Bomber jackets have been worn by some of the most famous people in history, including James Dean, Marlon Brando, and the captivating Marilyn Monroe.
The US Army Aviation Clothing Board created the jacket in the early 1900s for military pilots. They made these jackets to keep pilots warm in the cockpits of open-air planes.
These flight jackets quickly became a popular style among civilians, and today they’re considered a timeless classic.
In this article, we’ll look at the history of the bomber jacket and explore why it’s such an iconic piece of clothing.
What Is A Bomber Jacket?
A bomber jacket is a short, fitted jacket with a zip-up front that will add a touch of edge to any outfit.
They are usually made from leather or another durable material, which makes them ideal for colder weather.
One of the most iconic features of the bomber jacket is its design.
Bomber jackets generally have large pockets on the front. Today, these pockets are what make bomber jackets unique.
Generally, there are three types of bomber jackets.
- The A-2 is the original all-leather flight jacket.
- The G-1 is similar to the A-2 but has a fleece collar.
- The MA-1 is a modern bomber jacket with a casual layering option.
Let’s look at the history of this iconic piece of outerwear.
The History Of Bomber Jackets And How They Became Popular
Made from sturdy leather and lined with fur or sheepskin, bomber jackets were very effective for keeping the body warm.
You can trace the rich history of bomber jackets from their military origins through various subcultures, including the punk movements, LGBTQ+ communities, and the high fashion
The Military Origins Of The Bomber Jacket
Airmen wore the A-2 leather jacket during the days of the propeller aircraft. The fleece inside the jacket kept them warm in the “open air” cockpits.
When the propeller aircraft were replaced with jet aircraft, the bomber jacket evolved into a comfortable, lightweight, yet warm flight jacket. This jacket is what we know as the G1, and it sported a stylish fleece collar.
It was only in 1949 that the G1 upgraded to the popular MA-1 bomber jacket we know and love today.
How Did The Flight Jacket Become Popular?
In the late 1960s and 1970s, British skinheads adopted the bomber jacket as a symbol of their subculture. The bomber jacket became an icon of rebellion and counterculture, contributing to its popularity.
In the 1980s, the British LGBTQ+ community began appropriating the piece as a statement to disrupt the skinhead’s openly hateful and racist spatter.
During the same time, Japanese youth fell in love with American fashion, particularly the MA-1 bomber jacket.
In 1988, beloved French designer Jean Paul Gaultier adjusted the bomber jacket style for women, further increasing its popularity.
During the late 20th century, the bomber jacket held onto its popularity during the waves of grunge and alternative subculture explosions.
There was another rise in sales after fans saw Kanye West wearing his customized MA-1 bomber jacket during the Yeezus tour in 2013. Kanye West’s endorsement exposed the younger generation to the iconic flight jacket.
Since then, celebrities such as Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, and Bella Hadid have been rocking the bomber jacket style.
Own An Timeless Wardrobe Essential
Bomber jackets are not part of a trend. This flight jacket is a timeless wardrobe essential for anyone who wants to make a statement.
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