hit the high street. Veterans wore them with pride and Hollywood stars like James Dean and Steve McQueen made the bomber jacket the symbol of cool.

Suddenly the bomber was on the big screen, in magazines and on the backs of blue-collar workers and city youths. From London to Liverpool the leather bomber was everywhere as post war UK youth embraced American culture.

In this era the mens leather bomber jacket was as essential as the white T-shirt and blue jeans.

5. The Varsity Bomber Jacket – 1960s-70s American Preppy Culture

In the 1960s the bomber jacket went collegiate. American high schools and universities created their own version: the varsity bomber jacket. Made with wool bodies and leather sleeves they represented team spirit and school pride.

These jackets were status symbols – if you had one you were either an athlete, a top scholar or dating one.

Featured: Men’s Black Varsity Bomber Leather Jacket with Stripes

Clean lines and bold stripes make this jacket a smart combination of nostalgia and modern fashion – perfect for styling with chinos, trainers or denim in 2025 UK streetwear.

6. Military Revival in the 1980s – From Airforce to Action Movies

The 1980s saw another military revival in fashion. Top Gun introduced the world to Tom Cruise’s G-1 bomber jacket with naval patches and shearling collar.

This cinematic moment sparked a demand for aviator jackets among young men. The G-1 became a symbol of confidence, patriotism and testosterone fuelled adventure.

In the UK, the bomber jacket’s popularity soared thanks to American blockbusters, punk subcultures and football fan fashion.

7. Subcultures & Streetwear – Bomber Jackets in Punk and Hip-Hop

By the 1990s the bomber jacket had a new lease of life in the hands of subcultures. From East London punks to New York rappers, the bomber jacket evolved.

UK’s grime and garage scenes loved the oversized MA-1 nylon bombers worn over tracksuits or baggy jeans. US hip-hop artists added bold logos and colors, making the jacket streetwear.

In this era the bomber was anti-establishment and deeply tied to identity and music.

8. The Minimalist Turn – 2000s to Early 2010s

The early 2000s saw the return of minimalist fashion and the bomber jacket came back. Out went the logos and patches in came slim fits, muted tones and clean silhouettes.

Designers started reimagining bombers in high-end materials like lambskin, suede and technical fabrics.

Featured: Men’s Slim-Fit Brown Suede Leather Bomber Jacket

A modern take on the bomber that goes from day to night. It’s a must have in UK mens fashion today.

9. 2020s Fashion – Nostalgia Meets Sustainability

Now the bomber jacket is having a sustainability led revival. Shoppers in UK 2025 are looking for pieces that combine eco fashion with timeless style.

Retro is back think shearling collars, vintage zips and even patched logos. But now they’re made from recycled leather, ethical wool and sustainable dyes.

Secondhand and vintage bomber jackets are hot property, especially in London thrift stores and online resell platforms.

10. The Timeless Appeal – Why the Leather Bomber Jacket Endures

So, why are bomber jackets so expensive?

The answer is in the craftsmanship, versatility and heritage. A good leather bomber jacket lasts decades. It tells stories. It adapts. And it never goes out of fashion.

Today, whether you choose a military reproduction, a varsity throwback or a minimalist design, the bomber jacket is a staple of modern masculinity and increasingly, gender neutral wardrobes.

For women, options like the black leather ladies bomber jacket and leather bomber jacket women’s styles are gaining popularity, especially among UK stylists and influencers.

Featured: Men’s Black Varsity Leather-Wool Bomber Jacket

A hybrid of old school style and modern fit, this jacket wraps up our journey through the evolution of the bomber.

Best Brands for Bomber Jackets: Stylish & Functional

If you’re in the UK, here are the best bomber jacket brands to check out:

• Belstaff (heritage and craftsmanship)
• Schott NYC (authentic A-2s and G-1s)
• AllSaints (modern UK urban styling)
• Aviatrix UK (affordable, trend forward)
• The Jacket Maker (custom designs)

Each brand brings a unique blend of style, history and function the qualities that make the bomber jacket UK scene so cool in 2025.

For more on modern aviator styles, check out the black mens aviator jacket a stylish, versatile option for all seasons.