Bomber jackets are loved by Rihanna, Gigi and Hailey, so now we need one too

Bomber jackets have officially been declared worthy of a spot in your spring coats collection thanks to the likes of Rihanna, Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber. Beloved for their unique yet flattering silhouette and range of stylistic opportunities, they manage to make any outfit look and feel cool, which, in turn, has earned them their respect from fashion’s chicest names.

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 leather iterations courtesy of AllSaints and The Frankie Shop, quilted designs from Aligne and motocross/sports embroidered offerings from Givenchy and New Era.

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) as well as dressed up ones (spring 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.

For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.

Ready to take flight? Find the 19 best bomber jackets women can wear this season, and beyond, below.