Learning how to style a leather bomber jacket is simple: get the fit right, keep the pieces underneath plain, and choose colors that work with the leather. A leather bomber is short, structured and full of character, so it does most of the styling for you. Pair it with jeans and a tee for everyday wear, or a knit and chinos for smart casual.
This guide covers every style of leather bomber, how each one should fit, 12 outfit ideas for men and women with the jackets to wear them with, a color pairing chart and tips for every season. Every jacket shown is from our own range of leather bomber jackets.
The short answer
- Make sure it fits: the hem sits at your belt or hips and the sleeves end at the wrist bone.
- Keep everything else simple: plain tees, knits, straight or slim jeans and clean shoes.
- Balance the shape: a short bomber looks best with slim or straight pants; an oversized bomber with slimmer pieces.
- Start with black or brown, then add color with burgundy, olive, tan or navy.
How to style a leather bomber jacket: 5 rules that always work
- Get the fit right first. A classic leather bomber finishes at or just below the belt, the shoulder seam sits on the edge of your shoulder and the sleeves stop at the wrist bone. Oversized and boxy cuts are roomy on purpose, but the sleeves still should not swallow your hands.
- Keep the base simple. White, gray, black, navy and cream tops let the leather stand out. Busy prints compete with it.
- Balance the proportions. A bomber is a short jacket, so it looks best with straight or slim jeans, chinos or high-waisted pants. If the jacket is oversized, keep the rest of the outfit closer to the body.
- Repeat a color or texture. Brown boots or a brown belt with a brown leather bomber, black boots with a black one. One link is enough; it does not need to match exactly.
- Let one piece be the statement. If the jacket is a bold color, such as burgundy, white or olive, keep everything else neutral.
These five rules apply to every bomber leather jacket, whatever the cut or color. The rest of this guide shows how they work in real outfits.
Leather bomber jacket styles and how to wear each one
"Bomber" covers several shapes. Knowing which one you have, or want, makes styling much easier, because each style has its own mood.
| Style | What it looks like | Wear it with |
|---|---|---|
| MA-1 | Short and neat, rib-knit collar, cuffs and hem | Jeans, tees, hoodies, sneakers: the most casual bomber |
| A-2 | Leather point collar, snap-flap patch pockets, rib-knit trim | Chinos, Oxford shirts, boots: smart and classic |
| B-3 and aviator | Shearling or shearling-style collar, warmer build | Thick knits, dark denim, lace-up boots in cold weather |
| Varsity | Contrast rib-knit or a button front | Plain tees, straight jeans, clean white sneakers |
| Racing | Clean front, covered zip, minimal details | Dark jeans, black knits, simple boots |
| Puffer | Padded leather, often a high neck | Neutral crewnecks, dark denim, all-black outfits |
| Cropped | Stops above the hip | High-waisted jeans, skirts and wide-leg pants |
| Oversized | Dropped shoulders, roomy body and sleeves | Slim pieces underneath, dresses, leggings |
| Hooded | Attached hood, sporty feel | Leggings, slim jeans, sneakers, travel days |
| Funnel neck | High collar that rises from the shoulders | Wide-leg pants, simple crewnecks, loafers |
If you are buying your first leather bomber, an MA-1 or A-2 in black or brown is the easiest to style. Cropped, oversized and funnel-neck styles are more fashion-led and shine in specific outfits.
How a leather bomber jacket should fit
Fit matters more than anything else when you work out how to style a leather bomber jacket, because a short jacket shows every fitting problem. Check these points in the mirror:
- Length: a classic bomber finishes at or just below the belt. A cropped style should meet the waistband of high-waisted jeans.
- Shoulders: the seam sits on the edge of your shoulder. On oversized and dropped-shoulder styles it sits lower, by design.
- Sleeves: they end around the wrist bone, with the rib-knit cuff gripping lightly.
- Chest: you can zip it over a T-shirt or a thin knit without the leather pulling. Leave extra room if you plan to wear hoodies or chunky sweaters.
