Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: What a bomber

What a bomber
Spring/Summer

What a bomber

Probably the most famous person that wore a bomber jacket was the enigmatic James Dean. He nailed it in Rebel Without A Cause and the 50’s influence in 80’s fashion, saw many of my skinhead and Mod contemporaries don one. Salt ‘n’ Pepa came along a few years later and made theirs contemporary and in the spirit of the era, customised theirs for the Push It Video (must be played at full volume.)

 

Sadly, the most recent revival of 80’s clothing didn’t tip a nod to the post-war era and only the garish came back to haunt us, thankfully this happened in women’s fashion most aggressively. And more sadly, Kanye West is credited with their current revival.

 

The bomber jacket was invented originally to keep – yes – you guessed it, bomber fighter plane pilots warm in their poorly insulated aircraft. No Tesla style seals in those days m’lad. They were either navy or khaki and could be worn reversibly with a bright orange lining for when flying, to be visible in case they were shot down. They have evolved over the years with technological advances in fabrics and zippers but still do the job of looking cool whilst keeping you dry and toastie.

 

The bomber jacket of today harks back to the original rebel and are smart but worn in a nonchalant way. The Italians have a word for it ‘sprezzatura’ which just sounds cool doesn’t it? It’s that trying not to look like you’ve spent hours getting ready for a date when you have, that kind of casual interest in your surroundings, that ‘take me as I am’ vibe.

In a dark navy or stone (no luminous lining though) our versions are lightweight and are made from a waterproof fabric, have front pockets and a metal, two-way zip with leather detailing which elevates them from the surplus store variety.

Wear with a polo shirt or sweater and smart or casual trousers or even Bermuda shorts. It’s a perfect trans-seasonal jacket that can take you from desk or deck to casual dinner.

Leave a comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

All comments are moderated before being published.

Read more

Been through the mill already?
Gagliardi

Been through the mill already?

We’re very proud of our ongoing relationship with one of the best fabric mills in Italy. For over a decade now, when we are developing our most refined products, Cerruti is our first port of call.

Read more
Dress up and button down
Spring/Summer

Dress up and button down

Now’s the time to get dressed up and go out. The heady days of a post work drink are back, and just in time as the weather begins to improve. But don’t fret, this doesn’t mean you have to don a tie...

Read more