Men’s Bomber Jacket Guide: Herno L’Aviatore and 8 Luxury Picks

A men’s bomber jacket is a short, zip-front jacket gathered at the waist and cuffs, usually with a rib-knit collar, and it is the most useful casual jacket a man can own. Herno makes one of the best-known luxury versions, L’Aviatore, in recycled nylon microfibre, alongside bombers in merino, tweed, flannel and faux shearling from $1,550.

Quick answer

• A bomber jacket ends at the waist, closes with a zip and has gathered cuffs and hem, usually in rib knit.
• Herno calls L’Aviatore its legendary, classic bomber: recycled nylon microfibre with a light coating for a waterproof matt finish.
• Herno bombers at Coveti cost $1,550 to $3,940.
• Fabrics range from Nylon Ultralight with 90/10 down to New Zealand merino, wool tweed and flannel with a membrane.
• A bomber should sit at the top of the hip, with sleeves ending at the wrist bone.
• Herno sizes are Italian: UK/US chest is the IT size minus 10.

What is a bomber jacket?

The bomber started as a flight jacket. Early military pilots wore leather jackets with fur collars, and the nylon MA-1, developed for US pilots in the 1950s, set the shape most people picture today: short body, zip front, rib-knit collar, cuffs and waistband. The knit trims sealed out cold air in the cockpit, and they still do the same job on a windy street.

Fashion borrowed it decades ago and never gave it back. A bomber is shorter than a field jacket and sportier than a blazer, and that middle position is exactly why it works with so much of a wardrobe. It can go over a hoodie on a Saturday and over a fine knit and flannel trousers on a Thursday.

What makes Herno’s L’Aviatore different?

Most bombers are built around the flight-jacket look. Herno’s is built around fabric. L’Aviatore is cut from recycled nylon microfibre with a light coating on the reverse that gives the surface a soft feel and a waterproof matt finish. Herno pairs it with La Giacca, its padded blazer, as the two legendary classics of the house.

The details are restrained: a stretch knit collar, cuffs and waistband, a clean zip, no big badges. On many Herno pieces the only branding is a small metal logo plate on the back. That restraint is the point. It looks expensive because nothing on it is shouting.

The idea comes from Herno’s history. The house started with raincoats in Lesa in 1948 and built its name from the 1980s on very light nylon outerwear. A bomber that shrugs off drizzle and weighs almost nothing is a direct descendant. Read more in our profile who is Herno.

Bomber jacket fabrics compared

How should a men’s bomber jacket fit?

Fit decides whether a bomber works. The waistband should land at the top of the hip bone, not below the seat. Too long and it turns into a blouson that sags; too short and it rides up when you lift your arms.

• Shoulders: the seam should sit at the edge of the shoulder, with room to cross your arms.
• Sleeves: the cuff should finish at the wrist bone and grip lightly.
• Body: a slight blouse above the waistband is correct, a balloon is not.
• Layering: if you will wear it over a thick roll-neck, check the fit type on the product page.

Herno publishes a fit type for each product, from regular fit, the most common, to slim and relaxed. Order your usual jacket size and size up one only if you will wear a heavy knit under a slim-fit piece. The Herno size guide has the full chart.

How do you wear a bomber jacket?

• With tailoring: a navy nylon bomber over a white shirt, grey flannel trousers and loafers is smarter than it sounds.
• With knitwear: a fine crew-neck in cashmere under a wool bomber is the easy winter weekend uniform. See men’s knitwear.
• With denim: keep the jeans dark and slim, the trainers clean, and the bomber in a muted colour.
• Under a coat: a thin Nylon Ultralight bomber works as a warm mid layer under a car coat.

Keep the palette calm. Navy, black, grey, camel and military green are the classic bomber colours for a reason: they go with everything below the waist.

The best Herno bomber jackets at Coveti

All picks are full price and in stock across a spread of sizes. Browse the rest in men’s jackets.

1. L’Aviatore in Black

The original, at $1,610. Recycled nylon microfibre with a light coating on the reverse gives a soft hand and a waterproof matt finish, and the stretch knit collar, cuffs and waistband give the classic bomber line. It is part of Herno Essentials, the carry-over classics. It suits the man who wants one bomber that will still look right in ten years. It also comes in light grey and military.

2. Il Bomber in Navy Blue

L’Aviatore’s sibling, at $1,550, and the most affordable bomber in this edit. It uses the same recycled nylon microfibre with a light coating for a waterproof matt finish, with stretch knit detailing and spacious patch pockets that make it a little more casual. It is a Spring Summer 2026 piece, so think of it for transitional weather. It suits a man who wants a lighter, pocket-friendly jacket for travel.

3. Military Bomber Jacket in Nylon Chamonix

The warm technical bomber, at $1,720. Chamonix nylon is padded with down and paired with Polartec technology for warmth and wind resistance, under Herno’s POLAR-TECH label: water-repellent, light and thermal. Herno designed it for the city and for travel. It suits the man who wants winter warmth in a short jacket. There is also a light blue version.

