What Is the Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber?
The Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber is a lightweight bomber-style jacket made for the in-between moments of a busy day: the walk to the train, the airport terminal, the school run, the weekend trip that starts before sunrise. Athleta describes it as a jacket for your workday commute and your weekend travels, and that description is the clearest way to understand what it is for. It is not a heavy winter coat, and it is not a rain shell built for a storm. It sits in the middle, a polished layer you can throw on over almost anything and forget about until the weather changes.
If you are searching for the Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber, you probably want a straight answer to a simple question: is this the right lightweight jacket for you? The short answer is that it suits women who want a smart-looking, easy-to-wear layer that handles light rain, packs a stowable hood, and moves comfortably through a long day. If you need serious cold-weather insulation or heavy-rain protection, this is not that jacket. The rest of this guide walks through the fabric, the fit, the sizing, the styling options, and the honest trade-offs, so you can decide with confidence.
Athleta built its name on activewear that works beyond the gym, and the Jetset Bomber follows that same idea. It borrows the relaxed shape of a classic bomber jacket, then softens it with a clean, minimal finish that works just as well with tailored trousers as it does with leggings. That versatility is the reason it keeps showing up in travel wardrobes and commuter outfits alike.
Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber: Key Features at a Glance
Before getting into the detail, here is a quick summary of what the jacket offers, based on Athleta’s own product description.
| Feature | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% recycled polyester with a sleek, soft hand-feel |
| Weather protection | Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish for light-to-medium rain |
| Breathability | Airflow moves easily through the garment, so it does not feel stuffy |
| Hood | Stowable hood that tucks away when the sun comes out |
| Pockets | Secure zip pockets for keys, phone and other essentials |
| Movement | Side zipper detail that gives you freedom of movement |
| Fit | Relaxed fit with room to move, sitting at the high hip |
| Sizes | XXS to XL, in Regular, Tall and Petite lengths |
| Best for | Workday commutes and weekend travel, from meetings to meetups |
That table covers the essentials, but the details matter when you are choosing between this jacket and the half-dozen similar ones hanging in your wardrobe. The sections below take each point in turn.
The Fabric: Recycled Polyester With a Soft Hand-Feel
The Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber is made from 100% recycled polyester, a material sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles. Athleta describes the fabric as sleek with a soft hand-feel, and that wording matters more than it might seem. Many recycled polyester jackets feel papery or stiff, the kind of fabric that rustles every time you move your arms. A soft hand-feel means the material drapes and moves more like a regular woven jacket, which is a big part of why this one reads as a fashion piece rather than purely technical outerwear.
Recycled polyester also brings practical advantages for a travel jacket. It resists wrinkles better than many natural fibres, which means the jacket still looks tidy after a few hours folded in a bag or worn under a seatbelt. It dries quickly when it gets damp, and it holds its shape well over repeated wear. For a jacket that is meant to be grabbed on the way out the door, those are genuinely useful qualities.
There is also the sustainability angle, and it is worth stating plainly. Using recycled polyester reduces the demand for new petroleum-based fibre, and Athleta flags the recycled content as part of the jacket’s story. It does not make the jacket perfect, and no single garment solves the fashion industry’s waste problem, but if you prefer to spend your money on brands that use recycled materials where they can, this one fits that preference.
Water Repellency: What DWR Actually Does
The jacket carries a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which Athleta says protects against light-to-medium rain. It helps to understand what that means in real life. A DWR finish makes water bead up and roll off the surface of the fabric instead of soaking straight in. It is excellent for a passing shower, drizzle on the walk from the car park, or the damp air of a misty morning.
It is not the same as a waterproof rain jacket. In sustained heavy rain, water will eventually find its way through, and the seams are not sealed the way a dedicated rain shell’s seams are. So think of the Jetset Bomber as your everyday defence against unpredictable weather, not your first choice for a downpour. If you live somewhere with frequent heavy rain, you will still want a proper rain jacket in your wardrobe. For most commutes and city breaks, though, the DWR finish covers the weather you actually meet.
