Men's Fashions Bomber jackets

Vintage 1950s Men's Fashion

Bomber Jackets

          Bomber Jackets were popular for the entire 1950s decade. The long, lean lines resonated with the era. This short waited jacket with ribbed waistband, cuffs, front zipper, slash pockets, and ribbed collar or classic point collar began in the 1940s and continued into the 50s

                The original design was called the Eisenhower jacket, a short military jacket, worn by the future president. Over time the extra military pockets were lost in favor of a simpler, streamlined look. They came in suede, leather, wool, gabardine, and even cheap vinyl and satin. Gabardine was the best choices for a light jacket. They were the perfect jacket for the casual man who needed a light jacket for spring or heavier suede jacket for fall. Suede was the most popular 50s style.

                Leather bomber jackets had their own admirers. Made of horsehide or cowhide in dark brown or black, almost every man who drove a car or rode a motorbike wore one. Topless convertible sports cars were the envy of every suburban man who longed to escape corporate business life on his way home. Wearing a leather jacket gave him that sense of youthful freedom. Leather made it the most windproof and durable choice as well. The black motorcycle jacket with off center zip, slash chest pocket, one button flap pocket, and bottom belt became associated with rebellious youth, even if they didn’t actually ride a motorcycle.