4. Camel Resort Bomber Jacket in Ultralight Nylon and Suede-Effect Microfibre

The lightest padded bomber here, at $2,080. Herno’s iconic Nylon Ultralight pairs 20-denier Japanese nylon with injected 90/10 down for an even lighter feel, and suede-effect microfibre details add warmth to the look. It resists water well enough for a drizzly day. In camel it works with navy, grey and brown. It suits the man who hates heavy coats. A navy version is in stock too.

5. Fine Wool Bomber Jacket in Navy Blue

The smart bomber, at $2,800. It is cut from premium merino wool from sheep reared in New Zealand, woven to give a shiny, elastic and resistant texture, and treated without environmentally harmful chemicals. In navy it reads almost like a short tailored jacket. Wear it over a shirt and knitted tie for an office that has gone casual. It suits a man who wants a bomber that can stand in for a blazer.

6. Wool Tweed Bomber Jacket in Chantilly

The texture pick, at $3,020. Virgin wool tweed, with a touch of silk, is woven in a 2/2 twill that forms a slightly irregular mouline texture, warm and soft to the touch. The high neck and ribbed cuffs keep heat in where it matters, and striped quilting adds structure. It suits the man who wears a lot of plain navy and wants one jacket with character. It also comes in navy blue.

7. Flannel Bomber Jacket with Waterproof Membrane in Iron

Tailoring cloth meets weather protection, at $2,050. Super-light flannel in wool, polyester and viscose looks like suiting, and a waterproof membrane behind it withstands up to a 500 mm water column. That is showerproof territory, not storm gear, and it is enough for the walk from the station. It suits the man whose bomber has to sit with grey trousers at work.

8. Faux Shearling Bomber Jacket in Blue

The cosy option, at $1,570. A suede-effect exterior is backed with a beaver-effect faux fur interior, so you get the warmth and softness of a shearling flight jacket without animal fur. A bomber collar and side pockets keep it practical. It suits cold, dry winter days and the man who wants the aviator look without the weight of real sheepskin. For a lighter faux fur style, see the Pearl Grey Bomber in Arendelle and Faux Fur at $1,720.

At the top of the range sits the Light Taupe Resort Bomber in Wool and Cashmere at $3,940, a brushed woven cloth finished with the metal Herno logo.

Bomber jackets around the world

• UK: a nylon bomber with a waterproof matt finish is ideal for damp, mild days. Pair it with a knit underneath when it turns cold. UK chest size is the IT size minus 10. Our Herno UK guide covers more.
• US: the bomber is a staple from California to New York. In colder cities choose a padded version like Nylon Chamonix. US chest sizing is the same as UK.
• Italy and Europe: Herno’s home market wears the bomber as smart casual, often with tailored trousers and loafers. Italian sizes apply directly.
• Japan: clean nylon bombers in navy and black suit the minimal style that has made Herno popular there since its Tokyo and Osaka stores opened in 1968.
• Middle East and Australia: lightweight nylon bombers are the sensible choice for cool evenings and air-conditioned interiors. Coveti ships from its UAE and Australia hubs.

How much does a Herno bomber jacket cost?

At Coveti, Herno bombers run from $1,550 for Il Bomber to $3,940 for the wool and cashmere Resort Bomber. The nylon classics sit around $1,550 to $1,720, padded technical styles around $1,720 to $2,080, and wool, tweed and cashmere styles from $2,050 up. Every piece is 100% authentic, checked before dispatch and shipped worldwide by express, with duties calculated at checkout. Shop the full range on the Herno brand page.

Read next: Herno field jackets for men, the Herno La Giacca padded blazer and Herno Laminar explained.

Frequently asked questions

What is Herno L’Aviatore?

L’Aviatore is Herno’s classic bomber jacket, made from recycled nylon microfibre with a light coating on the reverse that gives a soft feel and a waterproof matt finish. It has a stretch knit collar, cuffs and waistband, and Herno describes it as legendary alongside La Giacca.

How should a men’s bomber jacket fit?

A bomber should end at the top of the hip bone, with the shoulder seam at the edge of the shoulder and the cuffs finishing at the wrist bone. A slight blouse above the waistband is correct.

Is a Herno bomber jacket waterproof?

L’Aviatore and Il Bomber have a waterproof matt finish from a light coating on recycled nylon microfibre, which handles drizzle and light rain. Herno’s flannel bomber has a membrane rated to a 500 mm water column, which is showerproof.

How much is a Herno bomber jacket?

At Coveti, Herno bomber jackets cost $1,550 to $3,940. L’Aviatore is $1,610 and Il Bomber is $1,550.

What size Herno bomber should I buy?

Order your usual jacket size. Herno uses Italian sizes, and the UK/US chest equivalent is the IT size minus 10, so IT 50 is a 40. Size up one only if you will layer a thick knit under a slim-fit piece.