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Since 1959, Alpha Industries has remained one of the best makers of classic military-inspired outerwear, from versatile bombers to effortless field jackets to ultra-warm parkas. Originally founded as a contractor for the US Department of Defense, Alpha Industries has produced dozens of high quality jacket designs that have been enjoyed by military service members and civilians alike. Now, classic military-style jackets are coveted for their utilitarian benefits and timelessly cool aesthetic. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular Alpha Industries jackets over the years.
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ALPHA INDUSTRIES' HERITAGE JACKETS
JANUARY 29, 2021
MA-1 BOMBER JACKET (HERITAGE)
Bomber jackets have been around since the development of bomber aircraft in World War I, but the most iconic bomber style, the MA-1, wasn’t created until the 1950s, and it was first produced by Alpha Industries in the 1960s. With previous bomber designs such as the A-1, A-2, and B-15 serving as the blueprint, the MA-1 was developed as a standard jacket for Air Force pilots. It features a wool knit collar, which has since been replaced with synthetic material to discourage moth damage, and an outer shell made of a high quality nylon-polyester blend. This durable, lighter material allowed more versatility than the previous designs, which were often made with heavy leather. Since the ‘60s, the MA-1 has inspired many men's bomber jacket variations and has made a significant mark on pop culture history. It surged in popularity as a fashion piece in the ‘60s, a time when military style streetwear could be seen on everyone from hip hop artists to movie stars, and remains the perfect style choice for a classic yet contemporary look.
Since the ‘60s, the MA-1 has inspired many bomber jacket variations and has made a significant mark on pop culture history. It surged in popularity as a fashion piece in the ‘60s, a time when military style streetwear could be seen on everyone from hip hop artists to movie stars, and remains the perfect style choice for a classic yet contemporary look.
L-2B BOMBER JACKET (HERITAGE)
L-2B BOMBER JACKET
The L-2B flight jacket, or bomber, was created shortly after the MA-1 and L-2A as a lightweight alternative. The inner pockets of the MA-1 were removed for a more streamlined design, and the jacket was made to be worn in moderate temperatures of 42-65 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for the summer and transitional seasons. Due to its versatility, the L-2B has served as Alpha Industries’ inspiration for a number of variations. These include the L-2B loose bomber, the hooded L-2B natus, the L-2B sherpa, and many NASA-inspired L-2B bombers for Spring/Summer 2021.
CWU 45/P BOMBER JACKET (HERITAGE)
CWU 45/P and 36/P
The standard MA-1 bomber received a major update in 1972 with the CWU-45/P, which was built to withstand extremely cold temperatures as well (“CWU” stands for “cold weather uniform”). A warm weather version, the CWU-36/P, was also created, and both CWU bombers serve as part of the current military flight uniform. Alpha Industries currently produces its own versions that are inspired by more modern silhouettes and seasonal variations, such as the regular unisex CWU-45/P and the seasonal slim fit version. Alpha Industries also creates military-spec CWU-45/P and CWU-36/P jackets with Nomex, a flame-resistant material that also protects against chemicals and radiation.
B-15 BOMBER JACKET (HERITAGE)
B-15 BOMBER JACKET
A slight variation of the MA-1, the classic B-15 bomber jacket can also be found through Alpha Industries in different silhouettes, including the classic version, the slim fit, and the B-15 straight hem mod for men and women. The B-15 bomber jacket was introduced shortly after the B-10 in the 1940s. As aircraft technology advanced during World War II, allowing fighter pilots to fly faster and at higher altitudes, the need for a warmer flight jacket emerged. The B-15 design incorporated more innovative and durable materials, such as nylon or a cotton-rayon blend for the outer shell, and a mouton fur collar. The mouton fur was later replaced with wool knit (and faux mouton in today’s Alpha Industries version), but for the most part, the B-15 bomber served as the most direct predecessor and blueprint for the iconic MA-1.
N-3B PARKA (HERITAGE)
N-3B PARKA
Though Alpha Industries is most famous for producing bomber jackets, particularly the MA-1 and L-2B, the first jacket Alpha Industries produced for the DOD was actually the N-3B parka. The N-3B was supplied to the Air Force in the 1950s, particularly to those stationed in colder regions such as Korea and the Arctic. The original N-3B was constructed with a silk nylon outer shell, though this was changed later to a cotton-nylon blend, and a heavy wool lining, also later changed to synthetic materials. The fur-lined hood could be zipped nearly all the way up to leave a small opening for looking out, which is what led to the nickname “snorkel parka”. To cover a variety of outdoor winter necessities, Alpha Industries continues to produce N-3B parkas for men and women in different variations, such as the N-3B alpine parka in oxford nylon and the N-3B slim fit.
N-2B PARKA (HERITAGE)
N-2B PARKA
The N-2B parka was created in the 1950s as a short-waist variation of the N-3B. Made for the USAF air and ground crews, this version had a shorter hem and featured a split hood, which could be unzipped to lie flat when not in use. Like the N-3B, the N-2B was designed for use in extreme cold weather. Alpha Industries began producing the N-2B parka for the DOD in 1963. The current Alpha Industries N-2B design includes pass-through front pockets that would allow pilots to reach their pants pockets without exposing their hands to the cold. Other variations of this design include Alpha Industries’ more contemporary N-2B parka in battlewash and the N-2B impact parka, made of a trans-nylon shell.
M-65 FIELD JACKET (HERITAGE)
M-65 FIELD JACKET
Field jackets were a key part of the standard military field uniform throughout the 20th century. The first version, the M-41, was developed for World War II, with the design drawing inspiration from typical windbreakers. This and all subsequent versions of the field jacket featured a boxy silhouette for ease of layering and were created with a cotton or cotton blend outer shell. In 1965, Alpha Industries created the M-65 field jacket for the DOD. Alpha Industries updated the field jacket with a more advanced blend of nylon and cotton sateen called NYCO, which significantly improved the jacket’s wind and water-resistance. The new M-65 was also designed to allow a button-in liner, which allowed for easier adaptation to unpredictable weather patterns. Like the MA-1 bomber, the M-65 field jacket remains a timeless wardrobe staple, with hardly any changes to the original design over the years.
