The 12 Best Bomber Jackets of 2024

InStyle / Kevin Liang

A great jacket is the linchpin of a memorable outfit. In the winter months, outerwear takes on a more practical light, but in those glorious months during in-between seasons, a lightweight jacket is all it takes to tie together an outfit like a bow. And no jacket is more primed for outfitting this transient time like the bomber jacket. “From leather to Japanese silks, there's no limit to what you can find,” says Kelci Nienhuis, a stylist with a soft spot for a bomber jacket.

Stylist and curator Taylor Hansen Hughes is a fan of bomber jackets that riff on traditional styling. Her favorite brands to look for are Sacai, Simone Rocha, and Proenza Schouler. “I recommend bomber jackets for my chic Tribeca moms, power women on the weekends, and all of my gallery girls.” She describes the deconstructed details as “cool and without trying, absolutely at all.” Isn’t that the dream? See for yourself, ahead, along with even more picks from affordable brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Quince, and Madewell.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dickies Women's Plus Quilted Bomber Jacket at Amazon ($39)

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Best Preppy:

Lacoste x Bandier Nylon Bomber with Pockets at Shopbop.com ($86)

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Best Affordable:

Abercrombie Wool-Blend Bomber Jacket at Abercrombie.com (See Price)

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Best Shearling-Lined:

Quince 100% Shearling Bomber Jacket at Quince.com (See Price)

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Best Splurge:

Simone Rocha Embellished Cropped Zipped Bomber Jacket at Cettire.com (See Price)

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Best Oversized:

Madewell Quilted Oversized Bomber Jacket at Nordstrom ($186)

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Best Waterproof:

Rains Liner Bomber Jacket at Nordstrom ($124)

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Best Quilted:

A.P.C. Beige Elea Bomber Jacket at Ssense.com (See Price)

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Best Wool:

Imogene And Willie The Cropped Wool Souvenir Jacket In Blue at Imogeneandwillie.com (See Price)

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Best Colorful:

THE FRANKIE SHOP Astra oversized shell bomber jacket at Net-a-Porter ($390)

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Best Overall

Dickies

View On Amazon $39 View On Dickies.com View On Target $65

What We Love: This bomber jacket is classic in every way.

What We Don’t Love: Available in black and navy, it’s all work and no play.

Leave it to the workwear classic, Dickie’s, to create what we think is an objectively perfect bomber jacket. For starters, it’s warm, earning its keep in your coat closet. The jacket features a nylon taffeta construction with a polyester fill and jersey lining for comfort and warmth. Plus, you’re set if it rains, thanks to a durable water-repellent coating and rib-knit collar, cuff, and waist. At under $100 and available in a plethora of sizes, this is the exact bomber jacket we’d recommend to big fans of the style and novices, alike.

Material: Polyester, DWR, polyurethane | Colors: 2 | Size: XS–XXXL

Best Preppy

Shopbop

View On Shopbop.com $86 View On Bandier.com

What We Love: Timeless takes on a whole new meaning with this iconic bomber jacket.

What We Don’t Love: There’s room for improvement on the sizing front.

It’s only natural to lean into a nostalgia-inspired outfit when it comes to picking out a bomber jacket. And it’s hard to think of a more nostalgic brand than Lacoste. Known for its preppy polos and golf classics, Lacoste’s recent collaboration with Bandier skews more wearable than some of its previous pieces. The collar and detailing on top of the zipper feel like a nod to the present day, while the slightly cropped shape of the body and the strong shade of navy make for a truly timeless investment. Try wearing this jacket with a simple white shirt and jeans for an all-American look.

Material: Mid-weight, non-stretch technical weave | Colors: 1 | Size: 0–8

Best Affordable

Abercrombie

View On Abercrombie.com

What We Love: Try out the bomber jacket look without spending too much.

What We Don’t Love: The waistband might hit a little short on some wearers.

By now, everyone knows that winter whites are a shortcut to looking chic even when you’re bundled up. This textured jacket from Abercrombie & Fitch is just as fun with an all-white ensemble as it is tucked under an oversized denim jacket. Like other classic bomber jackets, it features a cinched hem, a snap-up front, and side pockets. This jacket is dry clean-only and unlike other textured options, doesn’t shed. It’s worth noting that it’s not the warmest jacket A&F offers, but in the case of creating an outfit for fashion over function, it fits the bill perfectly.

Material: Polyester, wool | Colors: 1 | Size: XXS–XL

Best Shearling-Lined

Quince

View On Quince.com

What We Love: At under $500, this jacket feels way more expensive than it is.

What We Don’t Love: The sleeves might fall a little short for taller wearers.

It’s hard to find anything to nitpick about a jacket as exceptional as this shearling-lined bomber from Quince. There are plenty of similar options on the market for two or three times this price, but at $500, this is a jacket worth its weight in gold. The shearling-lined hood is removable. The jacket itself is crafted from leather, with pockets poised for hand warming. If you’re shopping for a cold climate, this bomber jacket is your new winter go-to.

