A men’s leather jacket is a timeless, seasonless purchase that feels both fun and functional, and stylish yet practical. Considering their durability and flexibility, such jackets also represent a seriously savvy investment; choose the right jacket, treat it with the respect it deserves, and it’ll last you a lifetime.
A subset of the leather jacket umbrella term that’s been making waves in the fashion world recently is the men’s aviator bomber flight jacket. A bit uncomfortable to say, sure, but providing utter comfort – and the utmost style – when worn.
If you’re considering investing in one, then you’re probably wondering just how to wear it to its full potential. Your curiosity has taken you to the right place; here are 7 styling tips for men’s aviator bomber jackets.
What Exactly Is An Aviator Bomber Flight Jacket?
Most people may assume that leather jackets, bomber jackets, aviator jackets, flight jackets and aviator bomber jackets are the same thing. But, no!
Though a whole range of men’s blazers and coats were very much in fashion during the early 20th century, aviator bomber jackets actually hit the market way earlier than customary bomber jackets, which were made specifically for flight pilots in WWI. We’re talking about a time when pilots used to fly planes with open air cockpits, so these jackets were designed to provide them adequate insulation against the bracing weather.
As cockpits became filled with increasing amounts of tech and gadgetry, and more cramped as a result, fashion designers (alongside the US Army Aviation Clothing Board) were forced to reconceptualise the design of bomber jackets to make them more slimline, lightweight and suitable for ever shrinking cockpits during the Second World War.
Soon after that, the appeal of both the functionality and fashion of these bomber jackets left the confines of the cockpit and reached the high street, with men realising just how chic this streamlined style of aviator jacket was, leading designers to further innovate its fit and cut into the modern aviator bomber flight jacket we see today.
In 2022, the jacket is usually designed for men with slimmer builds due to its fitted waistband, front zipper and shallow collar. Some of the world’s biggest brands, including Burberry and Tom Ford, continuously update the designs of their aviator jackets, finessing and refining the iconic clothing item into something truly beautiful.
Beautiful, that is, if you know how to wear it and what to pair it with. We’re here to help with that; here are 6 styling tips for men’s aviator bomber flight jackets.
Choose Solid-Coloured Inners
Just as nifty as a leather jacket, an aviator bomber flight jacket can be paired well with many types of inners. You can opt for cashmere sweaters, cardigans, and woolen high-necks to keep yourself warm in chilly winters, or you can simply go for fitted crew neck t-shirts, polos, or full-sleeves shirts.
More recently, there’s been something of a trend for pairing a men’s oversized t-shirt with a leather jacket, which can work well on a certain (younger) age. Regardless of which inner you select, it’s important to make sure that it’s not sleeveless and too glitzy to wear under a flight jacket.
Another thing to keep in mind is to choose solid colours like white, grey, black, navy, maroon, red, and brown, which serve to pull the whole look together. These colours go well with the most traditional shades that bomber jackets come in, such as camel, beige, black, olive, and navy.
Above all else, it’s aesthetically essential that your top contrasts with the colour of your jacket, with the former ideally several shades lighter than the latter.
Read: The Ideal Guide To Styling Aviator Sunglasses So They Don’t Look Naff
Pull Up Dark Bottoms
As for bottoms, you need something that is not too casual nor too formal, such as chinos, khakis, or jeans, to really pull together your look if you’re planning your aviator jacket to be front row and centre. This is primarily because aviator jackets are meant to give off a kind of ruthlessly efficient, military vibe, so anything that’s excessively casual or prohibitively formal can rather dull that aim.
As with your top half, contrast is key here; contrasting but complementary colours are ideal. Light blue jeans with a dark brown aviator jacket is a classic look, whilst we think khaki chinos paired with a black jacket can look even suaver. Loungewear trousers are a big no-no, so make sure you do not kill your look by appearing too sluggish.
Co-Ords/Tracksuits
That said, it’s becoming increasingly popular for matching co-ords or tracksuits to be worn under aviator bomber jackets, particularly on the catwalk. Expect to see this look on a high street near you with increasing regularity soon!
These co-ords or tracksuits maintain the gallant, masculine feel of an aviator bomber jacket, whilst not looking overly fussy. It’s essential to make sure the tracksuit is on point, blemish free, and vibrantly coloured; nope, those grey slacks of yours just won’t do. Instead, a stiff, crisp designer tracksuit is the way to go here, paired with pristine white trainers, of course.
Pick Shoes Thoughtfully
Speaking of trainers, it’s essential that you give considerable thought to your shoe choice when trying to show off your aviator bomber jacket to its full potential.
There are only a few kinds of shoes that go really well with a men’s aviator jacket, so you need to be extra mindful on this one. Simply put, you can’t go for casual sandals or canvas shoes, which look jarring against a jacket of such poise and purpose. Instead, lace-up shoes or trendy slip-ons work well, but as we previously mentioned, the best shoe to pair with an aviator jacket is perhaps a simple but pristine white trainer.
If you’re attending a fairly formal event but can’t bear to be without your aviator jacket, you might want to consider a pair of Oxfords or Derby shoes.
In more casual settings, you can go for moccasins, trainers, sneakers, or boat shoes if it’s about wanting to be a bit laidback. Last but not the least, suede boots like Chelseas or even a pair of classic Timberlands look absolutely fantastic when paired thoughtfully with an aviator jacket.
Invest in Quality and Fit
When it comes to aviator bomber jackets, the difference between a well-made piece and a cheap imitation is immediately apparent—both in how it looks and how it wears over time. While premium brands like Schott NYC and Alpha Industries have built their reputations on authentic military-grade construction, there are excellent options across various price points that deliver both style and substance.
For those seeking luxury craftsmanship, brands like Saint Laurent and Acne Studios offer contemporary takes on the classic silhouette with impeccable tailoring. Mid-range options from companies like Urban Leather Jackets provide genuine leather construction and attention to detail without the designer price tag, making them an excellent choice for style-conscious men who want authenticity and durability. Meanwhile, accessible brands like Zara and AllSaints offer fashion-forward interpretations that capture the aviator aesthetic at more approachable price points.
Regardless of your budget, prioritise proper fit above all else. The jacket should sit comfortably at your natural waistline without being restrictive through the shoulders or chest. Remember, a well-fitted jacket from a mid-tier brand will always look better than an ill-fitting designer piece. Take the time to try on different sizes and cuts—some brands run larger or smaller than others—and don’t hesitate to have minor alterations done by a skilled tailor to achieve that perfect, streamlined silhouette that makes aviator jackets so effortlessly cool.
Accessorising Your Aviator Bomber Jacket
A little decoration goes a long way when accessorising your jacket-led outfit. A baseball cap is a classic choice, whilst beanies also look suitable in the right, outdoorsy setting when worn with a bomber.
Aside from caps and hats, sunglasses (aviators especially, duh!) and nominal jewellery like chains, watches, or simple leather bands also bring a sense of subtle sophistication to aviator bomber jackets. We would caution against heavy jewellery, however, since it tends to clash with a jacket that’s traditionally on the heavy side, too.
And whilst we’re very much speaking in the spirit of aviation, do check out these men’s style tips for the airport. You won’t regret it!