Breathability and Comfort
Athleta also notes that airflow moves easily through the garment, which is the brand’s way of saying the jacket breathes. Breathability is easy to overlook when you are shopping, but you notice it immediately when you wear a jacket indoors. A non-breathable shell turns clammy the moment you step into a warm train carriage or a heated office. A breathable one lets the heat escape, so you can keep the jacket on while you wait for a coffee or sit through a meeting without feeling overheated.
This matters because the Jetset Bomber is designed to be worn all day, not just outdoors. It is the layer you keep on through the commute, the errands and the lunch stop. Breathability is what makes that realistic.
Fit and Sizing: How the Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber Fits
Fit is where most online jacket purchases go wrong, so this section deserves your full attention. Athleta describes the fit of the Jetset Bomber as relaxed, with room to move, and the length as high hip, meaning the hem sits at the top of the hip rather than covering it. That high-hip, relaxed shape is classic bomber territory. It gives the jacket its easy, slightly boxy silhouette and keeps it from bunching up when you sit down, which is handy on planes, trains and in cars.
The relaxed fit also means there is space underneath for a sweater or a hoodie on cooler days. If you plan to layer a chunky knit under it, that extra room is a genuine advantage. If you usually wear fitted jackets and want a closer silhouette, you may want to try your usual size first and only size down if the shoulders still feel too broad, because going down a size can also shorten the sleeves and pull the hem up further.
Body Length by Size
Athleta publishes body-length measurements for a size medium, and they are useful if you are deciding between Regular, Tall and Petite. In a size M, the Regular length measures 23 1/4 inches at the front and 24 3/4 inches at the back. The Petite version measures 21 1/4 inches at the front and 24 inches at the back, while the Tall version measures 24 1/4 inches at the front and 25 3/4 inches at the back. The longer back is a thoughtful touch: it gives a little extra coverage when you bend or reach, and it stops the jacket riding up when you sit.
The availability of three lengths is one of the strongest practical reasons to consider this jacket. Many bomber jackets come in one length only, which leaves shorter and taller women choosing between a hem that sits too low or sleeves that end too soon. Here, the Petite and Tall options let you get the proportions right instead of settling.
Sizing Tips Before You Order
- Start with your usual Athleta size. The relaxed cut already builds in room to move, so sizing up usually adds bulk rather than comfort.
- Think about your layers. If you will mostly wear it over a T-shirt or a light top, your usual size is right. If you want a thick sweater underneath, try it on with that sweater before deciding.
- Check the sleeve length. Bomber sleeves should end at or just past the wrist bone. If they cover half your hand, the size is too big.
- Try the Tall or Petite lengths. If standard jackets are always too short or too long on you, the length options here solve a problem most brands ignore.
- Zip it up and sit down. The high-hip hem should sit comfortably without riding up when you are seated, which is exactly how you will wear it on a plane or a train.
Design Details That Make It Travel-Friendly
A good travel jacket is decided by its small details, and the Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber has several that are easy to miss on a product photo but hard to live without once you have them.
The Stowable Hood
The stowable hood is the feature Athleta highlights first, and for good reason. Weather changes fast when you are travelling, and a hood you can pull out in seconds saves you from a soaked hairstyle and a damp collar. When the sun comes out, the hood tucks away into the collar, so the jacket keeps its clean bomber neckline instead of looking like a raincoat. If you have ever worn a jacket with a permanent hood flapping behind your neck on a dry day, you will appreciate the difference.
Secure Zip Pockets
The jacket has secure zip pockets, which matter more than they sound. Open pockets are fine for a quiet afternoon, but on a crowded train or a busy street, a zipped pocket is the difference between your phone staying put and your phone sliding out when you sit down. The zips also keep the jacket’s lines clean, since there are no flapping pocket openings breaking up the silhouette.
Side Zipper Detail
The side zipper detail is a small design choice with an outsized effect on comfort. It lets the hem flex and move with you, so the jacket does not pull tight across the hips when you walk quickly, climb stairs or reach for an overhead bin. It is the kind of detail you only notice when it is missing, usually as a jacket that feels restrictive across the body. Here, movement feels natural, which is exactly what you want from something designed to be worn while you are on the move.
