The History of the Bomber Jacket

October 6, 2026

In our Youth After School Sewing Classes this fall we are making bomber jackets. This pattern has long been a staple of our collection and it is something that we have revisited and revamped for many years.

Currently we are in the process of turning it into a digital and paper sewing pattern that you can buy and make at home, but before it launches we have the privilege of giving it one final test with all of our youth students to absolutely hone the order of operations and confirm that our digitization process of the pattern was done correctly.

So I wanted to take the time to talk about the history of the bomber jacket because it is something that I think about every time we make one!

Why Sewing & Fashion History is Important

Pretty often when I am coming up with Blog Post Ideas I circle around to the history behind the technique or style. This is largely because there is an intrinsic connection between history and fashion. The reason why something comes into style historically was due to external factors, whether it was the means of production, or the social movement that was happening at the time. Understanding the history behind our cloth and clothes gives us a better understanding of what we can use it for and why we need it.

What is a Bomber Jacket?

Originally called a flight jacket,

The elements that make up a bomber jacket are as follows :

Ribbed knit cuffs & hem
Waist length
Front zipper
Often has utility pockets
Traditionally made from leather or nylon

Of course, we break these standards all the time and still call them a bomber jacket but generally this is what has defined the jacket historically.

Where did the Bomber Jacket Begin?

With the birth of aviation, World War I was the first war to largely center aviation as a key facet of warfare. Due to harsh and cold flying conditions pilots (because of open air cockpits of the time) needed a uniform to keep them warm and protected.

In 1917, the U.S. Army developed a flight jacket that they promptly began distributing to pilots that was sturdy and insulating. Made from leather, and featuring snug fitting bands around the neck, wrist, and torso. The flight jacket was well made to ensure the cold winds wouldn’t get to the pilots.

During World War II, the development of these jackets expanded as planes could go faster & higher, meaning much colder conditions. Wool was integrated heavily, along with shearling.

Why did it become common in our fashion?

After World War II, surplus military jackets were sold to the general public.

In the 1970’s, Mods, Punks and other subcultures adopted this jacket into their style, and it took on a rebellious image.

Celebrities like James Dean, helped popularize the Jacket, and in the 1980’s Top Gun released solidifying it as a symbol of masculinity for the era.

Bomber Jackets Now

Often I think about the resurgence of fashion trends relative to what is happening in current events. Hem lines drop with the increase of conservative views, military based clothing comes back into vogue with increased war tensions and rise of rebellious ideologies.

But honestly, it ultimately became popular because it just is a well made jacket that is super utilitarian. Who doesn’t wanna look tough and cool?

Youth students can join us in our Vancouver Afterschool Sewing Program this fall to learn how to sew their very own custom bomber jacket. If you’re an Adult in Vancouver who wants to learn how to sew your own outerwear, you can make your own in our Adult Level 2 Sewing Course.

If you don’t live in Vancouver, BC and still wanna sew your own, you’ll just have to wait for the release of our Bomber Jacket Sewing pattern (that will come with a full instructional sewing tutorial to make it sew straight forward!)