- Hem: the rib-knit or elastic waistband should rest on your hips, not ride up to your ribs.
Most of our men's styles run from XS or S up to 4XL or 5XL, and several women's styles start at XXS or 2XS. Every product page has its own men's or women's size chart. The easiest way to choose is to measure a jacket you already like and compare it with the chart.
Leather bomber jacket outfits for men
These six outfits cover everything from weekends to the office. Each one comes with a jacket from our men's leather bomber jackets that suits it, but most of them work with any black or brown bomber you already own.
1. Jeans and a white tee: the everyday classic
Dark or mid-blue straight jeans, a plain white T-shirt and white sneakers or brown boots. It is the simplest way to wear a leather flight jacket and it works in any city. Roll the jeans once if they bunch over your shoes, and keep the tee short enough that it does not hang below the jacket.
AeroSable Heritage MA-1 Brown Leather Bomber Jacket
$240 $309
A classic MA-1 in real leather with a matte brown finish, rib-knit collar, cuffs and hem, a quilted lining for fall and winter, and a regular, true-to-size fit. Men's S to 4XL.
View jacket2. Hoodie and jeans: relaxed weekend
A gray or black hoodie under the jacket, hood worn outside the collar, with jeans or joggers and sneakers. Leave a little room across the chest: relaxed and boxy bombers layer best, and the hood frames the collar nicely. Avoid bright, logo-heavy hoodies; the leather should stay the focus.
Men's Brown Boxy Fit Sheepskin Leather Bomber Jacket
$229 $299
Tumbled sheepskin in brown with a boxy fit, layered pocket panels on the front, a shirt-style collar and a gathered bomber waistband. Men's XS to 5XL.
View jacket3. Chinos and a knit: smart casual
A fine crewneck or merino knit, navy or stone chinos and suede or leather boots. A slim black lambskin bomber keeps the outfit sharp enough for dinner, a gallery or a first date. Tuck nothing in; the knit should finish at the jacket's hem.
Men's Black Full-Grain Lambskin Leather Bomber Jacket
$240 $309
100% full-grain lambskin with Valtherm 80g padding for warmth without bulk, a leather Korean-style collar, ribbed wool cuffs and hem and a slim fit. Men's S to 4XL.
View jacket4. All black: clean and modern
Black jeans, a black tee or knit and black boots under a black leather jacket. Mix textures, such as cotton, wool and leather, so the outfit does not look flat. A high funnel neck or a boxy cut makes all black look deliberate and modern rather than plain.
Men's Black Boxy Funnel Neck Leather Jacket
$244 $309
Genuine black leather with a structured boxy fit, high funnel neckline, hip-length cut and integrated pockets. Men's XS to 5XL.
View jacket5. Oxford shirt and dark pants: office-friendly
A white or light blue Oxford shirt, dark chinos or tailored pants and leather shoes or loafers. A structured A-2 with a point collar looks neat over a collared shirt. Choose clean, unfussy leather for relaxed offices and after-work plans, and skip anything heavily distressed.
Tan A-2 Full-Grain Sheepskin Leather Bomber Jacket
$230 $299
Inspired by the 1930s A-2: smooth full-grain sheepskin in tan, a leather point collar, wide front placket, snap-flap patch pockets and dark chocolate rib-knit. Men's S to 5XL.
View jacket6. Winter layers: shearling and wool
A thick knit, dark denim, a wool scarf and lace-up boots under a warm style. A B-3 shearling bomber handles real cold with its shearling collar and wind flap, while a padded leather puffer is a lighter, more modern alternative for city winters.
B-3 Sheepskin Shearling Leather Bomber Jacket
$299 $400
Nappa-finished sheepskin with plush shearling inside, an oversized shearling collar, double buckle throat latch, heavy-duty zip over a wind flap and adjustable waist straps. Men's XS to 5XL.
View jacketLeather bomber jacket outfits for women
Women have more silhouettes to play with: cropped, oversized, hooded and shearling-trimmed. Here are six easy outfits, each with a matching jacket from our women's leather bomber jackets.
