13 Best Aviator Jackets for Women

Jan 29, 2024

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They'll keep you fashionably cozy all season long.

We saw the return of the bomber jacket on the runway this fall but as we enter the coldest stretch of winter, it's time to swap those padded nylon flight jackets for their much warmer cousin, the aviator jacket. Traditionally made with leather exteriors and cozy shearling interiors to keep pilots warm during World War I, aviator jackets have since become a fashionable outerwear staple and a true must-have in every closet.

While the aviator jacket has a history that dates back to 1917, designers have been finding modern ways to play with its military-inspired detailing, often mixing in alternative materials to produce new silhouettes that feel both fresh and classic. From cropped and oversized fits to front zips and biker shapes, we guarantee there's an aviator jacket out there for every style preference. But if you're not a fan of the real stuff, eco-friendly leathers and traceable shearlings are becoming increasingly popular, and there's plenty of faux sherpa, patent and vegan alternatives too.Regardless, the one thing all of our favorite aviator jackets have in common is that every one is a true investment piece you won't regret. The best winter outfits always start with a great focal outerwear piece and the 13 aviator jackets below are exactly that and more.

Inspired by the brand's best selling Jetz coat, Simon Miller's jacket version has been cropped and fitted for a shrunken feel. An oversized ‘70s inspired collar and vegan suede patchwork detailing give this piece the perfect worn-in look. Everyone will likely assume it's vintage and will definitely be shocked to learn you didn't have to dig through endless vintage sale racks to score it. The brand's look book has us inspired to try some more funky styling with an acid colored knit dress but you can always go for a more traditional look too with a cable knit sweater and denim flares.

Size Range: XS-XL

Colorways: Choco brown

Materials: Polyester/spandex

The classic pilot shape gets a totally 2022 update thanks to Mother. This aviator jacket is made from a shiny, patent fabric with a faux fur contrast collar that will bring that extra bit of cool to any closet. Style yours with the brand's signature denim, or dress it up for a night out with a little black dress, sheer hosiery and platform boots for a more formal take.

Size Range: XS-XL

Colorways: Black

Materials: 55% polyurethane, 45% polyester shell with faux sherpa lining and trim

Jonathan Simkhai gives the aviator shape a twist of his own with distinct whipstitched seams to bring all the pieces together. Made from both vegan leather and faux sherpa, this cozy jacket looks just as good as the real thing. Pair the light beige colorway with a full winter white look for an easy yet elevated outfit idea.

Size Range: XS-XL

Colorways: Scone and black

Materials: 94% polyester, 6% spandex

Acne Studios’ oversized shape has become a brand signature and is always produced each season. Featuring a looser fit and lots of buckle and zipper details, the jacket is an investment worth making. Celebs love this jacket too, and it's been spotted on everyone from Alexa Chung to Kendall Jenner. But be warned: They regularly sell out quickly, so make sure to get your hands on one now while it's still available. Wear yours with basics, like a knitted turtleneck and jeans, or a flowy floral dress and boots, for endless styling opportunities.

Size Range: 32FR-42FR

Colorways: Black

Materials: 100% lamb shearling body; 100% calf leather trim; 100% cotton lining

You can count on Isabel Marant to offer a military-inspired jacket that is at the top of our must-have list year after year. This season's aviator style is boxy and cropped with an asymmetrical zip front and leather wrapped collar buttons. Essentially it has that distinctively Parisian feel that is synonymous with the brand. When it comes to styling, this jacket will go just as great with a feminine skirt and knitwear as it will with jeans and a T-shirt.

S ize Range: 34FR-42FR

Colorways: Camel and ecru

Materials: 100% lamb shearling

Since Unreal Fur's brand mission is to always design animal-free products, its answer to the aviator is vegan-friendly and faux. Featuring an inside out design, with a fuzzy sherpa on the exterior body, this silhouette has an oversized fit that feels relaxed and effortless. Make the style your own by mixing with your favorite wardrobe staples, like cashmere crewnecks and boyfriend jeans.

Size Range: XS-L

Colorways: Black

Materials: 100% polyester self; 100% polyurethane contrast fabric; 100% recycled polyester lining

Banana Republic has started to roll out some of its most beloved archive-inspired pieces, and this one hits just right. You simply can't get tired of the relaxed shape that fits perfectly or the creamy shearling collar that adds the right pop of contrast.

Customers are loving this style as well. "If you grew up with safari Banana Republic and obsessed over Out of Africa fashion, this is your bucket-list piece," one reviewer raves. Another adds, "Awesome fancy jacket for the fall winter season. The similar designer's jackets with the same quality (like Acne Studios, Totême, Sacai, Isabel Marant, Loewe...) are more expensive by 2-4 times. Highly recommend buying quality clothes at reasonable price at BR!".

Size Range: XS-XL

Colorways: Dark brown

Materials: 100% mouton shearling

Helmut Lang's trademark leather working makes this revamped aviator style stand out. Leather and shearling are spliced together masterfully to create a unique outerwear piece that you’ll wear for years to come.

The cropped silhouette pairs well with high-waisted pants and a tightly knit turtleneck. Add a buckled belt and boot to finish off the look with a polished feel.

Size Range: XS-L

Colorways: Navy

Materials: 100% lamb leather and dyed lamb shearling trim

Patent leather gives this jacket a glossed texture that feels straight out of the ‘60s. The zipper front shape is no-frills but will make getting dressed a breeze. On cold days, wear the collar up using the adjustable neck buckles for a warm alternative to a scarf. For styling, lean into the retro vibes by matching it with an a-line mini skirt and knee high leather boots for an authentically mod vibe.

Size Range: XXS-XXL

Colorways: Maroon

Materials: 82% viscose,18% polyester composition; 100% polyester hair; 100% polyurethane coating

Milan-based Halfboy takes its main design inspiration from the '80s and '90s, which is why this short aviator style looks so retro. It melds a slightly batwing arm shape with a cropped hemline, mimicking two distinct design notes from those eras. A crop top, baggy jeans and sneakers will complement the brand's aesthetic to a tee.

Size Range: XS-XL

Colorways: Honey cream

Materials: Genuine lamb shearling

You'll be sold on JW Anderson's belted aviator jacket once you feel the warmth and luxury of this 100% leather shearling. Designed with a shawl collar, the unique neckline isn't just warm but also timeless. Wear with a pleated trouser and chunky boot for a current meets classic take on styling—and don't forget an oversized scarf.

Size Range: S-L

Colorways: Navy

Materials: 100% sheep skin/shearling

H&M's jacket proves that a good outerwear piece doesn't have to cost a fortune. The faux leather signature biker shape is trimmed with a contrasting brown sherpa cuff and collar details so the styling options are limitless.

One satisfied shopper writes, "I was praying to all the gods that this jacket fit and it looks/fits AMAZINGLY! It's SUPER comfy and the inner lining is so soft. The XL size ran pretty larger than expected so it definitely leaves room for wearing multi layers or bulky sweaters underneath but I doubt you’ll need it because the jacket keeps you so warm! Definitely recommend buying ASAP!"

Size Range: XS-XXL

Colorways: Black/brown

Materials: 100% polyester and polyurethane 100% shell; 100% polyurethane coating

This jacket plays double duty. The stylish look is fashion-forward while its performance properties make it appropriate to take on your next ski trip, from the slope to après and everything else in between. The brand's shearling is also sourced from leather working group certified tanneries, so its both eco-friendly and traceable. Try this off-white option with an all-black outfit underneath, for a minimalist-approved winter outfit that will take seconds to create.

Size Range: XS-L

Colorways: Off-white

Materials: 100% sheepskin; 100% cow leather trim

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