12 bomber jackets for every budget
Like so much of menswear today, the bomber jacket owes its rich history to the military. Designed by the Aviation Clothing Board in 1917 to combat the elements that WWI fighter pilots endured due to open cockpits – hence the need for wind-resistant tight cuffs, waist-bands and high necks – the original versions were made with leather and lined with shearling. As aerospace technology advanced, the bomber jacket moved into lighter weight fabrics, retraining its characteristic features of roomy sleeves, unstructured shoulders and short style for the perfect functional addition to the pilots’ needs.
After the war ended in 1918, the success of the bomber jacket led Leslie Irvin to design and manufacture a similar garment for the general public. Much like aviator glasses, the military associations of the bomber jacket lent itself to become a highly desirable and fashionable piece. Its iconic status in fashion history was secured by the rebels of the silver screen, such as Steve McQueen and James Dean. Today, every brand from Gucci to Prada have put their own spin on the garment – the original shape may be the same, but there’s now one for every man’s taste in colour, pattern and fabric. Here we show you the best of the bunch, suitable for every gentleman’s budget as we move into spring.
OVER £1,000
MAISON MARGIELA £1,485 // VISIVM £1,645 // DOLCE & GABBANA £2,200
£500 – £1,000
RICHARD JAMES £565 // A.P.C £815 // SACI £890
£250 – £500
BURBERRY BRIT £495 // PAUL SMITH £485 // OLIVER SPENCER £330
£100 – £250
PEPE JEANS £245 // J. CREW £200 // REIGNING CHAMP £215
UNDER £100
MARKS & SPENCER £69 // ASOS £45 // NIKE £75
(Main photo: James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause)
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