Custom Leather Bomber Jacket: Every Option You Can Choose

Short answer: a custom leather bomber jacket comes down to eight choices: leather, color, collar, rib knit, lining, pockets and hardware, personalization and size. Decide them in that order and write each down in a spec sheet before you order. You can start on our custom bomber jacket page, and see it for the current option list, since options vary by style.

A bomber is a simple jacket, which makes the details more visible. A small change in collar or rib knit changes the look more than you expect. If you are new to the style, read what a bomber jacket is first, or see how it differs from a flight jacket in aviator vs bomber jacket.

1. Leather

Leather decides weight, feel and how the jacket ages.

Not every style comes in every leather, so check the product page. For a comparison of the main leathers, read cowhide vs sheepskin vs kangaroo.

2. Color and finish

Black is the safe choice. Brown shows grain and develops character. Colors such as navy, green or burgundy suit people who want a statement without a logo. Smooth finishes look clean. A distressed finish looks vintage from day one. Ask for a color swatch or a photo in daylight, because screens change color.

3. Collar

The collar frames the face and has the most impact on style.

• Rib knit collar: the classic bomber look, sporty and flexible.
• Leather stand collar: cleaner, more minimal and slightly formal.
• Shirt collar: casual, a little retro.
• Fur or shearling collar: warmer and bolder, on styles that offer it.

4. Rib knit cuffs and hem

Rib knit at the cuffs and hem holds the jacket close to the body and gives it the bomber silhouette. Choose a color that matches the leather for a quiet look, or a contrast color or stripe for a sporty one. Rib knit is the part that wears first, and we do not offer repairs or alterations after delivery, so check the trim before you order.

5. Lining

A lining affects comfort and warmth. A smooth lining makes the jacket easy to put on over a sweater. A quilted lining adds warmth. A fur lining is a different jacket entirely, and our guide to fur-lined leather jackets compares the options. Lining color can also be a design choice, for example a bright interior in a black jacket.

6. Pockets and hardware

Decide how many pockets you want and where. Slanted side pockets are the standard. An inside pocket is useful for a phone or wallet. A sleeve pocket is a style detail rather than a practical one. Zippers can be matte or bright, and the color should match across the jacket for a clean look. See the product page for hardware options.

7. Embroidery, patches and personalization

Custom bombers are popular for names, logos, club marks and back embroidery. Prepare a clear file at a high resolution and say where each mark goes and how large it should be. Keep logos off seams and zips. Fewer, larger marks usually look better than many small ones. Our article on embroidery, printing and patching explains the methods for leather garments. We always send a design preview or sketch for your approval before the leather is cut.

8. Sizing

Bombers fit close at the waist and cuffs and looser at the chest, so chest and sleeve length matter most. Use the size chart, and see how to measure yourself if you want a made-to-measure fit. Keep in mind that you will wear it over a shirt or sweater, not bare.

Three ready-made recipes

If the choices feel like too many, start from one of these and change one thing.

• The classic: black lambskin, black rib knit collar, cuffs and hem, a smooth dark lining and no logos. It works with jeans, chinos and a shirt.
• The varsity-inspired: cowhide in a deep color, contrast rib knit with stripes and a single embroidered mark. Sporty and a little retro.
• The cold-weather one: sheepskin or a heavier leather, a lining with warmth and a plain collar that closes at the neck. See the product page for lining options.

Note that a bomber often looks best when the jacket is simple and one detail, like the lining or the stripe, carries the personality. For ideas on wearing one, see leather bomber jackets from casual to semi-formal.

Care and break-in

A new leather bomber feels stiff at the shoulders and soft at the cuffs. It relaxes after a few weeks of wear. Wipe it dry after rain, let it air out away from heat and hang it on a wide hanger. Rib knit trims can stretch, so avoid hanging the jacket by the collar. Condition the leather once or twice a year with a product made for the leather type.

A sample spec sheet

Copy this table into a message and fill it in before you order. The values are an example, not a set of options we promise.

When a custom bomber is the wrong choice

• You like a standard style and fit. A ready-made bomber is faster and cheaper.
• You need it by a specific date within days. Custom Size takes 3-4 weeks and Custom Made 4-6 weeks, plus 3-10 working days for delivery.
• You have no clear artwork for personalization. Hold off until you do.

FAQs

What can I customize on a leather bomber jacket?

Typically leather, color, collar, rib knit, lining, pockets, hardware, embroidery and size. Confirm the current list on the product page.

Can I add embroidery or a patch?

Often yes. Send clear artwork and say where it goes and how large it should be.

Which leather is best for a bomber jacket?

Lambskin is soft and light. Cowhide is tougher and holds its shape.

How do I get the right size?

Measure chest, waist and sleeve length, and compare them to the size chart.

How long does a custom bomber take?

It takes longer than ready stock: 3-4 weeks for Custom Size or 4-6 weeks for Custom Made, then 3-10 working days for delivery.

Ready to design yours? Start with our custom bomber jacket.