Bomber jackets have been a staple fashion item for decades, experiencing peaks and valleys in popularity. Their military-inspired style gives them a utilitarian edge that never seems to go completely out of fashion. But bomber jackets are most closely associated with 1990s grunge and street style. So are bomber jackets quintessentially 90s fashion?
The History of Bomber Jackets
Bomber jackets first emerged in the early 20th century as outerwear for military pilots and crews. Their thick leather construction and snug fit around the waist and wrists helped keep aviators warm while flying open cockpit planes. The name “bomber jacket” comes from their use by bomber pilots in World War I and World War II.
After World War II, bomber jackets gained popularity with civilians as veterans brought their military-issue jackets home with them. The jackets kept their rugged, functional design but were now being manufactured in a variety of fabrics like canvas, nylon, and suede. The civilian versions were more lightweight and flexible than the stiff, rugged originals.
In the 1950s, bomber jackets became associated with the greaser and rockabilly youth subcultures. Rebels and “bad boys” wore bomber jackets paired with jeans and white t-shirts. Pop culture boosted the jacket’s popularity even more. Actors like John Wayne and Marlon Brando sported bomber jackets on screen, cementing their cool factor.
Hip hop groups like Run DMC brought bomber jackets into street fashion in the 1980s. Their thick, padded construction provided warmth and protection on the streets. Brightly colored satin versions also became popular within hip hop culture.
Bomber Jackets in the 1990s
While bomber jackets have remained popular across decades, the 1990s was when they truly had their fashion moment. Several factors aligned to make bomber jackets one of the most sought-after garments of the decade.
For one, 1990s fashion pulled inspiration heavily from decades past. Second hand and vintage clothing boutiques made mid-century styles readily available. Bomber jackets from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s could be found for cheap at thrift stores.
Additionally, the popularity of grunge music and style in the early 90s helped update the bomber jacket’s reputation as an edgy, underground garment. Artists like Kurt Cobain made ripped up, thrifted bomber jackets a key part of the grunge aesthetic.
Similarly, hip hop and street fashion continued bomber jackets’ association with rebellious youth culture into the 90s. Skaters adopted the utilitarian jackets for function and style.
Luxury designers also began to produce bomber jackets on the runways in the 1990s. This further cemented the garment’s high fashion status.
By the mid to late 1990s, bomber jackets had fully crossed over into mainstream fashion. Retailers like Gap, J.Crew and Old Navy were producing more affordable versions. The iconic jackets could be spotted on celebrities, students, professionals and everyone in between.
Bomber Jacket Style in the 90s
Part of what makes bomber jackets feel quintessentially 90s is how they were worn and styled:
- Oversized fit – For grunge and street style, bomber jackets were often worn very oversized and baggy.
- Distressed look – Grunge styles favored ripped, patched, or splatter painted jackets.
- Bright colors – Satin bombers came in bright pops of color like red, yellow, green and blue.
- Metallic satin – Shiny metallic gold and silver bomber jackets became a hallmark of 90s hip hop style.
- Band patches – Grunge enthusiasts decorated their bomber jackets with embroidered band patches.
- Fur trim – Fur-trimmed collars or hems gave bomber jackets a retro feel.
Bomber jackets were also worn open over layered outfits like flannel shirts, baby tees, crop tops and slip dresses. This exposed the layers and added edge to feminine styles.
Key 90s Bomber Jacket Moments
There are a few pop culture moments that really crystallized bomber jackets’ 90s cool factor:
- The movie Top Gun boosted the bomber jacket’s popularity in the 1980s. Tom Cruise’s character wore a signature navy bomber.
- Kurt Cobain made thrifted grandpa-esque bomber jackets a grunge staple in the early 90s.
- Hip hop duo Kris Kross sported oversized bombers as part of their signature style, memorably worn backwards.
- The 1995 movie Clueless featured key characters Dionne and Cher both sporting trendy yellow plaid bomber jackets.
- The Spice Girls wore satin, colorful bombers with their iconic Spice Girl looks.
- Will Smith’s fluorescent orange satin bomber jacket in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air became iconic 1990s style.
These pop culture references helped make the bomber jacket the cool “it” piece of the decade.
Bomber Jacket Subcultures in the 90s
While bomber jackets went mainstream in the 1990s, different subcultures put their own unique spins on the jacket:
Grunge
Grunge fans wore oversized, thrifted bombers layered over flannels and band tees. These jackets had a distressed, imperfect look.
Hip Hop
Hip hop style favored satin bombers in bright, bold colors. Metallic gold and silver were also popular.
Skater
Skaters opted for bomber jackets in durable canvas or nylon. These provided protection while also looking stylish.
Preppy
Preppy 90s style gave bomber jackets a collegiate feel, with baseball-style jackets in varsity colors and letterman patches.
Bomber Jacket Style in the 1990s vs. Today
Bomber jackets remain popular today but the style has shifted compared to the 1990s:
| 1990s Bomber Jacket Style | Today’s Bomber Jacket Style |
|---|---|
| Oversized and baggy | Cropped and fitted |
| Thrifted, distressed look | Sleek minimalism |
| Bright satin colors | Black, olive, neutral colors |
| Worn open over layered outfits | Worn closed as outer layer |
While today’s bomber jacket styles are more streamlined and minimalist, the iconic 1990s styles remain influential. Oversized vintage bombers and satin styles are frequently revived for runway collections and editorials.
Conclusion
Bomber jackets clearly emerged as a definitive fashion trend in the 1990s, but the military-inspired garment has endured as a fashion staple across many decades. The 1990s cemented their reputation as a stylish, edgy wardrobe piece.
Key pop culture moments, music genres like grunge and hip hop, and adoption by luxury fashion helped make bomber jackets one of the most iconic items of 90s style. Elements like oversized fits, satin fabrics, and bright colors became style signatures of the decade.
Today bomber jackets remain popular in more streamlined forms. But when looking back at 90s fashion, bomber jackets stand out as one of the definitive trends. Their prevalence in grunge, streetwear, and high fashion looks makes bomber jackets a quintessential 90s wardrobe piece.