The Leather Bomber Jacket

The leather bomber jacket has gone through several periods of popularity. In the last decade, it was must-have wear for the hip hop crowd. However, anyone can wear a bomber jacket regardless of what group they belong to. Men and women alike are drawn the the look of the jacket; many people feel that wearing a leather jacket is slightly rebellious and romantic, those drawn to the bomber jacket are no different. The leather bomber jacket has a long and colorful history.

The leather bomber jacket was originally developed for World War I aviators to wear while flying. The cockpits of the early planes were open to the elements and the pilots needed a way to keep warm. In 1917, the US Army’s Aviation Clothing Board developed the first leather bomber jacket (or flight jacket). The jacket featured a high collar (sometimes with fur attached), a zipper with wind flaps, a tight cuff and waist, and lining (some were lined with fur). In 1926, Englishman Leslie Irwin created the first lambskin bomber jacket and became the official supplier to the Royal Air Force in the UK during World War II.

Since its military origins, the leather bomber jacket has become popular with various groups including skinheads and hip hop followers. However, anyone can wear a bomber jacket.  The jacket is attractive and useful in places with a cold climate. It can be worn almost year-round and looks better the more broken in and worn it is. Most people look good in a leather bomber jacket.

There are leather bomber jackets for men, women, children, pets and toys. They also come in any colors and designs that you can think of; from black, to those featuring the American flag or a cartoon character, to white, and to pink. The popularity does not seem to have declined in the almost 100 years since they were developed and it doesn’t look like that popularity will lessen anytime soon.

1. It looks cool, you can pretend you are a World War I flying ace.
2. It keeps you warm and the elastic around the cuffs keeps cold air out.
3. It can be worn by either men or women.
   
4. It makes a statement about who you are.
5. It comes in a variety of colors and designs.