80s fashion was very vibrant and bold, and nothing epitomized the decade quite like the bomber jackets that rose to popularity during the mid-80s.
The 1980s were all about making bold statements in culture, music, and fashion. Very few pieces of clothing encapsulate this ideal better than the bomber jacket. Although born from military origins, it was thrust into mainstream style after the release of Top Gun in 1986. Soon after, it became a symbol of rebellion and individuality. More importantly, thanks to Hollywood stars and MTV , the bomber jacket was simply seen as cool. Just about everyone, from Hollywood to everyday individuals, had a bomber jacket in their wardrobe.
The Popularity of 80s Bomber Jackets After dealing with the 1970s oil crisis, people of the 80s found themselves with plenty of disposable income. Rather than simply putting the money into a savings account, it was spent on entertainment and fashion throughout the 80s . There was an explosion in consumerism thanks to the booming economy, and several youth subcultures rose to prominence. Everything seemed to reshape the trends of the decade.
The early 80s also saw a rise in patriotism due in part to the ongoing Cold War. People of everyday walks of life wanted to show their spirit by dressing and militaristic clothing. From film to television, the military played an integral role in the shaping of 80s fashion. And in 1986, the blockbuster Top Gun was the icing on the cake.
The Bomber Jacket in 80s Fashion – From Top Gun to Streetwear After the release of Top Gun in 1986, bomber jackets became an integral part of 80s fashion. From leather to nylon, everyone wanted a bomber jacket in their wardrobe.
From Leather to Nylon While the bomber jacket was originally designed for military pilots during the Second World War, they eventually made their way into civilian fashions during the 1980s. Not only was the style appealing for its practicality, but bomber jackets were also durable, comfortable, and extremely warm. It was a symbol that associated one with the coolness of the military and bravery. The MA-1 bomber jacket became one of the most popular iterations due to its clean lines and versatile look.
But, it wasn’t just bomber jackets that rose into popularity during the 80s. Cargo pants too, grew in popularity during the late 80s and early 90s. Camo prints were everywhere from pants to shirts, and let’s not forget about the leather combat boots that were a symbol of the street punk culture. Combined, with military garb they were a symbol of rebellion, and it became a signature part of the 80s punk and skinheads’ attire. Later, the bomber jacket would also rise in popularity in the hip-hop subculture . This crossover helped to solidify its popularity as an 80s fashion icon.
Bomber Jackets in Hollywood Regardless of what was going on in the world at the time, it was Hollywood that played the biggest role in making the bomber jacket a cultural icon. It was the 1986 blockbuster film , Top Gun, that helped propel bomber jackets into the limelight. Tom Cruise’s character Maverick sported a classic leather bomber jacket that was covered with military patches. Everybody wanted that cool factor and soon fans all around the country were running out to their PX stores in order to pick up a genuine wine leather bomber jacket. Eventually, it became very difficult to find the old World War II leather jackets.
By the 80s, the bomber jackets were manufactured using nylon rather than leather, but they still continue to show up in film and TV. The appeal of the bomber jacket lay in its association with masculinity, rebellion, and toughness that resonated with characters that were portrayed in the various action films, comedies, and spy dramas of the decade. And by the end of the 80s, the bomber jacket became a staple part of the hip-hop subculture.
Bomber Jackets and Urban 80s Fashion The jacket was an integral part of the emerging streetwear and urban fashion movements of the late 80s. During that time, the hip-hop subculture was growing rapidly, and its influence in 80s fashion also increased substantially. Artists like LL Cool J and Run D.M.C. could be seen sporting nylon bomber jackets in music videos and on the street. This cemented the garment’s status as an essential part of the urban style. They were easily paired with oversized gold chains, baseball caps, and the latest pair of hightop sneakers, creating a symbol of swagger and defiance.
From Tom Cruise to Public Enemy – Bomber Jackets Were Everywhere Without a question, Tom Cruise’s role as Maverick and Top Gun was pivotal in pushing bomber jackets into the limelight. In the film, he wore a World War II-style leather bomber jacket, which could be found at most PX stores around the country. Soon after, famous designers like Giorgio Armani began to introduce their own vision of the bomber jacket, to more sophisticated and high-fashion audiences.
On the street, it was hip-hop artists like Public Enemy and N.W.A. that helped to shape the hip-hop subculture of the time. They were instrumental in turning the jackets into everyday streetwear. It’s important to remember that they weren’t just wearing the jacket, they gave it meaning. It was often associated with the concepts of resilience, defiance, and strength. They made the bomber jacket a statement all on its own.
The Cultural Impact of Bomber Jackets in 80s Fashion The impact of bomber jackets in 80s fashion was profound. It easily bridged the gap between multiple different subcultures of the time. Its ability to fit into various fashion scenes made it one of the most versatile pieces of the decade. From punk rock to hip-hop, everyone wanted a military jacket. Even today, the MA-1 remains a popular staple of fashion around the world.
Conclusion In the end, bomber jackets have a rich history and an iconic status that revolutionized 80s fashion. Despite more than 3 decades passing, they are still a staple in wardrobes around the world. The trends and innovations of 80s fashion continue to influence fashion subcultures and the concept of coolness and rebellion. The bomber jacket is a timeless classic that although tied to 80s fashion, has continued to remain popular throughout the decades.
