A men's bomber jacket is not just an item of outerwear, but a revived legend about the valor and heroism of handsome pilots. Today, manufacturers offer both very light summer options and winter ones that are very warm and wear-resistant. History remembers the period when the classic bomber weighed several kilograms, and had to warm its owner in the most critical situations. In the article, we will consider where the classic wardrobe item came to us from and what to wear with this stylish outerwear.
Design features of a man's bomber jacket
- The original item of outerwear for pilots can be distinguished from other similar styles in a characteristic detail - there are always pockets on the sleeves. They were called "service". They are needed for the little things that you need to have with you: cigarettes, pen, scarf, photo of your beloved.
- The biggest load during take-off and landing is always on the back of the pilot, for this reason you will not see a seam in this part of the jacket on a real bomber.
- In the sky there is no way to keep hands in pockets, so the side pockets are designed unlined.
The story includes the legendary model of bombers.
Cockpit Irvin Flight Jacket
The bomber jacket appeared during the First World War. At that time, there were no safety glasses in the cockpits of combat aircraft, and the pilots needed protection from very low temperatures. The flight uniforms should have been completely windproof and warmed the military to the maximum.
The name of Leslie Irwin is forever inscribed in history as the creator and tester of the world's first parachute and flight jacket. The first model was released in 1926. It is made of thick leather, and the lining is made of sheared sheepskin.
A-2 Flight Jacket
Freedom-loving Americans do not like to follow the traditions of others, and the guys from the US Army should have stood out. Since 1931, when the cockpit began to heat up, the U.S. Air Force created a new model of men's leather bomber jacket. She was sewn from horse leather, strong enough, but very light. There was no fur lining. From below, instead of the usual belt, a wide stylish elastic band appeared. It is to this style of bombers that we are accustomed today.
Inside this model, Blood Chit was first introduced on the lining fabric. This is a patch with the text, which refers to the fact that the owner of the jacket is an American soldier and should be transferred to the US Embassy for a fee. The message was written in several local dialects. For the first time, stripes began to be used during the Vietnam War.
B-15 Flight Jacket
This model of a jacket, which was first sewn not from leather, but from a material that was innovative at that time - nylon. The event occurred in the late 40s, and it was a real breakthrough in the world of military uniforms.
The top of the bomber is usually dark blue, and the lining is orange. The well-known signal color is present here for good reason. In critical situations, the pilot had to unscrew his outer clothing. For example, if the plane caught fire, then the catapulted pilot was easier to find.
Classic flight jacket MA1
The model was born in 1963. Its main difference from its predecessors is the absence of a collar and the lining of an orange signal color. If the pilot had to eject, then he turned the bomber. This facilitated the search for the military. There should also be a Blood Chit patch on the lining.
With this model, classic bombers stepped into the changing world of fashion. The American pilots who returned from Vietnam could not get used to the “citizen” and began to buy flight jackets at the military. Informals from the streets who “liked the fact that the wardrobe item is very durable and the absence of a collar often saved in a fight” “laid eyes on” the style. So it was easier to get out, because the enemy had nothing to grab.
CWU 45 / P Flight Jacket
From its predecessor, the model was distinguished by a warm lining, the presence of a collar and the absence of a signal color inside. But she went down in history for another reason. Especially for this bomber, the new Nomex refractory material was developed.
Drawings on the back
As you know, men remain children for life. And the guys whose work every day is associated with a danger to life, really want to relax. So the young military pilots handed over their outer clothing in the studio so that funny drawings appeared on their backs. Basically, there were pin-up pictures with charming young ladies. The guys also asked to embroider cartoon characters. The number of bombs that the pilot dropped, the owner of the jacket, was also indicated on the jackets.
Styles of flight jackets
Today, there are bomb models for all seasons. Consider the most popular styles:
- Sheepskin coat. As a rule, this is a classic model with a turn-down collar, a belt at the bottom, zippers on the sleeve cuffs. Famous manufacturers adhere to the classic canons in tailoring bomber jackets for a harsh winter. For production use natural sheepskin. The top of the product, as a rule, is not painted. Quality models can usually be found in natural brown tones.
- Bomber jacket with a hood. Some modern manufacturers have decided to move away from the classic canons and offer customers a model with a hood. Such models are much more practical than classic counterparts and perfectly protect from the wind.
- Club bomber jacket. This style is simply adored by stylish guys. The model is decorated with a large number of stripes. Buttons can replace zippers. There are no fur club options. For winter, you can buy a club bomber jacket warmed by synthetic winterizer.
- Jacket. Or a windbreaker. This is a bomber jacket for the spring-summer season. Manufacturers usually do not overload such models with many stripes. The most popular windbreaker is a model sewn like a classic MA1 flight jacket with an orange lining.
What to wear a bomber jacket with?
The pilot's jacket fits perfectly into the wardrobe of a modern stylish man. A few images for real mods:
- Business casual style (business casual) implies functionality and comfort. Here, a men's bomber jacket will be a replacement for a classic jacket. To approach the choice of material from which the flight jacket is sewn is serious. Do not save. Choose high-quality: silk, cashmere, wool. For the look, classic trousers with arrows or neat chinos are suitable. This style involves a thin sweater in a discreet color under a jacket or a shirt in neutral colors. You can tie a tie at will, but not necessarily.
- Casual style. The bomber here can be sewn from any suitable fabric: jeans, nylon, raincoat fabric, familiar knitwear. Jeans, a sweater or a T-shirt and sneakers will complement the image. In color schemes there is no limit to imagination. The flight jacket can be yellow, green, blue, orange, red.
According to reviews of men who are closely following fashion, these brands are considered one of the best bombers:
- Fred Perry
- Paul Smith;
- Zara;
- GAP
- Asos;
- Topman.
You can buy a popular men's bomber jacket in Moscow by walking through the numerous shopping centers. You will see a large selection of models, for example, in the Legionnaire store. The store has its own website where you can see the assortment and, if you wish, make an order.