Alpha Industries' Heritage Collection are the Utility Jackets that Shaped Culture and Style

There’s a reason why the same jacket that once shielded Air Force pilots from freezing altitudes is now draped over the shoulders of hip-hop stars, skaters, and high-fashion icons.

Alpha Industries’ Heritage Collection is a testament to how military necessity became the blueprint for streetwear. The MA-1 bomber, M-65 field coat, CWU-45/P flight jacket, B-15, ALS/92 liner, N-2B, and N-3B weren’t initially designed for runways or music videos. They were built for survival—crafted for soldiers who needed function before fashion. But as history has proven, true utility never fades. Today, these rugged silhouettes have transcended generations, evolving from battlefield essentials to cultural staples embraced by rebels, artists, and visionaries alike.

Few pieces embody this transformation as profoundly as the M-65 field coat. Designed for the brutal conditions of the Vietnam War, it was engineered with a durable NYCO blend, concealed hood, and oversized pockets for gear storage. But its story didn’t end on the battlefield. When anti-establishment movements of the ‘70s and ‘80s took hold, the M-65 became a symbol of rebellion—worn by everyone from Robert De Niro’s Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver to punk rockers, skaters, and grunge icons. The structured, slightly oversized fit resonated with designers, who reimagined it in luxury fabrics, tailored cuts, and high-fashion collaborations, solidifying its place in modern wardrobes.

Then there’s the CWU-45/P bomber, a flight jacket engineered for cold-weather missions that became a streetwear favorite decades later. Introduced in the 1970s as a replacement for the legendary MA-1, the CWU-45/P was fire-resistant, windproof, and built to last—a necessity for Air Force and Navy pilots. Its high collar, storm flap, and knitted cuffs offered protection at high altitudes, but it was its bold, utilitarian aesthetic that caught the attention of designers and pop culture figures. Today, its boxy silhouette and military patches make it a standout in both functional fashion and street culture, proving that durability is always in style.

Perhaps the most legendary of them all is the MA-1 bomber jacket—a jacket that defined an era, then redefined itself again and again. Originally designed for military pilots in the 1950s, the MA-1 replaced bulky leather flight jackets, offering a sleeker, lightweight nylon construction that adapted to changing aviation needs. But when counterculture movements in the ‘80s and ‘90s adopted its bold, slightly cropped silhouette, it became the ultimate anti-establishment statement piece. Fashion icons from Raf Simons to Virgil Abloh reworked the MA-1 in exaggerated proportions, luxury fabrics, and unexpected prints, making it one of the most recognizable jackets in both streetwear and high fashion.

Alpha Industries has never been just another heritage brand resting on nostalgia. While many military-inspired labels have faded into irrelevance, Alpha has continued to reinvent itself—partnering with designers, modernizing fits, and staying true to the craftsmanship that made these jackets legendary. These pieces were built to last, which is why an M-65 from decades ago still looks as fresh on any creative today as it did on a soldier in the field.

Alpha industries and its Heritage Collection is about the power of design with purpose. It’s about how military history can become a symbol of resilience, authenticity, and effortless style. So, whether you’re layering an ALS/92 liner for warmth or throwing on an N-3B parka for sub-zero conditions, you’re not just wearing another outerwear piece. You’re wearing a legacy.

Visit Alpha Industries’ official website to add these iconic silhouettes into your wardrobe.