Leather has been used to make coats, jackets and other types of apparel for centuries. Its unique characteristics make it a particularly useful material for this application. While cotton and wool is somewhat delicate and susceptible to damage, leather is not. It’s able to withstand countless years of use while showing little-to-no signs of aging. This, along with its stylish appearance, is why so many people prefer leather garments. However, there’s one type of leather jacket that’s become synonymous with classic style: the bomber jacket.
What Is the Leather Bomber Jacket?
The leather bomber jacket is a type of all-leather jacket that was originally developed by the U.S. Army’s Aviation Clothing Board in September 1917. In World War I, airplanes had open instead of enclosed cockpit. So, when flying at high altitudes — often tens of thousands of feet above the ground — pilots and crewmen had to battle extreme cold temperatures. This prompted the Aviation Clothing Board to develop a new type of jacket. Dubbed the “bomber jacket,” it featured an all-leather construction with a wraparound collar, zipper with wind flaps, cuffs and waists. Some leather bomber jackets also featured a fur-lined interior for additional warmth.
The Sheepskin Leather Bomber Jacket
Of course, the leather bomber jacket has evolved over the years. In 1926, Leslie Irvin invented the sheepskin bomber jacket, which as the name suggests was made with sheepskin leather instead of cow’s hide. The use of sheepskin proved highly beneficial in creating a superior level of comfort for pilots and crewmen. Irvin’s sheepskin bomber jacket was such a success that he became the primary supplier of jackets to the Royal Air Force during World War II.
It’s important to note, however, that due to steep demand for the sheepskin leather bomber jacket, Irvin was forced to hire subcontractors to help produce the jackets. This resulted in several variations being made. Some of the sheepskin leather bomber jackets had different colors, features or variations in the design. Granted, these nuances were typically subtle, but it resulted in numerous designs nonetheless.
A-2 and G-1 Leather Bomber Jackets
Of all the leather bomber jackets designed throughout history, the two most recognized are the A-2 and G-1 jackets. The G-1 jacket was a leather bomber jacket with a fur-lined collar that was distributed to the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coat Guard during World War II. Even after all of these years, however, it’s still issued to naval aviation officers and personnel on flying status. If you’re a movie fan, you may recall the A-1 leather bomber jacket being worn by Tom Cruise in the 1990s Hollywood blockbuster “Tom Gun.” It’s simple, classic yet still offers a remarkable style that’s not found elsewhere. For these reasons and others, the G-1 remains a popular leather jacket style.
The A-2 leather bomber jacket was designed a successor to the A-1 jacket., which was first adopted in the mid-to-late 1920s. It was worn primarily by U.S. Army Air Force pilots, navigators and crewmen, many of whom decorated the outside of their jackets with patches and artwork. In 1943, the U.S. Army was forced to declare the A-2 leather bomber jacket as “Limited Standard.” This meant that only replacements for service members could be ordered. No new pilots or crewmen would receive the A-2 due to its limited supply. Instead, new pilots and crewmen would be issued cloth-based aviation jackets like the Type B10 and Type B-15.
Leather Bomber Jackets Today
While it was originally designed for aviation pilots and crewmen, the leather bomber jacket has since become a mainstay in the world of civilian fashion. This resurgence of popularity began in the 1980s, during which countless men and women — many of whom weren’t pilots — began wearing it. The 1993, the leather bomber jacket became the national costume of the United States Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Washington. Fast forward to the 21st century, and the leather bomber jacket remains one of the most popular styles of outerwear.
Benefits of Wearing a Leather Bomber Jacket
As you can see, the leather bomber jacket has a deep and rich history dating all the way back to World War II. So, why should you choose it instead of one of the countless other types of jackets on the market? For starters, the leather bomber jacket is made of high-end leather. Depending on the specific brand/type, it may feature cow’s hide leather, or it may feature sheepskin leather. Regardless, you can rest assured knowing that it’s made of the highest quality leather on the market.
The leather bomber jacket also offers a timeless style, meaning you can rest assured knowing that it won’t fade from popularity any time soon. On the contrary, the leather bomber jacket has one of the oldest styles, yet it’s still popular and trendy.
Finally, the leather bomber jacket is made with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship on the market. Regardless of the specific variation you prefer, it’s guaranteed to offer the highest level of quality. These are just a few reasons why so many people continue to wear the leather bomber jacket after all of these years.
Tips on Choosing a Leather Bomber Jacket
If you’re interesting in buying a leather bomber jacket, there are a few things you should know. First, check to see what the jacket is made of. Again, genuine bomber jackets should feature an all-leather construction. However, some are made with cow’s hide leather, while others are made of sheepskin.
You should also check to make sure the leather bomber jacket fits. Assuming you order here at LeatherCult, you can specify your own measurements. Instead of rummaging through countless clothing racks and shelves in search of the perfect size, you simply tell us your measurements, and we’ll use those measurements to create the perfect leather bomber jacket. Finding the right size has never been easier!