Material: Shearling sheepskin, leather | Colors: 2 | Size: XS–XL

Best Splurge

Simone Rocha Embellished Cropped Zipped Bomber Jacket

Cettire

View On Cettire.com

What We Love: There’s nothing cooler than a bomber jacket with killer details.

What We Don't Love: At over $1,000, this jacket is a true splurge.

If you’re going to splurge on a jacket, it might as well be one you’re in love with. This stunning piece from Simone Rocha is equal parts girlish and cool. Styled with a gown or worn to dress up distressed jeans, it’s destined to be something you reach for season after season. Simone Rocha is known for her exaggerated proportions and girlish details. Lean into the designer’s aesthetic by pairing this jacket with an equally as voluminous dress or pare things back with a pair of Levi’s and sneakers.

Material: Polyester, polyamide | Colors: 1 | Size: UK8–UK10

Best Oversized

Madewell

View On Nordstrom $186 View On Madewell.com

What We Love: Easy to wear, even easier to style.

What We Don’t Love: The silhouette is quite oversized.

This is the bomber jacket for even the most hesitant bomber jacket shopper. Unlike the traditional shape, there’s no waistband, which makes it instantly more casual and comfortable. Plus, the oversized pockets are ideal for skipping out the door without a purse.

The quilted pattern, known as diagonal onion patterning, feels fresh and reminiscent of the pattern seen on vintage military jacket liners. Made from an Italian wool blend, this jacket has ribbed wind-blocking cuffs and simple snaps down the front.

Material: Wool, polyester, viscose | Colors: 1 | Size: XXS–4X

Best Waterproof

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $124 View On Bandier.com

What We Love: It’s a piece of outerwear you’ll reach for season after season.

What We Don’t Love: Without a hood, it’s not the most practical of rain jackets.

When it comes to rain gear, no one does it quite like Rains. The brand has long made the chicest options to find yourself in when the sky breaks open. This bomber jacket is no exception. Since it's quilted, it earns its keep in your wardrobe by working double time as a cozy layer.

If you’re keen on the oversized look, go up a size in this bomber jacket, especially if you plan on pairing a hoodie underneath. Concealed side pockets and sturdy snaps make this a jacket you’ll be grateful you invested in for years to come.

Material: Polyester | Colors: 2 | Size: XS–XL

Best Quilted

Ssense

View On Ssense.com

What We Love: A bomber jacket in an unexpected color feels fresh.

What We Don’t Love: A cream jacket might not be the easiest to keep clean.

You’ll never run out of reasons to sport a water-repellent jacket like this one from A.P.C. Plus, the satin lining makes it perfect for layering. Try with a turtleneck sweater or even under a larger coat. The lightness of the jacket makes it easy to dream of outfits for even the greyest of days. If you're someone looking to upgrade athleisure outfits in all black or shades of blue, investing in a bomber jacket like this turns your pilates outfit into just the thing for a weekend coffee date.

Material: Cotton, polyamide | Colors: 1 | Size: FR34–FR42

Best Wool

Imogene And Willie

View On Imogeneandwillie.com

What We Love: Somewhere between a steal and a spend, this jacket is about to become your most worn.

What We Don’t Love: The waistband isn’t for everyone.

Imogen + Willie is a brand that prides itself on making the basics perfectly. Designed in Nashville and produced in the United States, the brand has been in the business of classic silhouettes since it was started in 2009. There’s no reason to mess with a classic, and in the case of the bomber jacket, we couldn’t agree more. This style features 100 percent wool in a deep royal blue, complete with a hidden antique brass zipper, functioning welt pockets, and dyed corozo buttons. Pair it with cowboy boots or leather loafers for your next dinner out. Compliments are guaranteed.

Material: Wool | Colors: 1 | Size: XS–XL

Best Colorful

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter $390 View On Thefrankieshop.com

What We Love: This color is truly unmatched.

What We Don’t Love: At over $300, this jacket feels a little spendy for something that’s not silk.

No one nails an oversized silhouette quite like The Frankie Shop. This bomber jacket in what they call “royal purple” is no exception. Some people tend to steer clear of color when it comes to outerwear, afraid they might tire from something other than neutrals. But there’s something to be said for a statement coat, especially as seasonal depression sets in.

The ruched detailing in the sleeve of this jacket, plus the oversized front pockets, marry practicality and fashion wonderfully. A slight ballooning in the sleeves keeps the silhouette from feeling accidentally oversized and imbibes it with a feeling of purpose. Wear this jacket with denim jeans and a plain white tee, and feel instantly ready for whatever the day ahead holds.

Material: Polyamide, polyester | Colors: 1 | Size: XXS–L

Best Silk

Sandro

View On Sandro-paris.com

What We Love: With a silky feel, this blazer is anything but boring.

What We Don’t Love: Limited sizing feels like a missed opportunity.