How to Style the Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber
The Jetset Bomber earns its place in a wardrobe because it works with far more outfits than a typical sporty jacket. The trick is to treat it as a smart-casual layer rather than gym kit. Here are some combinations that work well.
- Travel day: black leggings, a plain white tee, white trainers and the bomber zipped halfway. Comfortable for a long flight, tidy enough to walk straight into a meeting.
- Office commute: straight-leg trousers, a fine-knit top and loafers, with the bomber over the top. The sleek fabric keeps the look polished instead of sporty.
- Weekend errands: straight-leg jeans, a striped top and flat ankle boots. The high-hip length keeps your proportions balanced with jeans.
- Evening out: a simple slip dress or a midi skirt with trainers or flat sandals, bomber worn open over the top. The relaxed shape stops the outfit feeling too dressed up.
- Cooler days: a thin knit or a hoodie underneath, with the bomber as the outer layer. The relaxed fit leaves room for layering without looking bulky.
Colour choice also shapes how the jacket behaves in your wardrobe. A dark neutral shade pairs with almost everything you already own and hides travel marks well, which is why many women reach for it first. A lighter or brighter shade makes more of a statement and works beautifully as the single colour accent in an otherwise neutral outfit. Either way, the clean, minimal design of the Jetset Bomber means the jacket supports the outfit instead of competing with it.
Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber vs Other Lightweight Jackets
It helps to see how the Jetset Bomber compares with the other lightweight jackets you might be considering. The table below compares it in general terms with common alternatives.
| Jacket Type | Weather Protection | Warmth | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber | Light-to-medium rain (DWR) | Light; a layering piece | Smart-casual bomber | Commuting and travel |
| Packable rain shell | Heavy rain | Minimal; a shell only | Technical, sporty | Wet weather and hiking |
| Denim jacket | None | Light | Casual classic | Dry, mild days |
| Lightweight puffer | Some water resistance | Moderate | Casual, sporty | Chilly days |
| Trench coat | Light-to-medium rain | Light to moderate | Smart, polished | Work and smart occasions |
| Fleece jacket | None | Moderate to warm | Casual, outdoorsy | Cold, dry days |
The comparison shows where the Jetset Bomber sits. It is warmer and smarter than a rain shell, more weatherproof than a denim jacket or a fleece, and far less formal than a trench coat. If you could only own one light jacket for a trip that mixes meetings, sightseeing and travel days, this is the type that covers the most situations. If you know you will face heavy rain or real cold, a specialist jacket will serve you better, and there is no shame in owning both.
Who the Jetset Bomber Is Best For
The Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber suits women who want one jacket that handles the everyday mix: commuting, travelling, school runs, weekend trips and the walk between meetings. It is at its best for someone who values a clean, polished look but refuses to wear something uncomfortable all day. The relaxed fit, the breathable fabric and the stowable hood all point in the same direction: a jacket designed to be lived in, not admired from a distance.
It is also a strong choice if you travel light. A jacket that works over jeans, trousers, leggings and a dress replaces three or four specialist layers in a suitcase, which is exactly how frequent travellers keep their luggage small. The wrinkle-resistant nature of recycled polyester helps here too, since the jacket still looks presentable after being folded into a bag.
There are women it will not suit as well. If you run cold and need a jacket that keeps you warm on its own, the Jetset Bomber will disappoint you, because it is a light layer rather than an insulated coat. If you want a long coat that covers your hips, the high-hip length will feel too short. And if you spend your weekends hiking in heavy rain, a proper waterproof shell is the honest recommendation. Knowing what a jacket is not for is just as useful as knowing what it is for.
Care and Maintenance
Looking after a recycled polyester jacket is straightforward, and a little care goes a long way towards keeping the DWR finish working. Always check the care label inside your own jacket first, because care instructions can vary between production runs, but the general guidance for this kind of fabric is consistent.
