The Best Bomber Jackets To Add To Your Everyday Arsenal

Bomber jackets were first designed as utility pieces, engineered to keep pilots warm in the open cockpits. And whilst the bomber jacket is still flying high, it’s no longer confined to airplane cabins. The bomber jacket has dug its way out of the military trenches (pun intended) and into the wardrobes of every streetwear influencer—Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner included. 

For me, personally, bomber jackets are a polarizing piece. Done wrong, the bomber seriously bombs out. And you can end up feeling like a wannabe varsity student who just can’t move past first year. 

However, done well, the bomber is the absolute bomb (it seems like the word itself even has polarizing connotations.)

Like any capsule war(drobe) hero, the key to a bombshell bomber is choosing the right one. From leather iterations and designer details to y2k varsity versions, here are the 11 bomber jackets our highly discerning editors would fight for. 

Alpha Industries MA-1 Heritage: The classic bomber jacket

Crafted from mid-weight flight nylon, the Alpha Industries MA-1 Heritage Jacket is as classic as it gets. It even has all the quintessential military detailing—including a utility pocket on the sleeve with a red Remove Before Flight ribbon. 

As the first-ever flight jacket to make its way into civilians’ (read: it-girls’) wardrobes, the Alpha Industries Heritage Jacket is as fashionable as it is functional. Which says a lot considering its water-resistant, reversible exterior, featuring a plethora of pockets. 

Best for: Making history—on and off the battlefield. 

Ralph Lauren: The designer bomber jacket

Looking to replicate Hailey Bieber’s chic nonchalance? The Ralph Lauren bomber is a fashionista’s fave. The oversized silhouette is quintessentially relaxed, echoing a varsity vibe with an oversized Ralph Lauren logo on the back. We love how the leather trim adds an air of refined sophistication. 

Take your style cues from Mrs Bieber herself and pair it with a mini skirt and loafers. Or use the Ralph Lauren bomber to dress down a more formal ensemble, like your LBD and heels.

Best for: Your college aesthetic all grown up. 

Alo Yoga Renown: The varsity bomber jacket

Whether you’re still in college or you’re just looking to relive those varsity days, the Alo Yoga Renown is a more sophisticated way to watch Football games, while maintaining that archetypal apathy. 

Made from heavyweight French Terry, the Alo Yoga Renown is incredibly soft and warm. The deep front pockets are handy for storing smaller essentials. And we love that it’s versatile enough to wear with almost anything. 

Plus, the bomber jacket is machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about beer spillage during the game. 

Best for: Going to the game in style. 

The Jacket Maker: The leather bomber jacket 

A leather bomber is a women’s capsule wardrobe essential. It’s typically more paired back than our biker jacket, but it’s still effortlessly cool and slightly rebellious. 

That being said, we adore this leather bomber by The Jacket Maker. Made from premium leather, the timeless staple ages beautifully. Bomber details such as an elasticated waist, cuffs and collarless neckline speak to the time-honored style. And the luxury garment isn’t expensive, especially considering its quality. 

Best for: Understated rebellion. 

Anine Bing Leon: The nylon bomber jacket

The original MA-1 bomber jacket was made from army green nylon and we love that this Anine Bing jacket has kept up the tradition while staying true to the designer brand’s Scandi-inspired style. 

Nylon aside, the green bomber jacket pays homage to the OG design in more ways than one. The Anine Bing Leon features quintessential flight details, including a bright orange lining and a zipped pocket on the arm. 

A known fan of the classical bomber, we could totally see Gigi Hadid rocking this green bomber jacket with leather pants and Chelsea boots. 

Best for: Sticking to tradition with a designer touch.  

Jacquemus Le Blouson Pilou: The shearling bomber jacket

If you’re looking for outerwear that is as cozy as your favorite couch blanket, but doesn’t compromise on style or design, Le Blouson Pilou shearling jacket is our answer. 

Made in France from sustainably sourced lamb fur, the luxury comfort is impossibly soft. Yes, it’s more expensive than most bombers. But considering that the Jacquemus Bomber Jacket will keep you warm and chic over a lifetime of cold winters, it may just be worth it. 

Best for: Rivaling your shearling slippers—in style and comfort.

Alo Yoga: The Sherpa bomber jacket

Made from plush sherpa, this Alo Yoga bomber is a cocoon of comfort almost impossible to emerge from. And while the relaxed style is great for shrugging over activewear in Winter, you can definitely dress it up with pleated slacks or leather pants.

Another big win for us is that the Alo Yoga sherpa bomber is machine washable, so we don’t have to worry about sweating post-Bikram session. 

Best for: Heading from the studio to the streets. 

Sandro: The oversized bomber jacket

Arguably, there’s nothing cooler than an oversized bomber jacket—just ask Kendall Jenner. And while we came across a few worthy opponents, nothing beat the androgynous bomber by Sandro. 

The traditional zipped silhouette features most of the army-inspired essentials. While the exaggerated fit speaks to the trending streetwear style. That being said, even though oversized bombers are having a moment, we don’t think this Sandro jacket will ever go out of style. 

Best for: Taking your style cues from the it-girls. 

Acne Studios: The cropped bomber jacket 

A masterclass in modern minimalism, Acne Studios is our go-to for curating a carefully considered capsule wardrobe. And this cropped bomber jacket is an easy pick. 

Made from lustrous satin, the versatile staple is slightly more elevated and sophisticated than most bombers. And the subtle logo on the back adds a nonchalant, contemporary edge. 

We love the cropped cut paired with a high-waisted skirt for a cross between feminine and borrowed-from-the-boys.

Best for: Y2K crop cuts get a modern minimalist makeover. 

Canada Goose HyBridge: The quilted woolen bomber jacket

As paramount as down jackets are for surviving extreme winters, they don’t have the best reputation amongst the fashion crowd. However, the Hybridge jacket by Canada Goose is challenging the stereotype. 

Combining the softness of quality Merino wool with the unparalleled warmth of down inners, the bomber is unrivaled in warmth and comfort, yet it is also incredibly stylish. The all-black silhouette is sleek and versatile. While the quilted exterior and articulated sleeves make the Canada Goose Hybridge somewhat of a fashion statement. 

Best for: Challenging stereotypes. 

Nike Varsity: The reversible bomber jacket

To be honest, it’s not often that we find a reversible jacket that we actually want to wear both ways. The Nike Varsity jacket, however, is one of the rare exceptions. 

On the one side, you have ruched stitched, ribbed details and an army-inspired sleeve pocket, giving off that quintessential military aesthetic that has become so popular. And on the other side, you have diamond quilting, giving off a more comfortable, puffer look. 

Both sides are lightly padded and ultra-comfortable. And neither of the looks is too much. They’re both equally versatile and easy to wear. 

Best for: Adding two new versatile basics to your capsule collection. 

Frequently asked questions about women’s bomber jackets