Bring on the bomber jacket — That’s Not My Age

Photo: Claire Pepper

As a more relaxed alternative to my trusty blazer, I’ve been wearing the bomber jacket. A lot. And what a versatile addition to the wardrobe it’s proving. Perfect over a boiler suit. If it worked for Amelia Earhart… Of course, the flight jacket was first worn by World War 1 pilots to allow freedom of movement in freezing cold cockpits, becoming a symbol of counter-culture in the late 1950s, and again throughout the 1980s club scene. The latter being my earliest recollection, I’m thinking Yazz on the cover of Stand Up For Your Love Rights, Jeny Howorth on the cover of Elle magazine. No longer a subversive act, the bomber jacket is now a respected wardrobe essential.

The rust jacket (above) is last season’s Cos, I bought it in autumn but the bomber has been seeing more action over the last month or so. To balance the oversized outer layer (the design is quite voluminous, I opted for a size small), I tend to keep everything underneath simple and straight-up-and-down. The flight jacket and floral dress is a combo that Lucinda Chambers favours  – and one I’ll be trying just as soon as it’s warm enough to get my legs out. With a lifelong fondness for utilitarian garb and functional fashion, it’s no wonder that I’ve come to embrace the bomber.

 

 

This photo is from my collaboration with Seasalt last summer

The basic blueprint of a bomber is a front zipper fastening, knitted cuffs and hemline. Though many websites don’t seem to understand that and show an array of random jackets, from varsity-style to tracksuit top. Ne’er mind. When you know, you know. Although there are numerous printed designs around, my preference is for plain, hard-wearing cotton twill, or a recycled polyester outer. If you’re looking for the classic khaki green bomber M&S has a lovely, lightweight version. Mango has an oversized black version and I’m into this pale pink one from All Saints. For fab retro styling check out Levi’s ‘Elise Bomber’ with its faux fur collar. Nice. (Or is it a blouson?)

 

Here’s a bunch of brilliant bombers:


 

STYLE NOTES

First outfit: my bomber jacket is from Cos. Jumpsuit, Spry Workwear. Spotty scarf from Universal Works (a couple of years ago), similar styles are still available HERE. My trainers are New Balance, this colourway is no longer available but there are other lovely combinations HERE. Pearl earrings, loaned from Completed Works for the shoot, and returned.

Second outfit is Seasalt from a previous collaboration.

 

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