Bomber jackets are the key to winter layering – I know where to find the best ones
I've invested in every key jacket trend – from suede jackets to funnel necks – but some of the best bomber jackets combine the best aspects of all of them.
Beloved across the decades for their unique, yet flattering, silhouette and range of stylistic opportunities, the humble bomber manages to make any outfit look and feel cool, which, in turn, has earned the respect from fashion's chicest names. Everyone including Rihanna, Beyoncé and Gigi Hadid has worn one, and so many designers have included bomber jacket iterations in their shows, across all seasons, throughout the years.
Because that's one of the most loveable things about this jacket style, it's one that – with some clever styling – can be worn throughout winter over knitwear and through to spring over floaty dresses.
Max Mara went for a khaki, fuzzy iteration worn monochromatic with a matchy-matchy roll neck knit (essential at this time of year), knit skirt and tights. And as we all know, a top-to-toe tonal look will always look polished to perfection. The key styling hack to take from this actually wearable runway look? The fact it's zipped up to the top.
Next up, we have Prada, who put a sugary sweet pastel pink version on the runway with a brown top, a knee-length pencil skirt and heels. Basically an easy outfit you could wear for party season, and through to next year.
Jackets worn as tops have defined the year so far, so if you haven't already, then try it out. Trust me, it's the easiest way to get dressed when you don't even have to care about what to wear underneath your jacket (tip: make it thermals). See how Glamour's Commerce Writer Shani Cohen styles hers below:
Shani Cohen wearing ASOS DESIGN.
Versatility is what makes bomber jackets so appealing. Whether you give them a streetwear edge by wearing with wide-leg jeans and fashion trainers or keep them classy with a Hailey Bieber-approved mini skirt, loafers and socks. The styling potential is endless with these jackets that have been around for years, and they're getting their well-deserved time to shine once again this winter.
Why are jackets called bombers? What is a bomber jacket?
Originally known as flight jackets, bomber jackets were created as menswear by the U.S. military's Army Aviation Clothing Board in 1917 to keep WWI pilots warm in the open-air cockpits of the early fighter (or ‘bomber’) planes. Since the second World War and their rising popularity throughout the '50s and '60s, thanks to Marlon Brando and James Dean, they've evolved to become something of a perennial staple for the masses.
Their key details tend to include (but aren't limited to) a knitted hem and cuffs, a collarless neckline, padded frame, press-stud pockets and a zip fastening. Recent catwalks have adapted the classic formula, though, with the bomber jackets we all know and love now in leather and suede or fuzzy styles with faux fur collars.
Take one look at the street style imagery captured at Fashion Week this season; you'll be hard pressed not to spot a bomber jacket on the shoulders of at least three stylists/influencers/celebrities. Suitable for wearing with casual outfits (baggy jeans and t-shirts) or dressed up (dresses or maxi skirts), bomber jackets are the sort of hard-working design that even those without a capsule wardrobe will come to rely on consistently. Whether you embrace the texture (suede) the detail (funnel neck) or colour (oxblood) of the year, or you want a more timeless vintage-style flight jacket, I've found all the best bomber jackets that are about to be your most-worn layer this season – and beyond.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd and freelancer Harriet Davey @harriet.davey.
Ready to take flight? Find the 17 best bomber jackets women can wear this season, and beyond, below.
Function level may be pretty low with winter weather (it's definitely not water-resistant), but who cares when this real leather bomber jacket looks this sleek? The fuss-free design is ideal for minimalists, and I have no doubt you'll wear it as often as your favourite blazer, parka or trench coats.
- Sizes:
- Colours:
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Move over biker, the leather bomber jacket is the one to know. Working across all seasons with some clever styling, this cropped style with drawstring waistband is 360-degree perfection.
- Sizes: XS-L.
- Colours: Black.
- Materials: 100% real leather.
The Frankie Shop Senta Oversized Bomber Jacket
In the colour of the drink of the season (mulled wine, of course), this glossy faux leather bomber jacket by The Frankie Shop is firmly on my wish list. The funnel neck, stretch waistband is one of those jacket styles you'll rely on season after season, year after year.
- Sizes: XS-L.
- Colours: Burgundy, army green.
- Materials: 100% polyurethane.
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Houndstooth Quilted Bomber Jacket
If there's one jacket detail defining 2025, it's the funnel neck. And for winter, it takes on a whole new practical approach of keeping necks warm sans scarf. When it comes to styling tips, I would suggest wearing with a long skirt and tall boots or with baggy jeans and loafers.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Colours: Checked.
- Materials: 65% cotton, 32% polyester, 3% other fibres.
