What Is an Aviator Jacket? Style, History & How to Wear It
What Is an Aviator Jacket?
The aviator is the warmest, most rugged leather jacket of all — instantly recognisable by its plush shearling collar and serious cold-weather credentials. Born in the cockpit and built for the cold, it's a winter wardrobe hero with genuine heritage. Here's what defines it and how to wear one.
What defines an aviator jacket
The aviator's signature features set it apart:
- A shearling (sheepskin) collar — often large and fold-down, the defining detail.
- Shearling lining — frequently throughout the body for serious warmth.
- A rugged, substantial build — heavier and tougher than other styles.
- A relaxed, roomy cut — designed to layer over thick knitwear.
- Classically in brown leather, which suits its heritage look beautifully.
It's the style you reach for when warmth matters as much as looks.
A brief history
The aviator descends from the heavy flight jackets worn by WWII bomber and fighter crews, who needed serious insulation in freezing, unpressurised cockpits at altitude. The shearling collar and lining trapped heat where lighter jackets couldn't. After the war, that warmth and rugged character carried it into civilian wardrobes, where it's stayed as the go-to cold-weather leather jacket. (It shares flight-jacket roots with the bomber, but the aviator is the heavier, shearling-lined cousin.)
Who suits an aviator jacket?
The aviator suits anyone who wants a warm, rugged, characterful jacket for autumn and winter. Its substantial build makes more of a statement than a sleek biker or bomber, so it's for those who like a bolder, heritage look. It's a particular favourite for cold climates, where it earns its keep.
How to wear an aviator jacket
Lean into its rugged warmth:
- Men: aviator + chunky knit or hoodie + jeans + boots is the natural look.
- Women: aviator over a roll-neck with jeans and boots, or with a knitted dress for a cosy winter outfit.
Because it's warm and substantial, keep the rest relaxed and let the jacket lead. Brown aviators especially pair beautifully with earthy tones — see How to Style a Brown Leather Jacket.
How should an aviator jacket fit?
Roomier than a biker or bomber, because it's built to layer over thick knitwear. Size up if you'll wear heavy jumpers underneath — but not so much that it swamps you. See How Should a Leather Jacket Fit?
Caring for the shearling
The shearling collar and lining need a little specific care — brush the fleece to keep it fresh and keep it dry. See How to Care for Leather. For all the styles, see Types of Leather Jackets.
Browse our men's aviator jackets and women's aviator jackets.
FAQs
What is an aviator jacket? A rugged, warm leather jacket defined by its shearling (sheepskin) collar and lining. It descends from WWII flight jackets built to keep aircrew warm at altitude, and it's the cosiest leather jacket style.
What's the difference between an aviator and a bomber jacket? Both come from flight jackets, but the aviator is heavier with a shearling collar and lining for warmth, while the bomber is lighter and cropped with ribbed knit trims.
Are aviator jackets warm? Very — the shearling collar and lining make them the warmest leather jacket style, built specifically for cold-weather wear.
How should an aviator jacket fit? Roomier than other styles, to layer over thick knitwear. Size up if you'll wear heavy jumpers underneath, but not so much that it swamps your frame.