The Best Bomber Jackets for Spring

As far as always-versatile, wear-with-everything jackets go, the bomber makes a strong case for the top spot. It’s the reason this gender-inclusive silhouette turns up time and time again on the runways, somehow always feeling fresh and covetable each season.

The spring collections were unsurprisingly rife with them, showing up at streetwise design staples (Balenciaga, Chopova Lowena and Céline among them) and more straight-laced, feminine-leaning mainstays (Dries Van Noten, Max Mara, Ralph Lauren) alike.

From classic, army-adjacent options to remixed versions done by fashion up-and-comers, we’ve assembled our favourites for your perusal.

Awake x Alpha Industries MA-1 Bomber Jacket

You can never go wrong with an original, and it doesn’t get more authentic than Alpha Industries, a brand that was founded as a military apparel purveyor.

Here, its signature MA-1 style gets reimagined in a collab with AWAKE: primary-hued knit trim, a decidedly un-warlike accoutrement, somehow feels totally on brand.

Mackage Ramone Satin Bomber Jacket with Sleeve Pocket

Searching for an all-season bomber that prioritizes style as much as it does function? Mackage’s Ramone jacket is our top pick for both elements.

Crafted in a double-faced wool that withstands temps down to 0℃, this tailored-fit topper is all sleek lines and elevated hardware from a design perspective.

Acne Studios New Lomber Leather Bomber

You know that jacket that elicits compliments, even from perfect strangers, every time you wear it? We found one in Acne Studios’ cropped version made with beautifully worn in, distressed leather that can otherwise only be uncovered by scouring vintage markets.

Levi’s Andy Techy Jacket

If we could think of one style objection to the classic bomber shape, it’s that it’s sometimes just the opposite, a little bit shapeless.

This shine-forward Levi’s version takes care of that potential issue with built-in gathers along the arms for a more fitted, pre-styled look.

The Frankie Shop Cade Denim Bomber

The Frankie Shop does everything right (seriously, take all our money) so it’s no surprise that the brand nailed a street style-worthy bomber jacket, too.

The perfect medium-blue wash, a relaxed languid-like drape, drop shoulders and pockets aplenty — this one’s an immediate add to cart.

Daily Paper Dark Beige Rasal Bomber Jacket

Crafted in a super-soft cotton with a waxed finish, Daily Paper’s unisex bomber is thoughtfully executed from every angle with padded elements and low-key shield logos all over. If you button zip this piece all the way up, it can stylishly stand in as a de facto top.

Spencer Badu 013 Black Pulledback Bomber

Count on Toronto’s very own Spencer Badu to deliver a streetwear-sensible take on the bomber. Done up in a cropped, unisex-leaning silhouette with a can’t-miss hit of sharp orange lining, it’s the kind of piece that’ll feel cool season after season, no matter where the trend pendulum has swung.

Moncler Chalanches Suede Down Jacket

The height of bomber jacket luxury (just peep the price tag), Moncler’s monochromatic bomber makes use of a puffed-body for extra season-bridging insulation.

We like to think of this one as the ideal airport topper, taking you from the lounge to the cabin (first class, natch) without missing a mark.

Maison Kitsuné Bomber in Tonal Striped With Logo Handwriting

Sometimes all it takes is a slight switch up to turn a sartorial archetype into a contemporary keeper. Such is the case of Maison Kitsuné’s spring pick that makes use of contrasting stripes — one olive green, the other, a richer army shade — to add dimension to an otherwise perfect cut.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s March 2024 issue. Find out more here.