ASOS DESIGN Wool Blend Heritage Bomber
Whether you get layering over cosy cashmere knitwear, or with T-shirts and sweaters, this brown bomber jacket will go with so many looks. The rich, chocolatey colour du jour – I can also see this worn with a kilt skirt and chunky biker boots.
- Sizes: XS-L.
- Colours: Brown, khaki checked and rust.
- Materials: 100% polyurethane.
Save when you shop for bomber jackets with these ASOS discount codes at checkout. Always read the FAQs and privacy notices.
As a summer person, my brain is already thinking ahead to spring so this jacket is firmly on my mind. Wearable across all seasons, I can see this wool-blend lilac bomber being worn over knitwear with barrel-leg jeans for now and over dresses early next year.
- Sizes: XS-L.
- Colours: Lilac.
- Materials: Wool 57%, polyamide 25%, alpaca 9%, mohair 9%.
Vintage Wash Faux Shearling Super Oversized Bomber
If the aviator and the bomber had a baby, this would be it. The vintage-look Topshop oversized bomber jacket with faux shearling lining is the style that'll replace your coat sometimes – if you do some clever layering over knitwear and thermals, that is.
- Sizes: XS-L.
- Colours: Brown.
- Materials: 100% polyurethane.
Suede Funnel-Neck Bomber Jacket in Tan
And to finish off an incredible line-up of the best bomber jackets, here's one more suede style I can't stop thinking about. I'll be investing in a good suede spray to make sure this one stays looking its best over the years.
- Sizes: UK 4-18.
- Colours: Tan.
- Materials: 100% real suede.
Oversized Padded Bomber Jacket
Giving the aviator bomber jacket a whole new look for winter, the fluffy collar makes this khaki iteration feel so new. When you have a jacket this good, it is the outfit, so do it up to the top and don't even care about what you add underneath.
- Sizes: XXS- XXL.
- Colours: Khaki.
- Materials: 100% polyamide.
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Checks, checks and more checks! As the print of the season, expect to see it on trousers, kilt skirts and jackets. This wool-blend bomber jacket looks best worn oversized with cosy knitwear, cashmere and even outerwear.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Colours: Checked.
- Materials: 75% wool, 25% polyester.
Joseph Shearling Bomber Jacket
The fuzzy material, golden hardware and cropped silhouette makes this one of the best bomber jackets I've ever seen. Am I in love? Hard yes. Will I be justifying buying it based on how I'll never want to take it off? Absolutely.
- Sizes: UK 6-16.
- Colours: Burgundy.
- Materials: Shearling.
Just how we can all rely on Levi's for jeans, we can also rely on them for jackets we'll keep for years to come. The classic flight jacket cut and slightly puffy shape of this bomber will look just as good over a hoodie as it will be zipped up and worn with a floaty midi skirt.
- Sizes: XS-L.
- Colours: Black, khaki.
- Materials: 95% polyester, 5% elastane.
Black Burnished Leather Bomber
This Whistles bomber jacket looks like a vintage style you could have found in the menswear section (in a chic way, of course) and I love everything about it. The worn leather, the funnel neck, the oversized pockets – it'll stay in my wardrobe forever.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Colours: Black.
- Materials: 100% real leather.
ASOS DESIGN Curve Real Suede Oversized Bomber
Suede jackets in all forms have dominated the year, but no style will be more important than the suede bomber jacket for winter. The colour, the fit, the texture – this real suede iteration is perfection.
- Sizes: UK 18-30.
- Colours: Brown.
- Materials: 100% real suede.
Maeve Faux-Fur Collar Boucle Bubble Bomber Jacket
The fur collar (faux, FYI), the sheepskin look with the fluffy boucle texture and the versatility of this cream super soft bomber jacket makes it the dream outerwear option.
- Sizes: XXS-XL.
- Colours: Cream.
- Materials: 100% polyester.
If you want the cosy feel you get from puffer jackets, with the look of a bomber jacket, this is the one for you. With sustainable down, the cosy style in burgundy will have a streetwear vibe if you wear with cargo trousers and trainers.
- Sizes: UK 4-16.
- Colours: Burgundy, black.
- Materials: 100% polyamide with reprocessed down and feathers.
Claudie Pierlot Virgin Wool-Blend Bomber Jacket
Giving a French-girl nod to any outfit, this wool-blend bomber jacket will get gasps as you walk in. Zip up and wear as a top or unzip and style over Argyle knitwear for a timely spin.
- Sizes: UK 6-14.
- Colours: Red.
- Materials: 47% Polyester, 53% virgin wool.
