Gloverall X Alpha Industries

Gloverall X Alpha Industries

Alpha Industries was founded in 1959 by Samuel Gelber, originating in Knoxville Tennessee. Joining forces with a well-known businessman from the area he was able to get his company started and work to get it off the ground. During that first year of business, Alpha Industries managed to secure a contract to manufacture for the U.S. Department of Defense. They began crafting Air Force parkas and Navy Shirts, this was a huge undertaking for such a new company.

In 1961 Alpha Industries was awarded further contracts to expand their repertoire of outerwear. This included flight jackets and further parka styles. They soon became one of the most predominant manufacturers of these military styles which became iconic in the coming years. 

In the 1990s there “Flying A” logo was introduced alongside the well known three-bars labels to give the company a modern touch and appeal to the younger market. The company reputation grew nationally and internationally and in 1998 they had created there own garments for men, women and childrenswear collections for their European market. 

This Military and Naval heritage is something both Gloverall and Alpha Industries have in common and is deep-rooted in the brand’s history.  This natural pairing is what has led us to join forces on a collaboration for AW20 to develop the Gloverall X Alpha Industries MA1 Flight Jacket.

The Gloverall X Alpha Industries MA1 Flight Jacket  

Both brands British based Gloverall and originally the U.S. based Alpha Industries are greatly inspired by Military and Naval outerwear and heritage. The joining of forces has allowed them to create a new limited edition MA1 Flight Jacket.

The general and first MA1 Flight Jackets were crafted and issued to flight personnel of the American Military. It took over from the B-15 flight jacket which was originally developed for the start of the ‘Jet Age’. The ‘Jet Age’ was a period in aviation history where turbine engines began to power aircrafts, this age brought around social change.

The Gloverall X Alpha Industries unisex collaboration consists of one MA1 Flight Jacket design in two fabulous colourways navy and an army khaki green, these Military outer colours are paired with a bright and bold internal in fiery orange. The jacket is fully reversible with welt pockets on both the external and internal. Ensuring you can wear in for everyday use and if you feel brave and want to make a statement this Autumn Winter why not wear the orange side as the outer. 

This jacket is the perfect transitional piece wearable in the Autumn and Winter with the oversize fit allowing you to layer up underneath. It can also be a great Spring jacket for any cooler days. It features our classic Original Monty style of hood and throat tab, this hood is fully detachable with concealed press studs.

Fabric & Trims

This Original MA1 Flight Jacket was designed to be a middleweight flight jacket for all year use. Usually, it was manufactured with high-quality nylon fabric and a polyester lining. This ensured the pilot could use the jacket and feel his or her optimum temperature for spring weather wearing it open. Although it was warm and able to give you the protection needed in colder weather periods when fastened. 

Nylon was harder to come by during the war and this meant World War II pilots actually wore the B-15 jacket instead of the MA1 due to the need for nylon being used for parachutes etc. which at the time were needed more than the new outerwear.

Our Gloverall X Alpha Industries MA1 Flight Jacket and the lining is crafted from 100% Nylon. There are tonal woollen patches on the shoulders of the jacket. The patches are 50% wool 50% polyester and made from our classic Gloverall wool. 

The brilliant bomber style flight jacket features a ribbed cuff and hem. Fastening with a statement centre front zip and of course one of the iconic Gloverall jute rope and unvarnished toggle. The special and iconic sleeve pocket features a key chain saying Gloverall X Alpha Industries “remove before flight.  

Collaborating with Alpha Industries has seen the M1 Flight Jacket reimagined with key Gloverall details, the perfect stylish and edgy addition to your Autumn Winter 2020 wardrobe. 

Shop our Gloverall X Alpha Industries Autumn Winter 20 collaboration.