ALPHA INDUSTRIES

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

ALPHA INDUSTRIES, the American company founded in 1959, has been manufacturing military jackets for over half a century, which were first worn by the US Army. Although it started in a garage with rented sewing machines and a couple of employees, Alpha Industries soon expanded its facilities and staff. The Vietnam War led to increased orders from the US Army and Alpha became the official manufacturer of the Department of Defense. It then produced jackets and pants for the Air Force, Naval Air Force, Army and Marines. During this period, the MA-1 and M-65 models became popular with consumers, who obtained them from second-hand military clothing stores. Seeing their success, the company decided to adapt them and create a collection of clothing for the street.