These are the ultimate bomber jackets for autumn
See in the autumn season in brushed, laid-back style with your new hero jacket...
Words: Anna Galbraith
It’s a classic design that still turns heads to this day. The bomber jacket — so named for the flight crew members of the US Air Force who originated the style — is traditionally loosely-cut with elasticated cuffs, waistband and collar. Thanks to its versatility, functionality and serious comfortability, it’s no secret that adding a bomber jacket to your arsenal is one of the easiest style moves you can make.
And that’s before we even come to how seasonal this timeless design is. With autumn well and truly upon us, winter coats are still too warm for this weather and summer jackets a little too light. Enter your new bomber jacket, which will zip or button up to ensure you see in the season in brushed, laid-back style. Read on for our curation of the best.
Italian Chic: Valstar Shearling Trucker Jacket
Valstar has been making jackets for well over a century, so it’s fair to say the Italian brand has pretty much perfected its craft. This trucker style jacket is cut from supple suede underpinned by fuzzy shearling and has a regular shape that’s ideal for layering. The muted brown shade will pair perfectly with the staple T-shirts and sweaters in your wardrobe.
American Classic: Levi’s Shearling-Lined Suede Trucker Jacket
The history of Levi’s closely follows that of the United States as a whole. In fact, the two tales are copper-riveted together more strongly than a pair of Levi’s jeans — and are just as indicative of the all-American dream.
This jacket is an exact reproduction of a ’60s trucker jacket from Levi’s Vintage Clothing’s archive. Cut for a boxy fit, it’s made from tan suede backed with cozy cream shearling and has angled Western-style chest pockets. Wear yours with the brand’s indigo jeans and you’ll look right at home in any Western bar.
High Fashion: Gucci Suede Bomber Jacket
We make no secret of the fact that we love a good suede jacket at Gentleman’s Journal. They have all the style and strut of their leather cousin, but without the shiny self-importance. True, these jackets might not be as hard-wearing as their leather counterparts — suede has a napped finish and is made from the underside of animal skin rather than the top — but it is immeasurably more versatile, softer and less likely to crack over time.
Gucci’s Alessandro Michele has a very particular more-is-more aesthetic, but something as classic as this bomber jacket shows he also understands the beauty of simplicity. It’s cut from supple tan suede and trimmed with stretch-wool ribbing. The inside of the collar is striped in the house’s signature red and green.
Parisian Staple: Yves Salomon Shearling-Lined Suede Down Bomber Jacket
Founded by Gregory Salomon in the 1920s, Yves Salomon is now under the direction of grandson Yves on the creative side, and fourth-generation Thomas on the business end. This family-first approach to business might account for the brand’s impressive attention to detail when it comes to its world-famous outerwear.
And, if you’re planning on investing in a suede bomber jacket that isn’t a classic shade of tan, then take a look at Yves Salomon’s down-filled one. It has a detachable shearling lining, so you can truly maximise the amount of wear you get out of it. Handcrafted in Italy, it looks especially sharp with light-coloured knitwear.
Minimal Fuss: The Row James Perforated Suede Bomber Jacket
The Row spent two years researching and wear-testing before launching its much-anticipated menswear collection. The minimalist label borrows its name from London’s tailoring hub, and is known for impeccable fabrics and clean cuts.
This season, the house has redesigned its ‘James’ jacket with tiny yet precise perforations, for a sportier take on the utilitarian style. It’s been made in Italy from lightweight, supple suede and defined by ribbed wool-blend trims. It’s equipped with enough pockets to hold the essentials.
Looking for more seasonal style advice? These are our essential autumn style pieces — and where to buy them…
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