1. High-waisted jeans and a cropped bomber
A cropped jacket meets the waistband of high-waisted jeans, which keeps your legs looking long. Add a fitted top and ankle boots or sneakers. White leather pops against blue or black denim, and a button front gives it a varsity feel.
Women's White Cropped Sheepskin Leather Bomber Jacket
$230 $299
Genuine sheepskin in clean white with a cropped length, stand collar, button-down front and side pockets - a varsity-inspired bomber. Women's XS to 5XL.
View jacket2. Midi or slip dress with an oversized bomber
A leather bomber over a dress is one of the best contrasts in fashion: soft fabric, tough leather. Keep the dress simple, with no busy prints, and add ankle boots or clean sneakers. A dark brown oversized bomber is warmer in tone than black and suits cream, beige and floral dresses.
Women's Dark Brown Oversized Sheepskin Leather Bomber Jacket
$230 $299
100% genuine sheepskin in a rich dark brown with a relaxed, oversized bomber shape and a clean, minimal design. Women's XS to 5XL.
View jacket3. Wide-leg pants and a high neck
Wide-leg pants need a shorter, structured top half. A funnel-neck or stand-collar jacket at waist length looks polished with loafers or heeled boots. Keep the top underneath fitted so the outfit has one clear shape.
Women's Khaki Sheepskin Leather Funnel Neck Jacket
$229 $299
Genuine sheepskin in khaki with a high funnel neck, waist-length cut, oversized shape, zip front and zip pockets. Women's 2XS to 5XL.
View jacket4. Tonal neutrals
Gray, cream, beige or chocolate from head to toe, finished with a leather jacket in a matching tone. Tonal outfits look expensive with very little effort. A gray oversized bomber with visible panel stitching adds texture to an all-gray or gray-and-white look.
Women's Grey Oversized Sheepskin Leather Bomber Jacket
$230 $299
Genuine sheepskin in gray with a loose oversized fit, wide structured collar, front zip, visible panel stitching, ribbed cuffs and hem and a soft lining. Women's XS to 5XL.
View jacket5. Leggings or slim jeans with a hooded bomber
For travel and weekends, a hooded leather bomber with leggings or slim jeans and sneakers is comfortable and still looks put together. Keep the hood down for a cleaner silhouette and add a crossbody bag.
Rosalique Luxe Women's Hooded Leather Bomber Jacket
$240 $309
Real leather in a rich dark brown with a padded hood, dual zipper, rib-knit cuffs and hem, two flap pockets plus two side pockets and a soft lining. Women's XXS to 2XL.
View jacket6. Winter knit and shearling
A chunky knit, straight jeans and boots under a shearling-trimmed jacket. Shearling at the collar, cuffs and hem adds warmth exactly where the wind gets in, and it softens the look of the leather.
Aurelia Luxe Women's Shearling Leather Bomber Jacket
$240 $309
Distressed brown leather with plush shearling at the collar, cuffs and hem, a warm lining, hand-warmer pockets and a classic aviator shape. True to size, women's XXS to 2XL.
View jacketLeathers compared: how each leather bomber jacket looks and styles
The leather changes the mood of the jacket as much as the cut does. Here is how the leathers in our range look and what they pair with.
| Leather | Look and feel | Styles best with |
|---|---|---|
| Lambskin | Very soft, light, smooth | Smart casual, slim fits, knits and chinos |
| Sheepskin | Soft, light, easy to layer | Everyday outfits, oversized and cropped styles |
| Cowhide | Thicker, structured, rugged | Denim, boots, workwear-inspired outfits |
| Suede | Velvety, matte, relaxed | Spring outfits, light colors, dry days |
| Nappa | Extra smooth and refined | Polished city outfits, dresses, wide-leg pants |
| Shearling | Leather with the wool left on, very warm | Winter knits, scarves, boots |
Smooth leathers such as lambskin, Nappa and smooth sheepskin dress up more easily. Distressed, wrinkled and tumbled finishes look relaxed and vintage, so they suit denim, flannel and boots.
