The Women’s Aviator Jacket: A Casual and Chic Style!

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The women’s aviator jacket is one of the most charming and timeless pieces in a woman’s wardrobe. It could be described as a wild card, an essential.

Do you still have secrets about it? In this article, we present to you the essentials you need to know about the aviator jacket. Its origins, the model to choose, and how to style it with the rest of your outfit. 

If you’re interested in other styles of jackets, we offer our advice on choosing your women’s jacket!

Aviator jackets have an extremely rich history that dates back over 100 years. Today, they are rooted in our everyday fashion, but they did not start this way before being worn as streetwear pieces.

Are you more into casual? Just casual? Or do you want to know how to adopt it for all occasions and seasons? Here are our favorite women’s aviator jacket styles for attractive, simple, or sophisticated looks. Modalova shows you how to dress up and style an aviator jacket. 

What is the women’s aviator jacket?

You often hear bomber here, aviator there, but what exactly is a women’s aviator jacket?

All about the aviator jacket: origin, materials, and style derivatives

The origin of the aviator jacket:

Let’s take a closer look at how this classic piece has stood the test of time. In fact, this garment was designed and used as a workwear for pilots. Throughout the 20th century, the aviator jacket transitioned from a practical garment to a cutting-edge piece of clothing.

Its origins date back to World War I when aviation was still in its infancy. Most cockpits were not properly enclosed or sealed, leaving the pilot vulnerable to the cold during flight.

It was the French and Belgian Royal Flying Corps who donned heavy bomber jackets in 1915. The models were made from leather, as it was considered the most reliable material to combat tough flying conditions. Once the United States discovered these practical jackets, they were inspired by them. In 1932, the A2 was launched and became one of the most well-known styles.

Materials to prioritize for the aviator jacket:

The models were lined with fleece to keep pilots warm and included front pockets, elasticized sleeves, and a high collar. Additional skin was added, as planes could now reach higher altitudes and therefore lower temperatures. As a result, leather was no longer effective.

This is how the B15 was born, which still featured a fur collar and front pockets, but was made of cotton and had leather straps to secure the oxygen masks. After World War II, nylon became the material of choice for flight clothing, as it was lightweight, waterproof, and mildew resistant.

Since aviation has significantly improved, the fur collar was no longer a necessity to fight the cold. Collars were now made of wool and the interior was a bright orange reversible in case of emergency.

Styles of aviator jackets:

The MA1 is one of the most reproduced bomber styles and is still frequently worn today, but with a slim design and lightweight fabric. By the late 1940s and 1950s, the freedom that came with the 1960s allowed the aviator jacket to enter civilian life.

These were mass-produced in the North American, European, and Asian markets. In England, subcultures began experimenting with the aviator jacket. Skinheads adopted the style as a rawer version of the Harrington jacket. 

The difference between women’s aviator jackets and bombers

What distinguishes a jacket from a bomber?

A jacket is by definition a long-sleeved piece, quite short, open in the front, worn over an outfit. It is long enough, as most jackets can reach the tops of the thighs. Let’s take some examples of jackets: the perfecto, the straight jacket, the bomber, the blazer, the bomber jacket, the denim jacket, and the kimono. What do they have in common? They are open in the front, either zipped, buttoned, or snapped.

And most importantly, the edges of their cuts are not tightened, whether they are fitted or not.

The bomber, on the other hand, is by definition a short jacket tightened at the hip. That said, a perfecto can be a bomber, just like the bomber jacket, the bombardier, the Harrington, and the puffer jacket. 

What are the materials of women’s aviator jackets?

Often made of lamb leather, suede, or nubuck, women’s aviator jackets are generally zipped, made of soft materials or smooth leather. They contain either a removable or fixed collar made of wool. Sometimes, they can have a hood with fur, faux fur, or wool edges. They include side or chest pockets.

As mentioned earlier, they are not tightened at the hip. Therefore, you can find several fitted and stylish women’s aviator jacket models. The best way to wear it as a jacket is to pair it with skinny jeans, a knitted sweater, and sneakers. A simple, comfortable, and stunning look.

But you can wear it over a more sophisticated outfit. Also, the aviator jacket can be worn for both casual and casual-chic looks. 

