Made for heroes, worn by icons:
The MA-1

What would an icon wear? Something iconic, probably. Like our MA-1 bomber jacket. Originally designed for U.S. Air Force pilots, it has become a statement piece embraced by various subcultures and fashion enthusiasts over the years.

The MA-1 bomber jacket was first introduced to the U.S. military in 1949, taking inspiration from its predecessor, the B-15 flight jacket. With updated features such as a wool knit collar replacing the B-15’s fur collar and the use of high-quality nylon and polyester, the MA-1 became a more lightweight option that is ideal for warmer weather.

COLLABORATION ALPHA INDUSTRIES X TENUE.
IN THE YEAR 2023

Why the orange lining?

The bright orange lining was added to the MA-1 design to increase visibility for Air Force pilots in the event of a plane crash. By wearing their jackets inside-out, downed pilots could be spotted more easily by rescue teams.

Contrary to popular belief, the original MA-1 was not sage green or olive; it was initially produced in midnight blue. However, during the Korean and Vietnam wars, the jacket’s color was predominantly changed to green for better camouflage on the ground.

Since then, the MA-1—and bomber jackets in general—have found diverse audiences among subcultures like punks, football hooligans, and ravers, before eventually catching the eye of the fashion crowd.

“First designed for the U.S. Air Force, military surplus-raiding subcultures have given the MA-1 a storied history on the backs of both heroes and villains (sometimes at the same time) that has acted as a rite of passage for its status as a fashion staple.” (Credit: Tom Barker, Highsnobiety)

HIGHSNOBIETY

Speaking of heroes and villains, the bomber jacket first gained popularity among British Mods, shortly followed by the skinheads. Early skinhead culture, rooted in the UK’s working class, was influenced by Jamaican music and style and reflected the followers’ pride in their upbringing and alternative values. However, by the late 1970s, the second wave of the subculture adopted right-wing and racist beliefs, co-opting the original skinhead look of boots, skinny jeans, a shaved head, and the bomber jacket. Since then, the look has been successfully re-appropriated by various countercultures, including punks and the LGBTQ+ community, ultimately shedding its far-right connotations.

A military classic conquers high fashion

The utility-inspired aesthetic of the MA-1 continues to resonate with evolving fashion trends and has been reimagined numerous times by designers such as Raf Simons, Helmut Lang, and Issey Miyake. What truly cemented its status in mainstream culture was Kanye West’s decision to make it the official jacket for his 2013-2014 Yeezus tour. After that, it became a favorite of modern-day style icons like Kylie and Kendall Jenner, as well as Bella and Gigi Hadid.

At Alpha Industries, we’ve also put our own spin on the classic MA-1 through various collaborations with brands like Vetements, Highsnobiety, and Awake NY, taking our bombers to the next level and leaving a lasting impression on the ever-changing world of high fashion.