What to wear with a leather bomber jacket
Use this table as a checklist. Pick one item from each column and you have an outfit.
| Tops | Pants and skirts | Shoes | Best avoided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain T-shirts, crewneck knits, hoodies, Oxford shirts, turtlenecks | Straight or slim jeans, chinos, wide-leg pants, midi skirts and dresses | White sneakers, Chelsea boots, lace-up boots, loafers, ankle boots | Long, loose tops that hang below the hem; loud prints that fight the leather |
A good rule: the top you wear underneath should finish at or just above the hem of the jacket. A long T-shirt hanging below a short bomber breaks the shape. For layering, go from thin to thick: tee, then knit or hoodie, then the leather.
Leather bomber jacket color pairing chart
| Jacket color | Pairs with | Easy outfit |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Black, gray, white, blue denim, olive, camel | All black with mixed textures |
| Brown | Blue denim, cream, olive, navy, white | Indigo jeans, cream knit, brown boots |
| Dark brown | Cream, beige, black, denim | Cream knit, black jeans, dark boots |
| Tan and cognac | Navy, white, light denim, gray | White tee, navy chinos, white sneakers |
| Burgundy | Black, gray, navy, cream | Black jeans and a gray knit |
| Olive and green | Black, cream, white, beige, brown | Cream knit and black jeans |
| Navy | Gray, white, tan, burgundy | Gray tee, dark jeans, tan boots |
| Gray | Black, denim, cream, gray | Tonal gray or black and white |
| White | Blue denim, black, cream | Light-wash jeans and a black top |
Not sure where to start? Black or brown is the safest first leather bomber, because both work with almost everything in a normal wardrobe. Bold colors look best when the rest of the outfit stays neutral.
How to style a leather bomber for work, dates and travel
Work: in a relaxed office, wear a clean, smooth bomber in black, dark brown or navy over an Oxford shirt or a fine knit, with chinos or tailored pants. Skip distressed finishes and hoodies.
Date night: a slim lambskin or Nappa bomber over a black or cream knit, dark jeans and boots for men; over a slip dress or with wide-leg pants for women. Simple jewelry or a good watch finishes it.
Travel: choose something comfortable that layers: a hooded or relaxed bomber over a tee or hoodie, with stretch jeans or leggings and sneakers. Leather resists wind well, and a jacket with inside pockets keeps your phone and passport handy.
Weekends: anything goes. Hoodies, graphic-free sweatshirts, joggers and sneakers all work with a casual MA-1 or boxy bomber.
How to wear a leather bomber in every season
Fall: this is leather bomber season. Wear it over a tee on mild days and over a knit as it cools. Our fall leather bomber jackets include lighter lambskin and suede styles.
Winter: choose a quilted, padded or shearling style and layer a sweater or hoodie underneath. Add a scarf and gloves. Our winter leather bomber jackets are lined for cold days.
Spring: go lighter in weight and color: suede, tan or a thin lambskin over a T-shirt. See our lightweight leather bomber jackets.
Summer evenings: a lightweight, unlined jacket over a tee works for cooler nights. Carry it over your arm the rest of the day.
Common leather bomber styling mistakes to avoid
- Buying too big. A classic bomber that hangs past the hips loses its shape. Only oversized styles are meant to look roomy.
- Long tops underneath. A T-shirt or shirt hanging below the hem breaks the line of the jacket.
- Too many statement pieces. A bold jacket with bold pants and loud shoes is too much. Let the leather lead.
- Baggy pants with a short jacket. Unless you are going for a deliberate oversized look, very wide pants under a short bomber make the outfit look top-heavy.
- Ignoring the season. An unlined jacket in January or a shearling jacket in May is uncomfortable and looks out of place.
