Marlon Brando, James Dean, Robert DeNiro, Steve McQueen…what do all of these super cool dudes have in common (besides the fact that they’re all or were super cool)? They helped to make the bomber jacket iconic. And, bombers are back big for spring. Yay! Silk bombers, light leather bombers (faux, for us), collared, collarless…we will explore the best we can find in our bomber jackets for dogs. Let’s take another fun trip back in the time machine but, this time, we’re putting a very 2014 spin on the good, old bomber. First, let’s look at how and why the bomber came about.
The History of the Bomber Jacket
During World War I, Air Force plane cockpits weren’t enclosed and also weren’t insulated. At the altitudes they flew, it got mighty cold, so pilots and crew needed very warm gear. In 1917, the U.S. Army set up the Aviation Clothing Board to formally address this issue. They began distributing heavy-duty leather flight jackets, with high wraparound collars, zipper closures with wind flaps, snug cuffs and waists, and some fringed and lined with fur.
During WWII, a Brit named Leslie Irvin designed an ultra warm flight jacket, set up a company to manufacture them in the U.K., and became the major distributor to the Royal Air Force during most of the war. In America, the two most historic and popular flight jacket styles were called the A-2 and the G-1. The A-2 was cancelled after only 12 years, because the General who ordered it wanted something better. However, it still remains the most recognizable and sought-after American flight jacket.
The G-1, designed by the U.S. Navy to parallel the Air Corps A-2, was in production until 1978, when U.S. Congress cancelled it due to such popularity, that it was overwhelming the Navy’s supply system! The jacket evolved into a symbol of honor, adventure, and style, and Hollywood films like Top Gun boosted sales of the G-1 tremendously, making bomber jackets collector and fashion items.
Today, flight jackets are usually associated with the MA-1 design, a now-obsolete U.S. military jacket, which is mostly found in sage green flight silk nylon, and sports a blaze orange lining. Popular culture, as always, had its hand in iconizing the bomber; skinheads and scooter boys wore them in the 70’s on, and hip-hoppers gave it their signature flair in the 80’s.
Here are some very cute bombers for the furry, super cool dudes and dudettes in our lives.
Casual Canine
Pink Satin Bomber
Casual Canine
Navy & Gold Bomber
Casual Canine Satin Bomber
What an adorable look for spring! This comes in bubblegum pink and silver grey. A rockin’ tattoo-style winged red heart graphic is emblazoned across the back. It also comes in a very chic navy and gold satin, for the boys. The poly shell is water resistant for those spring showers, and there’s a coordinating colored fleece lining for cooler days. Velcro closures on neck and belly and removable hood. There’s also a harness hole. This piece is machine washable on cool, gentle cycle and should be line dried.
Where to buy: Amazon
Sizing: 8″ length & 16″ length
Price: $12.52 – $39.47
Anima Military
Bomber
Anima Green Bomber
This cute number looks straight out of the military, with its fatigues green color, little American flag patch on the sleeve and pockets on the back. Material is a shiny poly/cotton blend with ribbed armholes and back edges. The closures are snaps and the faux fur hood is removable. A very patriotic statement!
Where to buy: Petco
Sizing: XXS, XS, S, L. The medium is backordered but will be available.
Price: $34.39
SimplyDog Leopard
Bomber
SimplyDog Leopard Bomber
OK, this definitely doubles the diva factor and brings the bomber into the arena of modern chic. An adorable leopard print quilted jacket is adorned with a row of ruffles down the back for her feminine, yet cool, girl at home. Boys, don’t fret, also comes in black with multicolored skulls, instead of ruffles! Zipper closure and a double D ring for use as a harness. Made from 100% poly. Suggested hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry.
Where to buy: Amazon
Sizing: XS, S, M, L. You may need to contact Amazon for some sizes. They do say multiple are available.
Price: $9.99
Silver Bomber
Silver Bomber Vest
This great-looking bomber vest will make a major statement. Metallic silver body with a royal blue ribbed trim, if your dog likes attention, this water resistant piece is the vest for him or her. Made from expandable/contractable fabric that moves with your dog, it’s very comfortable and light, yet warm. With adorable patches that are different on every color combination this vest comes in, the overall effect couldn’t be cuter. Also available in Black, Green, Brown, Pink, Red. One of the green options comes with a great pink trim that pops! Machine washable.
Where to buy: PoshPuppyBoutique
Sizing: XS – XL
Price: $40.00
Vintage Faux Leather
Bomber
Vintage Faux Leather Bomber
Love this distressed soft faux leather bomber! Adorable real snap pockets (store a poop bag), fit-enhancing toggles at the hemline and a detachable fleece hood, that comes in gray or pink. This piece is fleece-lined, has velcro closures with faux snaps, a leash hole, and is machine washable. A great find!
Where to buy: PoshPuppyBoutique
Sizing: XS – XL, and a DBXSmall, which is larger than XL.
Price: $45.00 – $57.00, depending upon size
Big Dog Bomber
Big Dog Bomber
Not fair for just the little ones to have fun with spring fashion, here’s a big dog bomber that is super stylish and cute. Comes in waterproof material with a stretchy material underbelly, so great for a variety of big dog shapes. Authentic looking back zipper closure, so easy on and off. Choose from fatigues green or navy. Machine washable. Awesome!
Where to buy: bowwowsbest.com
Sizing: S, M, L (sizing ranges in length from 21-26″)
Price: $59.95
That was fun! Love the bomber jacket! Hope you found something you love that will work well for your dog. Are you a bomber jacket fan? A story to tell about your favorite bomber?
Until next time…
(Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Amazon, Petco and PoshPuppyBoutique, so when you choose to purchase something I suggest from a link on my site, I get a small commission which goes toward keeping Bark and Swagger going and to the animal shelters and advocacy groups I regularly contribute to. Thanks for helping!)
