Bomber Jacket vs. Biker Jacket

Among all the fashion garments around the world, it is only a leather jacket that is still trending at a great pace and has no intention of slowing down even in the technologically booming era of the 21st century. Initially originated to support the savvy bikers on the ride and was therefore earlier named as a biker jacket or a leather biker jacket (as it is also called).

However, within a shorter period of time, another version of the leather jacket hit the global fashion market with the name “bomber jacket. ” A jacket that was particularly made to protect the sky-touching fighter jet pilots to maintain their body temperature at the below-zero temperature beyond the clouds. As both were meant for protection, therefore both received equal appreciation from their respective users.

In this guide, we will discuss each jacket’s material, its exclusive design, and its uses to understand the differences between both of them.

1. Material Differences between Bomber and Biker Jackets

The biker jacket is made from real leather, and the leather type may include cowhide, lambskin, buffalo, goatskin, and nubuck. Since the biker jacket was also made for protection against minor road accidents besides cold, the primary material used for their construction is real leather. This is because natural leather has the inherited qualities of rigidness, toughness, softness, suppleness, and breathability.

The secondary and price-competitive material used for the construction of biker jackets is synthetic leather, which is also known as artificial leather. Such a leather type performs moderately during the cold and isn’t ideal for protection on the road.

On the other hand, the bomber jacket is made from several types of materials ranging from real leather and faux leather to satin, nylon, polyester, and even jersey fabric too. This outerwear is being sought as a style statement garb, which has resulted in the transformation of this classic piece into different variations of materials. Bomber jackets made from jersey fabric are typically called baseball or varsity jackets, which are very popular among the young generation around the world.

2. Unique Design Features of Bomber and Biker Jackets

There are several distinctive features that differentiate both jackets from each other. The major differences include the rib-knitted cuffs and hems in a bomber jacket. A bomber jacket always has rib-knitted cuffs and hems for a snug fit. Whereas, you won’t find similar features in a biker jacket.

Conversely, in a biker jacket, there’s an asymmetrical zipper closure, which is contrary to the center fastening zipper that is found in the bomber jacket. Other design differences include the collar. A biker jacket may have a wide lapel style, mandarin, or a pointed collar. A bomber jacket has a soft high collar with or without fur that can be worn in two ways: erect or folded like a shirt-style collar. A bomber jacket can also have a button-up front closure, whereas a biker jacket always has a zipper closure.

3. Difference in Functional Use of Bomber and Biker Jackets

The biker jacket is the first-ever introduction of the leather jacket, which was exclusively designed for the Harley Davidson by Irving Schott in 1928. Besides the macho persona, the jacket was fully loaded with all the functional features that a biker needs on a ride. It includes coziness and sufficient protection to endure minor road accidents. Similarly, even after almost a century, a biker jacket is still considered the best protective gear for bikers around the world.

On the flip side, a bomber jacket was specially designed for fighter jet pilots during World War 1 when the cockpits used to be open. Therefore, the bomber jackets were designed for maximum coziness and protection against the freezing winds at the high altitude of thousands of feet. The rib-knitted cuffs and hems were designed to restrict the air from entering inside the body.

Furthermore, both jackets are designed to perform during the rainy season and therefore have a water-resistance feature.

4. Difference of Silhouettes Between a Bomber and Biker Jacket

A classic, or in other words, an original-style bomber jacket has a relaxed, oversized fit. Such a fit allows sufficient space for the inside layering to ensure sufficient warmth. Nowadays, the modern version of bomber jackets is a relaxed fit, which is a bit more tapered than the classic ones, though they are still comparatively more spacious than the biker jackets.

A biker jacket has a body-hugging fit. Since biker jackets are usually used for city traveling, they are commonly worn over the crewnecks only. Consequently, they are designed to reveal the iconic body silhouette.

5. Difference of Prices of a Bomber and a Biker Jacket

When crafted out of the same real or faux leather, there is a slight to no difference between the prices of the two. However, the bomber jackets offer several material options including fabric too. This gives it an edge in price competitiveness too. However, a classic biker jacket is appreciated in the leather form only and is considered an expensive garb too.

However, the price factor doesn’t solely depend on the material, style, and cut. Brand plays a vital role in the price of the jackets. A high-quality leather jacket fromoptions, a less synonymous brand may be moderately priced, but a normal-quality leather jacket may be considerably high if marked with a renowned brand’s emblem.

Conclusion

Apart from the several differences described above, one thing that is similar in both is that these classic masterpieces are the perfect style staples. When it comes to setting a style statement, both jackets stand as the best options because nowadays these jackets are considered more for style than for sole functionality.