A bomber jacket made from silk is a treasure to find whilst vintage shopping. But brand new, the material can either be expensive or hard to wear. That’s where Sandro’s elegant solution comes in. This jacket is made of a technical material made to look like satin, which means it’s way more breathable and easy to wash, but just as shiny. A satin bomber jacket, with its smooth texture, complements a variety of fabrics. This style pairs easily with denim for a casual look or over a slip dress for a dress-up ensemble. Wear the jacket oversized for a more modern look, or take a size smaller than you normally opt for if you’re after something a little more tailored.

Material: Satin-effect technical material | Colors: 2 | Size: XS–M

Best Reversible

Roucha

View On Roucha.com

What We Love: Available in three neutral colors, this bomber jacket feels easy to wear in every season.

What We Don’t Love: The brand offers a great sizing range, but the sizing system is a little tricky to understand.

For a long time, reversible jackets seemed like a cheap trick to offer a “two-in-one” bonus for shoppers. But when it comes to Roucha, a brand dedicated to bringing architectural awareness and style to clothing for women of all sizes, the outcome is undeniably chic. Oversized pockets on one side make the jacket feel modern and wearable.

The “teddy bear fleece” side is extra warm when worn close to the body and lends itself to breezy layering when worn on the exterior. Make the most of your outerwear on long-haul trips with this bomber jacket. Plus, Roucha has no time limit on exchanges, giving you the chance to find a bomber jacket from the brand you’ll have for a lifetime.

Material: Nylon, polyester | Colors: 3 | Size: XS–XL

What to Keep in Mind

Shape: Nienhuis suggests starting with the simple question of what you hope to get out of the simple jacket style. “Do you want a crop with a tight waistband or a more relaxed band that hits at your hips and has a laid-back vibe?” Jesica Wagstaff, a fashion content creator, loves that, as all great outerwear does, a bomber jacket marries both form and function, without adding bulk. “Regardless of style, you want to look for a bomber with a great collar. Not only will a substantial collar provide warmth, but it will also lend a sophisticated neckline to any look without a ton of effort. Bonus points for banded cuffs and waistbands,” she notes. Wagstaff is a genius when it comes to styling, so her notes here are particularly helpful. “I think a bomber with a crisp white button-down under either a crewneck gray sweatshirt or sweater looks so chic. Finish it off with a straight-leg jean and [boots or white leather sneakers] and you’re ready to go almost anywhere.”
Material: It’s time to face the music. Are you looking for a practical bomber jacket or a fashion bomber jacket? A few of our picks toe the line, but when considering the material of the bomber jacket you’re considering, you have to land on one. A silk bomber jacket might make an interesting pair to a gown you’re wearing to a wedding but won’t hold up for a rainy week in London. In some cases, it’s best to opt for two very different bomber jacket styles, one for each occasion. Leather and cotton make great materials to start with if you’re looking for durability.
Size: The fit of a bomber jacket is its secret sauce. It’s what can take a jacket and turn it into an item of necessity into a true outfit-maker. Consider sizing up if you’ll be layering with thick wool sweaters underneath. Planning on wearing yours with tank tops and maybe summer dresses beneath? Take your true size. In almost all cases, avoid going too small — for comfort and the overall silhouette.
Pockets: When it comes to this feature, preferences vary widely, and they can be very specific. Some people demand them out of any top layer and others hardly notice when they’re missing. In some vintage bomber jackets, particularly of the silk variety, you might notice that pockets are missing, worn through, or otherwise miniature. Some oversized styles boast matching pockets, large enough to double as a purse on the go. Pay attention to how these pockets sit on the jacket and what the overall effect is on the jacket as a whole. Ideally, side pockets should have some kind of closure on a bomber jacket.

Your Questions, Answered

Where does the term "bomber jacket" come from?

Originally known as a “flight jacket,” the bomber jacket style was created by the United States Army Aviation Clothing Board in 1917 to keep World War I pilots warm in open-air cockpits. Since its inception, countless groups with all kinds of affiliations have put their spin on it, turning it into a de facto uniform.

What's the best way to care for my bomber jacket?

This answer depends entirely on the material your bomber jacket is made from, but the care instructions listed on the jacket’s tag is always a great place to start. When in doubt, take your jacket to your local dry cleaners at least once per season.

Why Shop With Us

Erika Veurink is a writer with almost five years of experience covering fashion and beauty stories. To write this story, she reached out to fashion experts, such as Kelci Nienhuis, Taylor Hansen Hughes, and Jesica Wagstaff, as well as friends partial to the bomber jacket style for their recommendations and styling advice. She also combed online reviews and tried on bomber jackets at stores like The Frankie Shop, Nordstrom, and Gap, to name a few, to get an IRL sense of how each style fit and drew from past experiences wearing bombers in the last decade. Her first bomber jacket was purchased from a Barneys sample sale during her orientation week at the Fashion Institute of Technology.