AVIREX Celebrates 50 Years—A Fresh Look at the Allure of Its Iconic Pieces and Rich History

In 1975, AVIREX got its start as a contractor for the U.S. Air Force. All military products are subject to detailed standards and regulations, and AVIREX's quality, which met these strict requirements, earned high trust even as a commercial product, eventually growing into a global brand.

AVIREX's flight jackets also appeared on the silver screen in movies like "インディ・ジョーンズ" (Indiana Jones), "トップガン" (Top Gun), and "メンフィス・ベル" (Memphis Belle), catapulting the brand into the spotlight and cementing its popularity.

This year, the brand celebrates its 50th anniversary. We'll look back on its history and unravel the appeal of its iconic items with Hideo Yoshinaga from the Ueno Shokai Division of TSI Holdings Inc.

"Speaking of AVIREX's roots, the founder is a man named Jeff Clyman, who had an unusual background as a lawyer. The brand name 'AVIREX' is a portmanteau of 'AVIATOR' and 'REX,' the Latin word for king, embodying the meaning 'King of the Sky.' Its headquarters is in New York, and it has remained there since its founding 50 years ago."

AVIREX's Iconic Staples: The A-2 and B-3

First up are the leather flight jackets supplied to the U.S. Air Force. From among AVIREX's many signature items, we'll focus on the A-2 and B-3 to explore their appeal.

"The A-2 is a summer flight jacket adopted by the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1931, and it was mainly made of horsehide. It was developed as a successor to the "A-1flight jacket" (product name: HORSE A-1 JACKET)."

"And the B-3 is a thick sheepskin (mouton) flight jacket with high heat retention, developed in 1934 for U.S. Army Air Corps bomber crews. Back in the 1930s, fighter cockpits weren't yet equipped with pressurization systems or heaters, so pilots had to carry out their missions in brutally cold conditions. That's why it's characterized by its superior insulation, capable of handling activities in extremely cold regions."

Current Models That Carry on the Legacy

Now that we've covered the history of the A-2 and B-3, let's take a look at the current models that carry on their DNA.

"The current A-2 comes in several variations, including a model using the same horsehide as the one supplied to the U.S. Air Force, and a MADE IN USA model using cow leather. A classic staple is the 'A-2 FLIGHT JACKET ANTIQUE LAMB.' It's made with lamb leather, making it light, soft, and incredibly easy to wear."

"Plus, the B-3s available today also come in several variations. The lineup includes a wide range of styles, like a plain type, a MADE IN USA model, two different unadorned versions, and models with patches and other details.

Here, we'll introduce the unadorned MADE IN USA model. It's made from sheep mouton, and the leather surface is finished to replicate a subtle, well-worn look."

The Model That Defines AVIREX in its Homeland: The VARSITY JACKET

There's one more essential item when talking about the history of AVIREX. That would be the VARSITY JACKET, born in 1985 when the brand expanded into sports casual wear. It was released from their sports line, which was themed around 'good old America,' and used sheepskin.

"It's an item characterized by its retro-sport feel, with coloring and original graphic designs that are uniquely AVIREX. After its release in 1985 and through the 1990s, it was worn by popular athletes and artists like rappers, becoming a status symbol for young people in America.

And even today, the VARSITY JACKET remains a core, representative item for the brand in the United States."

50th Anniversary Limited-Edition Items

This year, AVIREX celebrates its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, several limited-edition items have been released. Let's dive into the 50th-anniversary edition of a brand-defining classic: the leather jacket.

“The A-2 released to celebrate our 50th anniversary is the ‘《50th Anniversary》A-2 BLOUSON (A-2 Blouson).’ It’s a special edition featuring a commemorative patch on the right chest symbolizing AVIREX’s 50th anniversary and a map-print lining. The material is a distressed antique lamb leather based on the type used in the 1990s, and it's tailored into a relaxed, boxy silhouette.”

“The VARSITY JACKET also has a 50th-anniversary model. The ‘《50th Anniversary》VARSITY JACKET’ is a revival of the commemorative style first created in 1987. The round patch on the back features a ‘1975–2025’ motif to symbolize the 50th anniversary. The lining showcases an all-over pattern combining various artworks from previous VARSITY JACKETS.”

AVIREX got its start as a contractor for the U.S. Air Force. We asked them to highlight some of the most iconic models from their vast lineup of classic items.

Adored worldwide for its exceptional quality, the brand has thrived for half a century. By carrying on the DNA of military wear while continuously evolving with the times, AVIREX thrives today as an authentic clothing brand that embodies a distinct lifestyle.