Bored of your blazer and done with your denim jacket? Why not welcome back the bomber this spring. The 90s bus-stop stalwart is having a fresh moment in the fashion sun. Think the classic, slightly blouson nylon version. A little bit shiny, definitely oversized and ideally skirting bad taste.
On the spring summer catwalks, JW Anderson made his ludicrously capacious with feathered flourishes; at Louis Vuitton Nicolas Ghesquière played around with Americana colour combinations in soft blousy silk styles; while at Celine Hedi Slimane stuck to classic black leather iterations with just enough slouch.
The mood has certainly caught on. At Marks and Spencer sales of its navy padded bomber have increased by +175% in the past week up from the beginning of January. It has a plethora of styles in store from chic sage green to faux leather and a dirty-white one which will be sweet once the weather warms up.
For something a little more luxe, Studio Nicholson has created a deliciously soft take in an Italian technical dense crinkled nylon which is super silky to the touch. It would look as good with a party dress as jeans. Nick Wakeman, founder and creative director, offers that “The bomber jacket for me is a legendary piece of clothing that needs to be respected. With its roots in the military, the bomber jacket brings a sense of nostalgia and bravery when worn.I find the bomber jacket utterly covetable for its silhouette; it is round, strong and tough making the wearer feel powerful.”
Given its classic appeal, pre-loved styles are in Depop and Vinted abundance. Natalie Hartley of Chillie London, Portobello’s brilliant purveyors of Nineties streetwear, confirms that it’s one of their bestsellers. “It’s not going away” she reports, “these jackets have never gone out of style. Our best sellers are the classic black. I personally love mine oversize, they should come with a good puff to give a rounded shape. It’s super versatile and can be worn with everything; I love it layered with a jumper, kilt and jeans or with straight leg trousers and rugby tops.” She stocks everything from cult brands Schott and Avirex to unbranded finds, starting from £50.
It’s a definite yes to orange linings, and also to wearing with everything - from suits to denim skirts. A bomber - even if it does give you slight sixth-form flashbacks - is an ideal refresher to everything you already own. The blazer with everything is starting to feel a little over done at present. I love the idea of layering it under an overcoat while the wind still has its chill. It’s the simplest way to add a cheeky dash of cool to any look. Flying machine optional, UK garage playlist preferable.
3 of the best bomber jackets
