Steeped in history, Alpha Industries was founded in 1959 by Samuel Gelber. The company originally manufactured garments for the US military, starting with parkas for the Air Force and shirts for the Navy. Alpha Industries began its operations from Knoxville, Tennessee, and by the 1970’s the brand began making small numbers of commercial pieces in between their military contracts. Throughout the 1980’s their commercial lines were expanded, with demand increasing consistently to this day. Always honouring the brand’s beginnings, Joshua Lebowitz is Creative Director for Alpha Industries.
Producing menswear, womenswear and youth lines, plus accessories, Alpha Industries is most well known for its MA-1 bomber jacket. This has become an iconic staple to many wardrobes, and has been reproduced in various colours and prints to suit any style. Collaborating with hugely influential names such as BAPE, Stüssy and NASA has also seen the reimagining of this classic jacket. A 2020 partnership with Playboy created a limited-edition MA-1 bomber, which featured the Playboy bunny logo on the front and back, and vintage magazine covers printed in the jacket lining. All the while, the design maintained the key Alpha Industries components such as knitted cuffs and sleeve pockets.
Alpha Industries achieve continuance of the brand’s heritage while updating their style, allowing them to remain current and desirable. Inspired by streetwear and military aesthetics, Alpha Industries collections range from bold printed tees, fashionable bucket hats, classic cargo trousers and contemporary longline parkas. Functional and wearable, Alpha Industries pieces are everyday essentials which produce a cool and easy aesthetic.
With stores across the globe, Alpha Industries designs are also available from their website and other online retailers, including Harvey Nichols, End Clothing and Selfridges.