Keep your leather bomber jacket looking good
Good styling starts with a jacket in good shape. Hang it on a wide, shaped hanger so the shoulders keep their form. Wipe off dust with a soft, slightly damp cloth, and condition smooth leather once or twice a year so it stays supple. If it gets wet, blot it and let it dry naturally at room temperature, never on a radiator. Brush suede with a suede brush instead of conditioning it, and store your jacket in a breathable cover, not plastic, over the summer.
Shop the look
Now you know how to style a leather bomber jacket, here are four more jackets that make it easy, from a bold color to a vintage finish.
Women's Olive Nappa Sheepskin Leather Bomber Jacket
$230 $299
A regular fit with a relaxed, oversized-inspired shape and smooth Nappa leather - polished enough for the city, easy enough for weekends.
View jacket
Women's Dark Green Oversized Sheepskin Leather Bomber Jacket
$229 $299
A distinctive green that works with black, gray, white, beige and brown, and a structured stand collar for a polished finish.
View jacket
Men's Burgundy Sheepskin Leather Racing Bomber Jacket
$230 $299
A clean racing-style bomber that lets the color do the talking - lightly padded for structure, without the bulk of a puffer.
View jacket
Vintage Whiskey Brown Lambskin Leather Bomber Jacket
$230 $299
Broken-in vintage character from day one. Wear the sherpa collar for warmth or remove it for a cleaner look; twin hand pockets and an inside chest pocket.
View jacketLeather bomber jacket styling FAQ
What do you wear with a leather bomber jacket?
Start with simple basics: a plain T-shirt or crewneck knit, straight or slim jeans or chinos, and clean sneakers or leather boots. The jacket is the statement piece, so keep the rest of the outfit quiet and let the leather and the shape do the work.
How should a leather bomber jacket fit?
A classic leather bomber should finish at or just below your belt, with the rib-knit or elastic hem resting on your hips. The shoulder seam should sit on the edge of your shoulder and the sleeves should end around the wrist bone. Oversized and boxy styles are meant to look roomier.
Should a leather bomber jacket be tight or loose?
Neither. You should be able to zip it over a T-shirt or a thin knit without the leather pulling across the chest, and lift your arms without the hem riding far above your waist. If you want to wear hoodies underneath, choose a relaxed, boxy or oversized cut.
Can you wear a leather bomber jacket with a hoodie?
Yes. A hoodie under a leather bomber is one of the easiest weekend outfits. Choose a plain hoodie in a neutral color, wear the hood outside the collar and make sure the jacket has room across the chest. Relaxed, boxy and oversized bombers layer best.
Can a leather bomber jacket be dressed up?
Yes, within smart casual. A slim black or dark brown leather bomber over a fine knit or an Oxford shirt, with dark chinos or tailored pants and leather shoes, works for dinners and relaxed offices. It is not a replacement for a suit jacket at formal events.
What shoes go with a leather bomber jacket?
White leather sneakers, Chelsea boots, lace-up boots and loafers all work. Match the mood of the outfit: sneakers for casual looks, boots for rugged or winter outfits, loafers for smart casual. Brown shoes suit brown and tan jackets; black shoes suit black, navy and gray.
What color leather bomber jacket is the most versatile?
Black and brown. Black works with almost every color and suits sharp, all-dark outfits; brown is warmer and pairs especially well with denim, cream, olive and navy. Once you own one of these, burgundy, olive, tan or navy make a great second jacket.
How do you style an oversized leather bomber jacket?
Balance the volume with slimmer pieces underneath: a fitted top, straight or slim jeans, leggings or a slip dress. Keep the hem of your top inside the jacket's length, and finish with ankle boots or simple sneakers so the outfit looks intentional, not swamped.
Is a leather bomber jacket warm enough for winter?
It depends on the lining. Lightly lined bombers are best for fall and spring. For winter, choose a quilted or padded lining or a shearling style such as a B-3, and leave room to layer a sweater or hoodie underneath.
Can you wear a leather bomber jacket in the rain?
A light shower is fine, but leather is not a rain jacket. If it gets wet, blot it with a soft cloth and let it dry naturally at room temperature, away from radiators. Suede needs extra care, so keep it for dry days.