Are Bomber Jackets Warm? Find Out How Cozy They Really Are

More than a million people around the world love bomber jackets. What does that number tell us? Do people wear them to withstand the freezing winter or simply for style? Join us as we answer the question “Are bomber jackets warm?” and compare them with other types of jackets to see if they really keep you warm.

Are Bomber Jackets Warm?

Short answer: It depends! However, let us tell you: most of them won’t keep you warm in freezing weather.

Bomber jackets can definitely keep you warm, but how much warmth they provide depends on the material, lining, and design. Traditional bomber jackets were originally made for pilots flying in cold conditions, so they were built to be warm. But nowadays, you’ll find different types—some made for chilly weather, others more for style than function.

• Thicker materials like leather or wool? Yep, they’ll keep you cozy.
• Lined with shearling or quilted insulation? Even better for colder days.
• Lightweight nylon or polyester versions? Great for cool weather but not exactly winter-proof.

If you’re facing freezing temperatures, a bomber alone might not cut it—you’ll want to layer up or grab a jacket with extra insulation. But for mild to moderately cold weather, a good bomber jacket does the job while keeping you stylish.

So, are bomber jackets warm? Some are, some aren’t—it all depends on what you get!

Materials and Construction of Bomber Jacket

As mentioned above, not all bomber jackets are created the same. The material greatly affects the warmth of the jacket or even its beauty.

Outer Materials

• Leather: This is the classic and warmest layer for a bomber jacket. A leather bomber jacket will not only trap the heat but will also block the wind when you are outside. A leather jacket will be extremely durable, but also kind of expensive.
• Nylon and Polyester: This is the most common material for the bomber jacket you see nowadays. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, but only suitable for cool to chilly weather. And without a lining, you’ll freeze to death as soon as you step outside.

Lining Materials

• Shearling and Faux Fur: If the inside of the jacket has a soft and warm layer of fur, it can be shearling (real sheep’s wool) or faux fur (artificial fur). This lining is extremely warm because it traps heat inside, which will definitely bring you a comfortable feeling, suitable for you on cold days.
• Quilted Linings: Some bomber jackets have a quilted or lightly padded lining, which adds warmth without making the jacket too heavy.

The choice of material depends on your needs and the weather where you live. If you live in a very cold place where temperatures can drop below zero, you should choose a leather bomber jacket with shearling. But if you just need a jacket for cool weather every day or you live in a temperate climate, nylon with a quilted lining will be enough!

Bomber Jacket’s Design Features Enhancing Warmth

A bomber jacket isn’t just about looking cool—it’s got smart design elements that help keep the warmth in and the cold out. Here’s how:

• High collars and hoods: High collars keep the wind out of your neck, and if your bomber jacket has a hood, it’s a great extra layer of protection against the cold. However, hoods are not very flattering according to many customers.
• Wind flaps: A sturdy zipper is a must on all jackets. But some bomber jackets even have flaps (extra fabric over the zipper) to keep the cold out.
• Ribbed cuffs and waistbands: These tight, stretchy bands trap heat in and keep the cold out. No more cold drafts up your sleeves.

And all of those modern features are packed into the bomber jackets from Jacket Wow. Even more, if you’re a die-hard fan of the most popular leagues on the planet like MLB, NCAA, NFL, … or simply looking for a brand that lets you customize, then Jacket Wow is the ideal destination for you.

Comparative Analysis: Bomber Jackets vs. Other Outerwear (Puffer Jackets, Parkas,..)

You can think of jackets as a big family with many siblings. The bomber jacket is like an older brother with its own strengths, while the puffer jacket and other winter wear are its siblings with different characteristics. Now, let’s compare the features of these different types of jackets.

Criteria	Bomber Jackets	Puffer Jackets	Parkas	Other Winter Wear (e.g., Peacoats, Trench Coats)
Warmth	Moderate – Depends on material & lining	High – Filled with down or synthetic insulation	Very high – Designed for extremely cold with long length & insulation	Varies – Peacoats are warm, trench coát are more for wind/rain
Wind Protection	Good – Ribbed cuffs & waist help trap heat	Excellent – Often has elastic cuffs & high collars	Excellent – Long length, insulated hood, windproof outer shell	Moderate – Depends on fabric & fit
Water Resistance	Low to Moderate – Nylon/Polyester version  repel light rain	High – Many have water-resistant outer layer	High – Designed for snow and rain with waterproof coatings	Varies – Wool peacoats absorb water, trench coats are waterproof
Breathability	Good – Lightweight versions allow airflow	Moderate – Insulated but may trap heat	Low – Built for warmth, not breathability	Varies – Wool is breathable, waterproof materials less so
Best For	Cool to mild cold weather, casual style	Cold to freezing weather, everyday winter wear	Extremely cold, heavy snow, outdoor activities	Office wear, formal occasions or mild winters
Style Factor	High – Trendy, versatile and fashionable	Moderate – Functional but often bulky	Moderate – Warm but can be bulky	High – Classic and polished look

 

6 Pro Styling Tips for Warmth When Wearing Bomber Jacket

As mentioned, bomber jackets are mostly made of nylon or polyester, so they won’t keep you warm. Or if they have a lining, they can be a little warmer, but not enough in extremely cold weather. And if you still want to wear a bomber jacket outside, here are some tips to keep you warm.

1. Choose the right bomber jacket: If it’s really cold, you should choose a jacket with a quilted or fleece lining. If you travel by motorbike, you should choose a bomber jacket made of leather and thick nylon – which has good wind protection.
2. Wear layers (but smartly): The best way to mix and match is to wear a hoodie, turtleneck or thick sweater under the bomber jacket, it’s impossible not to be warm. Plus: wearing layers will help your outfit look more neat.

A bomber jacket with a hoodie is just perfect 

3. Choose winter accessories: Wrap a scarf, wool hat and gloves to keep your neck, head, ears and hands warm.
4. Zip up and use the collar: A high collar keeps the wind out and zips the jacket all the way up to help keep the heat in. Don’t be stylish if it’s too cold, pull the collar all the way up.
5. Choose insulated pants: There’s no point in wearing a warm top if your legs are cold. So wear a bomber jacket with thick jeans, corduroys or fleece underwear. They’re super warm.
6. Wear the right footwear: Sneakers are fashionable, but if it’s cold, swap them for insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry.

FAQs

1. Can Bomber Jackets Be Worn In The Snow?

While some bomber jackets with thick insulation and water-resistant materials can handle light snow, they’re not designed for heavy snowfall or extreme winter conditions. Layering is key!

2. Do Bomber Jackets Shrink After Washing?

It depends on the material. Leather bombers shouldn’t be washed—just conditioned. Nylon or polyester ones may shrink slightly if exposed to high heat in the dryer, so air drying is best.

3. Can I Wear A Bomber Jacket For Formal Occasions?

Absolutely! A sleek leather or wool bomber paired with a button-up shirt and dress shoes can create a smart, semi-formal look. Just avoid sporty or oversized styles for formal settings.

Final Word

So, are bomber jackets warm? Usually not. However, some are super insulated with shearling, which is great for cold weather. So if you’re looking for a jacket to beat the cold, make sure you get one that’s well insulated.