Pilot leather bomber jacket

Pilot leather bomber jacket

"Bomber", "flight jacket", "aviator" and "pilot jacket" get used interchangeably and they are not quite the same thing. Since this jacket sits in the middle of all four, it is worth untangling the terms — it makes shopping for one considerably easier. It sits in our aviator and pilot leather jackets range.

• Material: Genuine leather
• Fit: Regular bomber cut
• Closure: Front zip with knitted cuffs and waistband
• Color: Brown
• Care: Dry wipe, condition twice a year, hang on a broad hanger

What the words actually mean

Flight jacket is the broadest term: any jacket designed for aircrew. Bomber describes a shape — short body, knitted cuffs and waistband, zip front — regardless of who it was made for; the word comes from bomber crews but it now names a silhouette, and most bombers sold today have nothing to do with aviation. Aviator tends to mean the fur-collared shearling types. Pilot jacket is a marketing term more than a category. So: every A-2 is a bomber, but not every bomber is a flight jacket, and "aviator" usually implies shearling.

Why that matters when buying

If you search for "bomber jacket" you will get everything from nylon streetwear to shearling coats. Knowing that the shape you want is short body, knit trims, zip front narrows it immediately, and knowing that "aviator" usually means a fur collar saves you ordering something far bulkier than you expected.

Why the bomber shape endures

The knit waistband seals warm air in and stops the jacket flapping. The short body does not bunch when you sit. The zip front opens fully so you can regulate temperature. Those three things are as useful in a car or on a bicycle as they were in an aircraft, which is why the shape has outlived its original purpose by eighty years.

Stated plainly: this is a fashion jacket in a flight-jacket style. Not military issue, no insignia, no affiliation.

Sizing and made to order

Measure your chest over a T-shirt. Sizes run XS to 5XL, with Custom taking chest, waist, shoulder, sleeve, and body length.

Shop Related Styles at Leather Outlet

Browse the aviator and pilot leather jackets, our bomber leather jackets, the men leather jackets range, or shearling leather jackets. Everything is at Leather Outlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a bomber and a flight jacket?

Flight jacket means any jacket made for aircrew. Bomber describes the shape — short body, knit trims, zip front — whoever it was made for.

What does “aviator” usually mean?

Generally the fur- or shearling-collared types, which are much bulkier.

Is this jacket shearling lined?

No. It is a leather bomber with knitted trims and a fabric lining.

Why has the bomber shape lasted?

The knit waistband seals warmth in and stops flapping, the short body does not bunch when seated, and the zip lets you regulate temperature.

Is it military issue?

No. It is a fashion jacket with no insignia or affiliation.

Do you offer custom sizing?

Yes. Choose Custom and send chest, waist, shoulder, sleeve, and body length.

Is shipping free?

Yes, free worldwide shipping and secure checkout.