The best bomber jackets for men burn bright and long. Buy one, and you kind of become known for it among your peers. Partly that’s because it’s the type of layer you’ll want to throw on every day, no matter the forecast or whatever else you’re wearing. But it’s also because bomber jackets emanate a high-flying energy that’s impossible to look away from. Just try to imagine Tom Cruise racing his Kawasaki GPZ900R down the Top Gun runway in any other jacket style. Go on, we’ll wait. Tough, right?
So to kit you out with Maverick-level confidence, GQ Recommends went deep on the best men’s bomber jackets on the market right now, whether you prefer to keep it clean and classic with a faithful replica, or flex in something a little more experimental. No passports or Dramamine required, we swear.
The Best Men’s Bomber Jackets, According to GQ
Take Me To: More Bomber Jackets We Love | How We Review Products | How We Make These Picks | Why Buy a Bomber Jacket Today? | How Should a Bomber Jacket Fit?
Best Bomber Jacket Overall: Alpha Industries MA-1 Bomber Flight Jacket
When you talk about modern bomber jackets, one comes to mind faster than all the rest. Alpha Industries became a key supplier of military outerwear in the 1960s, producing not only bomber jackets like this timeless MA-1 but also field jackets, parkas, and other garments. The MA-1 bomber, however, stood out, with its bright orange lining, and sage green or sharp black exterior. That lining isn’t just intended to be a fun reveal—it’s yet another safety feature, and makes this fully reversible jacket highly visible in emergencies.
The MA-1 is lighter than a leather bomber, but still insulates like a North Face Nuptse. The snug collar, wrists, and waistband? All intentional design elements to further trap heat and keep out the cold. If you had to go with just one, this is the bomber that completes every outfit—whether you’re rocking a sweatsuit or 501s—and is built with quality materials for the long-haul.
Best Upgrade Bomber Jacket: Buck Mason Airlight Ripstop Bomber Jacket
Leave it to Buck Mason to take inspiration from a classic liner jacket and work it into another staple. Their bomber is a midweight style, packed with Primaloft for some stealthy insulation, while the nylon ripstop material will change a little over time (sure, you might not be flying fighter jets, but at least you’re making an impression on your fabrics.) While the silhouette is a bit slimmer than the original, it keeps the other signature bomber details, from the ribbed collar to the flap pockets to the vintage-indebted shade of olive-green.
Best Vintage-Like Bomber Jacket: Buzz Rickson’s Type L-2B Bomber Jacket
Reproducing military garments is no small feat—you’ve got to think about the year, the function, and where on earth you’re going to dig up the materials. Lucky for us, Japanese label Buzz Rickson’s has earned a reputation for being one of the most meticulous brands out there. They go to extreme lengths to recreate garments as faithfully as possible, right down to the fabric, hardware, and construction techniques. Typically, they’ll even deconstruct original pieces to figure out how exactly they were made.
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