One of the main benefits of buying a NASA bomber jacket is that it can last as long as you want it to. With proper maintenance and repair, this timeless wardrobe can keep giving you its classic looks, whether paired with formal attire or casual weekend wear. So, in this post, we'll discuss a few tips for fixing your bomber jacket and extending its life. We'll learn how to fix zippers, treat stains, restore shape, and so on. Let's dive in!

Fixing Zippers

A loose slider or a completely broken zipper is a common challenge for most bomber jacket owners. Thankfully, this is an easy-to-solve problem. For loose zippers, you can use needle-nose pliers to gently squeeze the slider on each side. The idea is to make the teeth firmer and stay together. However, you'll need a replacement if the slider is beyond repair. You can order a similar slider from the manufacturer or purchase a universal zipper.

Treating Stains

Staining on a bomber jacket can result from many external factors. This can also include material reactions or improper cleaning/storage. For example, food and oil spills can leave behind tough, greasy stains. In addition, mold growth during storage can cause discoloration and a musty odor.

Food and drink stains are the easiest to clean using a bleach-free detergent and a damp cloth. As for greasy stains, you can dab the affected area with an absorbent paper towel before wiping the spot dry. Moreover, white vinegar and baking soda are highly effective against molds and other stains.

Repairing Wear and Tear

Sometimes you may need to fix a burn hole or an accidental tear in your NASA bomber jacket. The good news is that small tears and holes are easy to repair with simple patching. You can start by trimming any loose threads and then rounding the edges. After that, you can apply a fabric patch to the damaged area. By the way, you can buy stylish fabric patches online for as little as $1. Larger tears and holes may require professional sewing before patching.

Restoring Shape

With time, your flight jacket may start losing its classic shape. This can be due to factors like overexposure to sunlight and improper or extended storage. Thankfully, you can repair minor wrinkles by gently ironing your jacket with low heat and pressure. You may also want to place a cotton cloth or a t-shirt over the wrinkled area before ironing.

Other tips include:

  • Clean and condition your leather jacket regularly.

  • Wear the jacket to soften the material and restore its shape.

  • Store the jacket with a wide, padded hanger to maintain its form.

Professional Repairs

Your NASA bomber jacket is a vintage piece that requires the best care possible. Therefore, if you lack repair knowledge, you can seek professional help from companies like US Wings and Cockpit USA, which specialize in repairing these jackets. In addition, your local tailor can easily handle minor repairs like zipper replacements and patch fixing. It's a good idea to seek professional help to avoid extending the damage.

Preventive Care

You don't want to repair your precious NASA bomber jacket regularly, do you? In that case, you can take several preventive measures to ensure longevity and maintain your jacket's timeless appeal. Below are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Address any tears instantly to avoid needing bigger patches.

  • Clean up any stains or spills immediately using mild soap and water.

  • Hang your jacket in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture build-up.

  • Use leather conditioning or protective suede to maintain your jacket.

  • Use a breathable bag to protect your flight jacket from sunlight and dirt.

  • Don't wash your jacket using bleaching or harsh chemicals.

  • Wear your jacket regularly to maintain its form and shape.

  • Have several jackets to prevent quicker wear and tear.