The Bomber is back! Saint has once again reengineered and redesigned the classic Bomber jacket to create a stylish and capable riding jacket for urban commuters.
In recent years the Bomber jacket made its comeback in a big way. First appearing in the 1950s the Bomber was designed for pilots of the US Air Force and Navy. The classic design typically features a short waistline, a banded collar and cuffs, and a zippered front. Today Bomber jackets can be seen everywhere from fashion runways to industrial worksites.
The Saint Armoured Bomber jacket has been designed and built specifically for motorcyclists by the Australian riding gear manufacturer. The new for 2023 Saint Bomber is the brand’s second generation of this design and they’ve taken the opportunity to step things up a notch. Back in 2016, Saint released an all-black Armoured Flight Jacket based on classic Bomber Jacket styling. This new version introduces a dark green colorway and a raft of design and safety improvements that we’re going to delve into today.
Saint Armoured Bomber Jacket Exterior
The 2023 Saint Armoured Bomber Jacket boasts classic Bomber styling with the addition of features aimed at riders. Starting with the cut, the Saint Bomber sits longer on the waist to help keep a rider’s waist covered while on the bike. The cuffs, collar, and waistband are all made from a soft elasticated banded fabric which improves comfort and keeps the cold wind out when you’re on the road. And although the rest of the outer shell looks like regular cotton canvas, there’s nothing normal about its construction.
Similar to the brand’s highly praised single-layer denim riding jeans, the cotton canvas of the Bomber jacket has high-strength polyamide fibers woven into it. This results in a high-tensile fabric that is highly abrasion and tear-resistant, making it an ideal companion for motorcyclists. Adding to the fabric’s functionality is a wax coating that assists with preventing water and dirt penetration.
Adding to the jacket’s functionality are 2 button clasp pockets on the waist, a traditional Bomber pocket on one sleeve, and a convenient hidden pocket on the chest that’s ideal for storing quick-access items like a phone or wallet. Similar to the chest and arm pockets the Bomber’s main opening is secured using a heavy-duty YKK brass zipper.
Saint Armoured Bomber Jacket Interior
On the inside of the Saint Armoured Bomber Jacket, you’ll find more features tailored toward riders. The liner is made up of 3 parts; each designed to provide a specific benefit. First up is an internal waterproof membrane that bolsters the jacket’s resistance to water. Next is a warm, 100% Recycled Polyester Padding made from recycled PET bottles. And lastly, a soft quilted satin-like liner for all-day riding comfort. Inside you’ll also find a single pocket for storing items away from the elements.
Rider safety is, of course, Saint’s primary objective and here they’ve achieved an AA EN17092-3:2020 CE certification. Along with the high tensile outer shell, Saint has integrated armor into the Bomber design. In this instance, it is in the form of removable CE level 2 armor on the shoulders and elbows. The jacket is also designed to accommodate a D3O Viper back protector which Saint offers as an optional extra. To round things off Saint has also reinforced all of the jacket’s impact zones for added burst and abrasion resistance.
Final Thoughts on the Saint Bomber Jacket
This is the second Saint Bomber I’ve owned after acquiring a first gen example back in 2016. As you’d hope, this new iteration is a big improvement on the previous design both aesthetically and functionally.
In terms of the jacket’s look, the rich olive green coloring is a welcome departure from the primarily black Saint range. The brass zips contrast well against the green and some subtle Saint branding adds to the streetwear appeal of this riding garment. On the inside things are a little less subdued with a ghost rider-styled illustration and Saint’s latest catchphrase, “Armouring the Risk Takers” emblazoned across the inside back. The biggest visual improvement for this version of the Bomber comes from Saint’s choice of armor. The form flex style armor on the shoulders and elbows is very low profile so it is a lot less pronounced. This again makes the jacket look less like dedicated riding gear and more acceptable as an on and off-the-bike wardrobe option.
The Saint Armoured Bomber lacks the ventilation you’ll get on other riding jackets and doesn’t come with a storm flap behind the main zipper. This means it’s better suited to milder weather conditions, but you can easily layer down or up depending on what’s happening outside. Waterproofing is always a welcome addition to riding attire and the combination of the wax and an internal liner is enough to keep things dry should you get caught in an unexpected downpour. The wax finish also means that the Saint Armoured Bomber will develop a unique look over time depending on its use. This means no 2 Bombers will look the same once they’ve been broken in.
The 2023 Saint Armoured Bomber is another solid offering from Saint and a big improvement on their past version. If you’re an urban commuter who wants a jacket that offers a great look without scrimping on safety it’s definitely worth a look. The Armoured Bomber jacket is currently available in Australia and will be dropping in the US in December 2023.
Available from: SAINT
