The Ultimate Guide to Leather Bomber Jackets

The Ultimate Guide to Leather Bomber Jackets

Are you thinking about buying a leather bomber jacket? Also known as leather flight jackets, they’ve become an increasingly popular form of outerwear. Countless men and women wear a leather bomber jacket in their daily outfits. Not all leather bomber jackets are the same, however. They are available in many different styles, each of which features a unique appearance.

An Introduction to Leather Bomber Jackets

A leather bomber jacket is a form of outerwear consisting of a traditional bomber style. As the name suggests, they are made of leather. They are distinguished from other leather jackets, though, by their style. Leather bomber jackets feature a classic style that’s synonymous with aviation pilots.

Leather bomber jackets were originally worn by aviation pilots. Their origins can be traced back to World War I. At the time, military airplanes — as well as civilian airplanes — didn’t have pressurized cabins and cockpits. Therefore, pilots and crewmen were exposed to cold temperatures during high-altitude flights. Leather bomber jackets offered a solution. By wearing a leather bomber jacket, pilots and crewmen were able to stay warm while flying at high altitudes.

Advances in aviation, of course, have since eliminated the need for thermal protection. Airplanes now have pressurized cabins and cockpits that protect pilots and crewmen from cold temperatures. Nonetheless, leather bomber jackets are still around.

The Different Styles of Leather Bomber Jackets

All leather bomber jackets feature a style that’s synonymous with aviation pilots. With that said, you can find them in different styles. MA-1 is arguably the most common and well-known style. It was developed by the U.S. military in the 1950s. MA-1 leather bomber jackets feature high-quality lining to achieve a superior level of thermal insulation.

Another common style is A2. Also developed by the U.S. military, A2 leather bomber jackets are characterized by the use of a wraparound collar, a zipper on the front, closed cuffs and an elastic band around the bottom.

Other common styles of leather bomber jackets include hunter, alpha bomber and vintage. Vintage simply refers to any old and classic style. Vintage leather bomber jackets typically have a simple, classic style that’s been around for many decades.

How to Choose a Leather Bomber Jacket

There are a few things to consider when choosing a leather bomber jacket. For starters, you should consider the type of leather from which it’s made. All leather bomber jackets are made of leather. Nonetheless, there are several different types of leather used in their construction.

Napa leather is regarded as the highest quality type of leather on the market. Originating from Napa, California, it has a finer grain than that of other types of leather. Why does this matter? With its fine grain, napa leather is incredibly soft. If you’re going to invest in a leather bomber jacket, you can’t go wrong with napa leather.

You should consider the style when choosing a leather bomber jacket as well. Maybe you prefer the MA-1 or M2 style, or perhaps you prefer the hunter or vintage style. No single style is better than the others. Rather, it’s recommended that you choose a style in which you are comfortable wearing.

Leather bomber jackets are available in a range of colors. Most people prefer brown or black. Since their origins many decades ago, leather bomber jackets have been designed in brown and black leather. In more recent years, though, alternative colors have arisen. You can now find leather bomber jackets in most colors, including red, green, blue, white and more.

Regardless of the style or color, you need to choose a leather bomber jacket in the right size. Leather bomber jackets are designed to fit somewhat snug, which is one of the reasons why they are so warm. If your leather bomber jacket is too small, you may not be able to zip up the front. And even if you are able to zip up the front, it may cause discomfort when worn.

You can avoid these problems by choosing a leather bomber jacket in the right size. As long as it fits, your leather bomber jacket should provide a high level of style and comfort. For the perfect fit, avoid buying a leather bomber jacket in a generic size. Instead, order a custom-sized leather bomber jacket.

Custom-sized leather bomber jackets, such as those sold here at LeatherCult, are designed using your own body measurements. When you order one, you can provide your body measurements.

Some of the benefits of choosing a custom-sized leather bomber jacket include the following:

  • Offers a more flattering figure
  • Easier to zip and down
  • More comfortable to wear
  • Higher quality construction
  • No additional charge for custom sizing when ordering from LeatherCult

Caring for Your Leather Bomber Jacket: What You Should Know

After finding the perfect leather bomber jacket, you should spend some time caring for it. Leather bomber jackets are relatively easy to maintain. You don’t have to wash them, nor do you have to dry them. You will, however, need to spot clean your leather bomber jacket on occasion.

Like traditional leather jackets, leather bomber jackets can be spot cleaned. If you notice a stain or blemish on your leather bomber jacket, for example, you can clean that specific area using a washcloth and dish soap. Assuming your jacket is made of real leather, the stain should come out.

Leather doesn’t stain as easily as other fabrics. Therefore, spot cleaning offers a simple and effective way to keep your leather bomber jacket clean. Along with spot cleaning, though, you may want to condition your leather bomber jacket.

Conditioning will protect your leather bomber jacket from dryness. All leather garments can dry out, and leather bomber jackets are no exception. When this occurs, it can make the leather feel rough and scratchy. For a softer and suppler texture, you can condition your leather bomber jacket.