Bomber jacket, the olympic return of the baseball jacket

A bomb - sharp, masculine and warm, or delicate, airy, adding curves to female silhouettes, the bomber jacket is making a splash on global runways and ready-to-wear collections. But where does it come from and what has it got to do with baseball?

Military Comfort

Like many fashion trends, this one originates from the military wardrobe, its roots more in practical comfort than in the artistic design of the designer. The bomber jacket was created during World War I, when military pilots piloted open planes. The cockpit was subject to harsh conditions - the airflow drastically reduced the temperature. Therefore, it became necessary to create clothing that would protect pilots from low temperatures. On the other hand, clothing should provide sufficient freedom of movement at the controls. Thus, in 1917, the American Aviation Clothing Board created a short jacket for special tasks, characterized by pleasant cuffs and a puller at the waist, a zip and fur lining. As aviation technology advanced, planes could fly higher and faster, which further reduced temperatures in cockpits. Then, the stiffening with cold skin and fur lining of jackets were replaced with nylon and wool.

A2, G1 and MA-1 - models without which fashion would not be the same

Three bomber jacket models deserve special attention, without which the global fashion market would not be the same. The first is the A2 model, made entirely of brown leather, lined inside with warming fur. At the front, the jacket has two large pockets with flaps, while a classic leather collar is sewn on. The cuffs fit closely around the wrists, so no gust of wind would get to the pilot's skin.

The next model introduced by the army was the G1, which introduced woolen cuffs, and the collar was lined with fur. The G1 grew into an orange symbol of honor, and not only in the USA. The army officially used it until 1978.

The last model, which is most often found in today's trends, is the MA-1 model. Leather was replaced with nylon, and a fur collar with a woolen stand-up collar, which did not interfere when deploying a parachute. The interior of the jacket was lined with a reflective orange fabric, which was to help in identifying pilots who had crashed into the sea. Initially, the MA-1 came in "midnight blue", but natural conditions prevailing in North Korea and its abundant vegetation prompted the army to change the color scheme to "savage green" to make camouflage more effective.

Bomber or leather jacket?

Military bombers entered common use in the mid-50s, and civilians were eager to wear them due to their convenience and warmth. In the 70s, bomber jackets underwent a period of rebellion, becoming a recognizable sign of British skinheads.

Today's bomber jacket style is a variation of historical jacket models. Firstly, designers refer to the historical cuts of military functional jackets. Secondly, they incorporate into military models elements of finishing the so-called "leather jacket", also known as the "baseball jacket" or "versity jacket", worn by American students who show their affiliation to the university baseball team, American football or basketball. Leather jackets are made of wool, have a stand-up collar, and also tight cuffs and a puller at the waist. A typical feature for them is a snap fastening. As for the color scheme of the jackets, it depended on the university colors.

Today, bomber jackets can significantly deviate from the harsh military style or sports look. Made mainly of delicate satin, in shades of glossy black, khaki or powdered pink, they are a very girly element of clothing. Designers also adorn the classic cut of the jacket with interesting embroideries inspired by the cherry blossom country.