What about the bomber jacket?

As for the bomber jacket, it also features fur or wool at the neckline, as well as pockets and possibly a hood. It is a model tightened at the hip or even higher at the waist. In terms of pockets, zippers, and others, it resembles jackets.

The differences mainly lie in that aspect. Generally, you can find them in more durable leather like goat leather, grain leather, but you can also find models in other materials like nylon or polyester. In these cases, it is rare for these models to contain knitted or fur collars.

To wear a women’s aviator jacket, choose, for example, a model in brown leather, black leather, or a Camel aviator jacket.

How to wear a women’s aviator jacket: everyone’s look!

You can adopt several looks depending on whether you prefer the short women’s aviator jacket, in fur or others.

The short women’s aviator jacket: a trendy companion piece

At the peak of women’s fashion, the short aviator or bomber jacket allows you to adopt countless trendy looks. No matter what style of jacket you choose, be vibrant, be bold, or even dressed in a rather sober look.

Moreover, for a radiant and slightly lady-like look, you can choose between a skirt and a dress.

• In the first case, the ideal would be to wear a short fitted dress that covers half of your thighs.

• For the other option, prefer an ultra-high-waisted pencil mini skirt and an ecru-colored shirt. A model of black leather bomber jacket will be very suitable for these looks. To accessorize, choose either ankle boots or heels. For more information on suede women’s jackets, check out our practical guide!

• For a more relaxed look, choose simplicity. With mom jeans, slim-fit, or a pair of boyfriend jeans, a T-shirt, or a stylish top, you will shine. Be careful, when wearing a short bomber jacket, ensure that your bottoms have a high waist to balance the outfit.

• Still in the spirit of comfort, opt for a streetwear style; you can always swap your jeans for joggers and your T-shirt for a bralette. A model of brown-colored bomber will work well. Or, dare to wear a denim bomber-style jacket in a short cut.

To emphasize the comfortable aspect, opt for sneakers. It must be said that you can easily find these pieces in your wardrobe.

• Need an elegant look? No worries, an ecru or light style will be perfect. With a beige satin low-cut blouse, 7/8 or fitted white tube pants, always high-waisted, be chic by adding a glamorous fitted red bomber and a pair of pumps.

In this case, you can opt not to put it on, wear it on your shoulders to accentuate your stature. Not only will you look like a diva, but you will also be rejuvenated by this outfit, perfect for going to work.

• Also, you can choose a long slit skirt instead of pants. You will radiate the same aura. For fitted pants, opt for thigh-high boots; for 7/8 tube pants, choose wedges. And finally, for a skirt, make the right choice and prefer high-heeled sandals.

The women’s fur aviator jacket: an everlasting royal style

Ideal especially for the coldest seasons, you can maintain an imperial look with the women’s fur aviator jacket.

• For example, with an oversized model, dare to go for a sexy look by opting for a short black leather or faux leather skirt, a top of the same material and color, and a white fur aviator jacket. Or a light-colored or ecru model like powder pink.

• Still with this oversized model, wear a body-hugging knit dress to contrast the loose fit with a snug touch. Boots are the best shoes for this style. Or high-top sneakers. 

• As for the fitted fur aviator jackets, wear them while keeping a vibrant look. For example, you can opt for a dark-colored turtleneck like black.

• Then, for the bottom, be bold and opt for a solid-colored flared velvet pant. Next, choose a printed bomber in leopard or zebra for a touch of extravagance and sophisticated style. This look is surely one of the most comfy.

Otherwise, you can go for it and choose an all-black look, but quite basic. With a black round-neck sweater, black fitted jeans, a black fur bomber, and black boots, you can achieve a trendy look. 

• For killer looks, you can always play superstar and wear the most sophisticated outfits worthy of a fashion show. To give you just one example, choose white or brown vinyl pants. Then, wear a fairly revealing top like a tube top or a laced model. For your aviator, choose a distressed fur model in a very short cut.

With this outfit, you will surely be mistaken for a star. Just make sure to carefully choose your accessories. To perfect the look, opt for dangling earrings, a beige or gold dog collar necklace. Cuffs will be perfect on your wrists.

For shoes, choose vintage-style platform boots in white. Don’t forget your handbag.