Wash the jacket in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, and avoid fabric softener, which can coat the fibres and reduce the effectiveness of the water-repellent finish. Zip the pockets and the front closed before washing so the zips do not snag the fabric. Hang the jacket to dry rather than tumble drying it on high heat, since excessive heat can damage both the fabric and the DWR coating. If the water repellency starts to fade after many washes, which happens gradually with any DWR finish, a low-heat tumble dry or a cool iron can sometimes help reactivate it, but follow the care label rather than guessing.
Between washes, a quick wipe with a damp cloth removes most travel marks, and airing the jacket out after a long day is often enough to freshen it. Because recycled polyester dries quickly, a damp jacket left hanging overnight is usually ready to wear again in the morning. Store it hanging rather than folded tightly for long periods, so the fabric keeps its shape and the collar sits neatly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Expecting winter warmth. This is a lightweight layer. On a cold day, wear a proper insulating layer underneath instead of blaming the jacket.
- Sizing up for no reason. The fit is already relaxed. Sizing up usually makes the shoulders droop and the sleeves too long.
- Treating DWR as waterproof. Light-to-medium rain is the limit. In a downpour, reach for a real rain jacket.
- Using fabric softener. It can reduce the water-repellent finish over time, so leave it out of the wash.
- Ignoring the length options. If Regular never fits quite right, try Petite or Tall before giving up on the jacket.
- Buying it for one outfit only. The value of this jacket is its versatility. If you only plan to wear it with one look, a cheaper single-purpose jacket may do the same job.
FAQs
Is the Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber waterproof?
No, it is water-repellent rather than waterproof. The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish protects against light-to-medium rain, so it handles drizzle and passing showers well. In sustained heavy rain, water will eventually get through, and the seams are not sealed like a dedicated rain shell. For everyday commuting and travel, the protection is enough; for a downpour, choose a proper rain jacket.
What is the Athleta Jetset Bomber made of?
It is made from 100% recycled polyester, sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles. Athleta describes the fabric as sleek with a soft hand-feel, and it is breathable, so air moves easily through the garment. The recycled content is part of the jacket’s appeal for shoppers who prefer more sustainable materials.
How does the Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber fit?
The fit is relaxed, with room to move, and the jacket sits at the high hip. In a size medium, the Regular length is 23 1/4 inches at the front and 24 3/4 inches at the back. It comes in Regular, Tall and Petite lengths and sizes from XXS to XL. Most shoppers should start with their usual Athleta size, since the relaxed cut already allows space for layering.
Does the Jetset Bomber have a hood?
Yes. It has a stowable hood that tucks away into the collar when you do not need it, so the jacket keeps its clean bomber neckline on dry days. You can pull the hood out quickly when the weather turns, which is practical for travel and commuting.
Can you wear the Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber in winter?
It works in winter only as part of a layered outfit. The jacket itself is a lightweight layer with no heavy insulation, so on cold days you will need a warm sweater or a thermal layer underneath. It is best suited to mild weather, spring and autumn, and cool summer evenings, with layering extending its use into colder months.
Is the Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber good for travel?
Yes, travel is one of its strongest uses. It is lightweight, the recycled polyester resists wrinkles, it dries quickly, the zip pockets keep essentials secure, and the stowable hood covers sudden weather changes. It also works over many different outfits, so it can replace several jackets in a suitcase. The high-hip, relaxed fit stays comfortable when you are sitting on a plane or a train for hours.
Conclusion
The Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber is a well-judged lightweight jacket for women who want one polished layer that works across commuting, travel and everyday life. Its recycled polyester fabric feels soft rather than technical, the DWR finish handles the rain you actually meet on a normal day, and the stowable hood, secure zip pockets and side zipper detail solve small problems that matter when you are on the move. The relaxed, high-hip fit, the three length options and the wide size range make it easier to get a good fit than most bomber jackets manage.
It is not a winter coat and it is not a storm-proof shell, and it does not pretend to be. Buy it for what it is: a smart, breathable, travel-ready layer that looks good with almost everything and asks very little of you in return. If that matches how you actually live and travel, the Athleta Women’s Jetset Bomber is an easy jacket to recommend.
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