The Aviator Jacket Is Back for the Colder Months

Once the weather turns colder, a lightweight jacket can start to feel a bit too light, while a full winter coat can still be more than you need. An aviator jacket fits nicely in the middle.

With a shorter shape, substantial collar and warmer construction, it works well with the sort of clothes most of us already wear at this time of year, including jeans, chinos, knitwear and boots.

Our men's aviator jackets include black, brown, grey and camel styles, with leather, shearling and fur-collar options available.

Start With How You Will Actually Wear It

Before thinking about colour or details, it helps to consider when you are most likely to wear the jacket.

A leather aviator with a standard lining is a good option for milder days, short journeys and time spent mostly indoors. If you are outside for longer periods, commute early in the morning or want something to carry you through colder weather, a shearling or heavier lined style will make more sense.

There is no need to go for the warmest jacket simply because it is winter. The best choice is the one that suits your routine.

The Collar Changes the Whole Look

The collar is one of the biggest differences between aviator styles.

A cream shearling collar with brown leather gives you the classic flying-jacket look and works particularly well with denim, boots and chunky knitwear. Dark collars tend to feel more understated and can be easier to pair with black jeans, grey trousers and simple knitwear.

Some jackets also come with removable collars, which gives you a little more flexibility as the season changes.

If you like a more traditional pilot look, details such as badges, patch pockets and visible seams add character. For something cleaner and easier to dress up, look for a simpler jacket with fewer extras.

Get the Fit Right

An aviator jacket should feel comfortable across the shoulders and chest without looking loose or oversized.

If you plan to wear a jumper underneath, try to leave enough room for it without making the jacket look bulky. You should still be able to zip it comfortably and move your arms without the sleeves feeling tight.

Pay particular attention to the upper arms on heavily lined styles, as this is often where extra layers can start to feel restrictive.

The hem will usually sit around the hip. That shorter shape is part of what makes an aviator jacket easy to wear, so going too large can quickly change the look.

Brown, Tan or Black

Brown is an easy place to start if you want the traditional aviator look. Dark brown works well with cream, navy, olive and denim, while tan and camel can make heavier outfits feel a little lighter. A dark brown jacket with an oatmeal jumper and indigo jeans is a simple combination that works well through autumn and winter. Tan also pairs nicely with navy knitwear and charcoal trousers.

Black gives you a cleaner, sharper look and suits wardrobes built around black denim, grey trousers and darker knitwear.

You do not need to match your boots exactly to your jacket. Similar tones usually look more natural than trying to get an exact colour match.

How to Wear an Aviator Jacket

Aviator jackets are naturally casual, but cleaner styles can still work well for dinners, evenings out and relaxed offices.

For everyday wear, jeans, a crew-neck jumper and boots are hard to get wrong. If you want something a little smarter, try dark chinos or wool trousers with a knitted polo or fine jumper.

The jacket already has plenty of character, so the rest of the outfit can stay simple.

If you prefer the same short shape with less bulk, have a look at our men's leather bomber jackets. For suits and more formal winter outfits, an aviator jacket is usually less practical because the suit jacket can sit below the hem. Our men's overcoats are a better option over tailoring.

A good aviator jacket should feel easy to wear, not like something you have to build an outfit around. Pick the right weight for your routine, make sure the fit works with the clothes you already own, and you will get far more use out of it once the colder weather settles in.