Aviator vs Bomber Jacket: A-2, B-3 and Shearling Flight Jackets Explained

Short answer: an A-2 is a leather flight jacket with a flat leather collar and a knit waistband and cuffs. A B-3 is a longer, shearling-lined jacket with a large wool collar, made for cold. "Bomber" is the general short, rib-cuff style that covers both in everyday shopping. Pick by how warm you need to be and how long you want the jacket to be.

A quick naming guide

The names are labels, and different shops stretch them. Use the three details in the table, collar, hem and lining, to tell what you are looking at.

A-2: the leather flight jacket

The A-2 is a waist-length leather jacket from military aviation. It is a plain, uncluttered design with a flat leather collar, flap pockets, knit cuffs, a knit waistband and a zip front. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum records that the U.S. Air Corps ordered the earlier A-1 updated into the A-2 in 1931, and describes that change as swapping the front buttons for a zipper and the knit collar for a leather one. It is made for mild or moderate weather, since the lining is light.

It should fit close at the shoulders and end at the waist, with room to move your arms. Our article on the original A-2 flight jacket covers its history and how modern copies differ.

B-3: the shearling flight jacket

The B-3 is a heavy jacket lined with sheepskin shearling, with the wool turned inward and a large collar that can be turned up for the neck. It usually ends at the hip and may have a belted or strapped hem. It was made as a cold-weather jacket for aircrew flying at high altitude.

The result is a warm, bulky jacket that is heavy to wear. It suits cold winters. In mild weather it is too warm, and indoors it is hard to wear.

For a warm lining in a modern jacket, see our brown sheepskin fur-lined zipper jacket. It is a straight zipper jacket, not a bomber, in 0.8-0.9 mm sheepskin with a faux fur lining, or lambskin shearling if you choose that Fur Type option.

Bomber versus aviator in everyday shopping

In a shop, "aviator jacket" can mean anything from a faithful flight-jacket copy to a short fashion jacket with a fur collar. Three details settle the question:

1. Collar. A flat leather or rib-knit collar means A-2 or bomber. A big wool-in shearling collar means B-3 or aviator in the shearling sense.
2. Hem. A knit or rib hem means A-2 or bomber. A straight, belted or strapped hem usually means B-3.
3. Lining. Light lining means mild weather. Shearling means a cold-weather jacket.

If a listing does not show these three things in the photos or description, ask before you buy. Our guide what is a bomber jacket covers the general style.

Warmth and season

An unlined or lightly lined A-2-style jacket works in mild weather, spring and fall, or as a layer. A shearling jacket is for the cold. Between the two are bombers with quilted or insulated linings.

We do not give temperature figures, since how warm you feel depends on wind, activity and what you wear under it. As a rule, if you need a scarf and gloves most of the day, choose shearling; if you are mostly in a light sweater, choose a bomber or A-2 style. Our seasonal leather styling guide has more.

Fit and length

• A-2 and bomber: end at the waist or slightly below. The shoulder seam sits at the edge of the shoulder, and the rib bands are snug.
• B-3: ends at the hip. Allow extra room in the chest and shoulders for the thick lining and a sweater underneath.
• Sleeves: with knit cuffs, the sleeve should end at the wrist bone. Too long and the cuff covers your hand.
• Smaller frames: shorter bodies often suit the waist-length styles; a long, heavy jacket can overwhelm a small frame. If sleeves or length are an issue, see custom leather jackets.

Check your measurements against the size chart, since the cut changes the fit.

Leather type and finish

Cowhide is firm, durable and develops a patina. Sheepskin is softer, lighter and drapes better, but is less abrasion resistant. A shearling jacket uses sheepskin with the wool left on the inside. Every leather needs a break-in period, and heavier hides take longer. Read sheepskin vs cowhide to compare.

Can you ride in one?

A fashion bomber or aviator jacket is not riding gear. It usually has no armor, no abrasion rating and a fit that is not designed for a riding position. A rider who wants the flight-jacket look should choose a jacket built and certified for riding, with armor at the shoulders and elbows, and check what standard it meets, such as EN 17092. Our leather bomber guide covers the fashion side.

How to choose: a three-question guide

1. How cold does it get where you live? If winters are hard, look at shearling. If they are mild, an A-2 or bomber is enough.
2. How long do you want the jacket? Waist length for a classic look and easy movement, hip length for more coverage.
3. Will you ride in it? If yes, pick a jacket built for riding, whatever the style looks like.

If you answer "mild winters, waist length, no riding", an A-2 style or leather bomber is the match. If you answer "cold winters, hip length, no riding", look at shearling. Most people fall into one of those two groups.

Whichever you pick, check the shoulders first. A flight jacket that fits at the shoulder can be adjusted at the sleeve or body; one that does not fit at the shoulder will never look right.

FAQs

What is the difference between an aviator and a bomber jacket?

Bomber is the general short, rib-cuff style. Aviator usually means the military or shearling flight styles, but shops use both names loosely. Check collar, hem and lining.

What is an A-2 flight jacket?

A waist-length leather jacket with a flat leather collar, knit cuffs and waistband, and flap pockets, drawn from military aviation.

What is a B-3 bomber jacket?

A heavy, shearling-lined jacket with a large wool collar, made for cold weather.

Are aviator jackets warm enough for winter?

Shearling aviator styles are made for cold. Light-lined A-2 style jackets suit mild weather only.

Which jacket suits a smaller frame?

The shorter A-2 and bomber cuts usually suit smaller frames better than a long, heavy B-3.

Can I wear a bomber jacket for motorcycle riding?

Not a fashion bomber. Riding needs armor and abrasion-rated construction. Look for a jacket made for riding.

Browse custom leather jackets, including the Top Gun aviator brown sheepskin jacket, made to your size.