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Home Men's Hair 8 Ways to Wear the Alpha Industries MA1 Bomber Jacket

8 Ways to Wear the Alpha Industries MA1 Bomber Jacket

by Jamie Wilson
Bomber Jacket

The classic heritage brand Alpha Industries have been making high-quality men’s outerwear fashion since the 1950s. Most famous for their MA1 bomber jacket, this Alpha Industries jacket remains extremely popular to this day. Read our style guide for all the best tips on how to wear this timeless jacket. 

As summer comes to an end, the days become shorter and the weather becomes colder. However, it doesn’t have to all be doom and gloom. With winter approaching, it’s time to start thinking about all the stylish jackets you can begin to wear. Fortunately, if you’re not sure about what jacket to get for this winter season, then look no further than the Alpha MA1 flight jacket. The truth is that they aren’t only popular for world war periods or airmen. Nowadays, the right type of black bomber jacket can suit most men, perfect for the smart-casual look.

Alpha Industries MA1 Bomber Jacket

Although Alpha is famous for producing a whole range of military-style jackets for men, the MA1 flight jacket is unique in many specific ways. The features of the Alpha bomber jacket include:

  • Knit collar and waistband.
  • Nylon water-resistant coating.
  • Iconic arm pocket with ‘Remove Before Flight keychain tag.
  • Two button closure hand pockets.
  • Zipper up middle front.
  • Reversible.

Since it was born in the 60s, Alpha Industries have kept the design of the MA1 bomber jacket more or less the same. The expression ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ comes to mind when you think about the classic design of this jacket.

Bomber Jacket
@Luther.M.E. Bottrill via Unsplash

How to Wear the Alpha Industries MA-1 Bomber Jacket

The good thing about an MA1 is its versatility. As with a lot of men’s outerwear fashion, you want to be able to wear it with lots of different outfits. Saying that it’s a statement piece for the wardrobe. What makes the MA-1 jacket so unique, is the inner lining feature which was originally designed to help search parties spot lost pilots or servicemen. The bright luminous orange lining of the jacket lining would make the pilots easy to spot in dark conditions. Helpful then, but for now, a major statement for your wardrobe.

Alpha Industries MA-1 Green

When it comes to the different colours that an MA1 flight jacket can come in, green or khaki is undoubtedly the most classic and traditional style out there. When Alpha first introduced the MA1 bomber jacket for use by aircraft pilots, they produced it in a dark khaki green colour.

Smart-Casual

Creating a defined look with a green bomber is an exceptional challenge. However, there is a way around it. Recommend from our buyers for the autumn season, pair your bomber with a black roll neck. To smarten your look further, opt for skinny black smart trousers. This look is completely versatile between a trip to the pub, or a first date, so whether you go for smarter shoes or trainers, it’s completely down to you! Who says that fighter pilots can only rock this Tom Cruise look? When it comes to aa smart-casual wear and easy layering, aim for a slim fit jacket and enjoy its soft polyester or cotton feel against your body.

Alpha Industries MA-1 Green
@KoolShooters via pexels

Casual

While green works well for smart-casual, it’s the go-to colour for keeping it casual. For creating more of a countryside look to your outfit, pair your jacket with a pair of Selvedge denim jeans. Make sure to keep your footwear tonal, either with smart brown, burgundy, or black shoes. Ideally, if smart shoes aren’t for you then opt for a minimal trainer with the same colour guidelines.

Alpha Industries MA-1 Black

Alpha Industries MA-1 Black
@Santiago Sauceda González via pexels

Out of all the colours that you can get an MA1 in, black is by far the easiest and most versatile colour you can find. The best thing about wearing a black jacket is that it’s so versatile. You can wear black with pretty much anything and it will look good.

Smart-Casual

The MA1 jacket flight jacket is perfect for adding extra layers to your outfit when you’re going for a smart casual look. Although a bomber jacket may not look all that great over the top of a blazer or suit, combining it with a shirt can look extremely stylish, as well as keep you warm.

Smart-Casual
@Santiago Sauceda González via pexels

Casual

When wearing a black Alpha jacket with more casual clothing, it can still be a good idea to stick with the art of colour blocking. Although black can be worn in a lot of different colours, we think it’s really stylish to keep things simple and minimal.

For the season, dressing down your bomber jacket has never been easier. Our editor’s suggestion is not to quickly dip in for the monochrome, but to add some muted colour to your look. This means opting for the tonal and the minimal key pieces.

For a full street look, opt for a classic pair of Dickies 874 pants. Then, before the bomber, layer with a black hoodie of choice. Ideal for winter, this look is sure to keep you warm with your favourite sneakers.

Alpha Industries MA-1 Blue

Despite green having traditional fame, MA1 jackets originally came in blue and navy colourways. However, after the Korean war began, Alpha Industries began producing jackets in green. Although green is a classic alpha MA-1 bomber jacket colour, dark blue or navy is actually the traditional colour of the MA1.

Alpha Industries MA-1 Blue
@WoodysMedia via pexels

Casual

While the bomber is an effortless go-to for when the weather is a bit chilly, it’s completely versatile between seasons. The nylon fabric is a light cover-up for the summer season, especially if you can’t leave the house without a jacket. With the relaxed shape of the bomber, it’s easy to build a look with pair of shorts and a tee. Just remember, when opting for the navy bomber, don’t reach for the light blue shorts or T-shirt – make sure to keep the look muted.

Casual
@Tony Schnagl via pexels

Alpha Industries MA-1 White

If you’re feeling particularly daring, then you could wear a white MA-1 bomber jacket. Possibly the least traditional of all the colours you can purchase an MA1 jacket in, white is a perfect combination of classic heritage style with a modern twist. Much like wearing a black jacket, wearing white can act as a blank canvas, allowing you to wear it will many different outfits.

How to Wear the Alpha Industries MA1

  • Pick the style best suited for your body type.
  • Choose a colour you know you’ll get the most wear out of.
  • If you’re going for the classic bomber look, opt for green or black.
  • Experiment – outerwear jackets like the MA1 are extremely versatile.
  • Go for a cool leather jacket with fur if that’s what your style is all about.
Bomber Jacket
@Ivan Samkov via pexels

Does A Bomber Jacket Keep You Warm + Are Bomber Jackets Still Cool?

How has your shopping experience looked so far in your life? Were you always chasing promotions and looking for a style that suits you? The truth is that all you have to do is find a size that suits you, and also find a cool that works well on you. The right type of nylon bomber jacket will keep you warm and will provide you with both warmth and style. A classic bomber jacket with long sleeves will keep you cozy during winter. Luckily for you, a bomber jacket will leave you with both comfort and style. The best part? It is still booming in 2022!

On That Note

The Alpha Industries MA1 bomber jacket has been a staple item of men’s outerwear fashion for over 50 years and isn’t going away anytime soon. No man’s wardrobe would be complete without a bomber jacket, and the MA1 is inarguably the ultimate one. Whether it’s spring or the middle of winter, you can wear a bomber jacket all year round and still look great. Follow the tips and tricks given in this style guide and you’ll be wearing the best bomber jackets around in no time.

Feature image from pexels

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