The bomber jacket and motorcycles share a deep historical connection. The original leather flight jackets that inspired modern bombers were designed for aviators who needed protection from wind and cold at high altitudes—conditions remarkably similar to what motorcyclists face on the road. However, while a fashion bomber jacket may look the part, it's crucial to understand the differences between style and genuine riding protection. This guide will help you make informed decisions about wearing bomber jackets while riding, whether you're commuting through Sydney traffic or cruising along the Great Ocean Road.
Standard fashion bomber jackets are NOT certified motorcycle safety gear. For serious protection, always consider purpose-built motorcycle jackets with CE-rated armour. This guide discusses how to maximise safety if you choose to wear a bomber, not an endorsement of bombers as motorcycle safety equipment.
Understanding the Limitations
Before we discuss how to ride more safely in a bomber jacket, it's essential to understand what protection—or lack thereof—a standard bomber provides compared to proper motorcycle gear.
What Fashion Bombers Lack
- Impact protection: No CE-rated armour at shoulders, elbows, or back
- Abrasion resistance: Fashion leather and nylon aren't tested for slide protection
- Secure fit: Standard bombers can ride up during a slide, exposing skin
- Reinforced stitching: Fashion seams may burst on impact
- Attachment points: No connection system for motorcycle pants
That said, we understand that riders often want to look good when they reach their destination, and purpose-built motorcycle jackets don't always suit every situation. If you're going to wear a bomber, here's how to do it more safely.
Choosing a Safer Bomber for Riding
If you're set on wearing a bomber jacket while riding, some options are significantly safer than others.
Material Matters
Heavy leather bombers provide the best abrasion resistance among fashion options. Look for jackets made from thick, full-grain cowhide rather than thin lambskin or bonded leather. A leather bomber weighing 1.5kg or more typically indicates substantial hide thickness. Nylon and polyester bombers offer virtually no abrasion protection and should only be considered for very short, low-speed rides.
Fit Considerations
A slightly longer cut is preferable for riding. Standard bombers that hit at the waist can ride up when you're in the riding position, leaving your lower back exposed. Look for bomber styles that extend slightly past the waist, or consider wearing a high-waisted layer underneath.
Some motorcycle gear manufacturers produce armoured jackets styled to look like classic bombers. These offer genuine protection while maintaining the bomber aesthetic. Consider brands like Roland Sands Design, Dainese, and Rev'It for options that bridge style and safety.
Adding Protection Layers
You can significantly improve your protection by adding safety gear underneath your bomber jacket.
Armoured Base Layers
Several companies produce armoured shirts and vests designed to be worn under regular clothing. These feature CE-rated soft armour at the shoulders, elbows, and back, providing impact protection that your bomber lacks. Brands like Forcefield, Knox, and D3O offer options that remain comfortable and relatively inconspicuous.
Back Protectors
Your spine is particularly vulnerable in a motorcycle accident. A separate back protector worn under your jacket adds crucial protection. Look for CE Level 2 rated back protectors for maximum security. Many are designed to be comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Elbow and Shoulder Armour
Slip-in armour pads can sometimes be added to bomber jackets if there's sufficient room in the sleeves and shoulders. Alternatively, armoured base layers (mentioned above) solve this problem elegantly by keeping the armour on your body rather than in the jacket.
Visibility Considerations
Classic bomber jackets come in dark colours—black, olive, and navy—that offer poor visibility on the road. Being seen is one of your most important safety tools as a rider.
Improving Your Visibility
- Reflective additions: Apply reflective tape or patches to your jacket, especially on the back and sleeves
- Bright helmet: Compensate for dark clothing with a high-visibility helmet colour
- Reflective backpack: If you carry a bag, choose one with reflective elements
- LED accessories: Wearable LED lights can significantly increase nighttime visibility
- Lighter colour choice: If possible, choose a lighter bomber colour like tan or grey
According to Australian road safety data, being visible to other road users significantly reduces accident risk. Riders wearing high-visibility gear are more likely to be noticed by car drivers, particularly at intersections where most motorcycle accidents occur.
Securing Your Jacket
One major issue with bomber jackets during an accident is that they can shift or ride up, exposing skin to the road surface. Here's how to minimise this risk:
Belt and Waist Solutions
Wear a sturdy belt that sits at or below the bomber's hem. This helps anchor the jacket and prevents it from riding up significantly. Some riders use a kidney belt or wide motorcycle belt that serves double duty: anchoring the jacket and providing core support.
Layering Strategy
Tuck a long base layer (like a technical riding shirt) into your pants, then wear your bomber over it. This creates a backup layer of fabric protection even if the jacket shifts. Ensure the base layer is made from abrasion-resistant material for this to be effective.
Zip Security
Always fully zip your bomber while riding. An unzipped jacket offers almost no protection and can flap dangerously in the wind. Consider whether your bomber's zipper is robust enough for riding conditions—lightweight fashion zippers can fail under stress.
Weather and Condition Awareness
Your bomber jacket's suitability for riding varies significantly with conditions.
Wet Weather
Leather bombers lose some protective properties when wet, and wet leather on asphalt slides differently than dry leather. Nylon offers better water resistance but poor abrasion protection. If you're caught in rain, reduce speed and increase following distances even more than usual.
Cold Weather
Bomber jackets may not provide sufficient insulation for longer cold-weather rides. Cold muscles are more prone to injury, and impaired dexterity from cold hands affects your control. Layer appropriately and consider purpose-built winter riding gear for colder Australian conditions.
Fashion bomber jackets are not motorcycle safety equipment. If you choose to wear one while riding, opt for heavy leather, add armoured underlayers, improve your visibility, and secure the jacket properly. For serious riding, invest in purpose-built motorcycle gear—some manufacturers offer armoured jackets that maintain the classic bomber aesthetic while providing genuine protection.
When to Choose Purpose-Built Gear
There are situations where wearing proper motorcycle gear is non-negotiable:
- Highway riding at speeds above 80 km/h
- Long-distance touring
- Track days or spirited riding
- Riding in unfamiliar areas with variable road conditions
- Wet or cold weather riding
- Group rides where you may be pushed to ride faster than normal
A bomber jacket might be acceptable for a short, low-speed commute where you're prioritising your appearance at your destination. But even then, remember that accidents can happen at any speed, and the few extra minutes to change clothes is a small price compared to the protection that proper gear provides.