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Get to Work: 15 Leather Bomber Jackets to Zip Up This Fall
The historic piece of workwear is a classic layering staple
The best leather bomber jackets fall into that sweet spot: tough yet soft, leather and suede draped in boxy silhouettes that layer easily over a thick sweater. Every woman needs her armor, that one piece in the closet that makes her feel like she can handle whatever the day throws her way. Why not a jacket that was designed to get to work?
Originally worn by pilots to keep them warm without constricting movement mid-flight, bomber jackets are technical workwear that have always had mass appeal. The most popular of these flight jackets was the A-2, developed for Air Force pilots in World War II. Typically constructed from leather, it featured rib knit along the cuffs and waistband, flap pockets at the front, and a zip closure.
This fall, the bomber jacket is bigger than ever. For the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Chloë Sevigny showed up on the red carpet in a Phoebe Philo original, which reimagined the bomber jacket as a puffy minidress. Other designers have also put fresh twists on the iconic piece: there’s HommeGirls’ generously oversize leather coat, complete with a sleek snap closure and simple, no-frills epaulets on the shoulders; and Acne’s padded version, which balloons like a Koons before folding into a chic crop. Or Chloé’s Swinging ’60s–style cut that is balanced out with a modest, shawl-like collar. Each pairs well with a crisp button-down tucked into pleated trousers or an ankle-grazing shimmery slip. Every one will keep you warm and feeling invincible.
Below, our edit of the 15 best leather bomber jackets to shop right now.
HommeGirls Brown Oversize Leather Bomber Jacket
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a classic. With the trademark flap pockets at the front, zipper closure, and shoulder epaulets, HommeGirls’ version stays pretty true to the original A-2 model, but a modern, oversize silhouette and button-flap closure keep things fresh.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: Brown, black
Looking for a bomber jacket that’ll fit into your nine-to-five wardrobe? Aritzia’s Synergy bomber features a slim silhouette that crops just above the waist—perfect for pairing with the high-waisted slacks and ankle-grazing dresses you’ve come to rely on.
Sizes: 2XS–XL
Colors: Black, rich mocha brown, matte pearl
We long for the airport style of the past: no-frills, off-duty looks that looked chic as a result of their simplicity and near-perfect cuts. Fortunately, the look is easy to create—pair this jacket with a white T-shirt, Levi’s 501s, and a black Chelsea boot and say hello to your favorite old-and-new-again travel uniform.
Sizes: 2–10
Colors: Black, brown
If you prefer an option that can be worn for a night out on the town, Chloé’s version of the bomber jacket—with its generous, shawl-like collar and wide bell sleeves—is primed for sipping martinis and dancing the night away.
Sizes: 2–8
Colors: Black
Made from faux leather, this boxy, cropped jacket features slanted pockets and distressing along the seams for a modern twist that is fresh yet versatile. Even better, you can take it home for less than $100.
Sizes: 2XS–2XL
Colors: Black
Loewe Leather-Blend Crop Bomber Jacket
Can’t decide between chocolate brown or olive green? With Loewe’s ultra-cropped version, you can choose both.
Sizes: 0–10
Colors: Dark chocolate
Pros
Cons
The studded detailing kicks the edgy factor up a notch, making this a statement coat you don’t want to mess with.
Sizes: 0–10
Colors: Black
If you’re tired of turning into a marshmallow once the weather dips below 50 degrees, Acne’s extremely chic puffy bomber features additional padding to keep you toasty without compromising your style.
Sizes: 0–12
Colors: Brown, black
Leave it to the Row to create a leather jacket that looks perfectly lived-in—straight off the rack. With its gorgeous, distressed brown leather, the Kengia was made to work with a rotation of slim-cut slacks, daring miniskirts, and the baggiest of denim.
Sizes: 0–12
Colors: Black
The sharp yoke across the chest and back of this bomber is the western flair we never knew we needed.
Sizes: 2–10
Colors: Brown
You don’t have to break the bank to invest in a quality leather jacket. Ringing in at less than $200, Mango’s version doesn’t skimp on the details. Made from 100 percent leather, it features a classic shirt collar, ribbed detailing along the wrist and waistband, and two-way zipper.
Sizes: 2Xs–2XL
Colors: Brown
For those who like their jackets extra baggy, the Kelanie jacket is a blanket of supple regenerative leather hitting mid-thigh.
Sizes: 2XS–L
Colors: Black
This stripped-back version of the bomber the perfect for those who want the boxy cut but could do without the extra embellishments.
Sizes: XS–2XL
Colors: Black
Lemaire Faux-Shearling-Trimmed Leather Bomber Jacket
Looking to heat things up? Lemaire’s chocolate brown bomber features a plush faux-shearling across the collar to ensure you’re nice and toasty.
Sizes: XS–L
Colors: Brown
Like your boyfriend's—but better.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: Black
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