Avirex

Avirex is a clothing brand that began in New York City in 1975, drawing inspiration from aviation and military flight gear. By the early 1980s, the company was supplying military aviation apparel for the US Air Force. Its leather jackets later became part of street fashion and music culture. Today, Avirex makes leather bomber jackets, outerwear and other clothing. Its products are still designed in New York City.

Origins in Military Aviation

Avirex began with a strong connection to aviation clothing. Its early products included leather flight jackets inspired by the equipment and clothing used by military pilots.

The company supplied aviation apparel for the US Air Force by the early 1980s. Its classic A2-style jackets were also worn by American ace pilots.

Military flight jackets provided the starting point for the brand's designs. Leather construction, practical shapes and aviation-related details became important parts of its clothing.

Over time, these features moved from the aviation setting into everyday fashion.

Leather Bomber Jackets

Leather bomber jackets remain a central part of the Avirex collection.

The company uses heavyweight leather, detailed linings and embroidered patches in its designs. Its jackets include styles based on traditional military clothing as well as versions with a more modern appearance.

Some have ribbed cuffs and boxy shapes. Others use large logos, patches or contrasting colours.

The range includes black and brown jackets alongside varsity-style colour combinations. Avirex also makes moto-style leather outerwear.

These different designs give customers a choice between clothing with a simpler appearance and jackets that use more visible branding.

From Aviation to Street Culture

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Avirex became closely associated with music and street fashion.

Its jackets were worn by hip-hop artists including Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Method Man and Nas. Other musicians associated with the brand include Usher and Mariah Carey.

This helped move Avirex beyond its original aviation connection. Leather jackets became part of the brand's role in popular culture, particularly in music and street clothing.

The company continued to develop styles that reflected both its military roots and its place in fashion.

Clothing Beyond Leather Jackets

Avirex now produces more than flight-inspired outerwear.

Its wider clothing range includes military-inspired denim, heavyweight T-shirts, sweatshirts with logos and other garments designed to be worn with its jackets.

The brand continues to design its clothing in New York City. Aviation remains a visible influence in its bomber jackets, patches and military-inspired details.

For pilots and aviation fans, Avirex combines the appearance of traditional flight clothing with everyday streetwear. Its history connects military aviation apparel with the wider clothing culture that developed around leather bomber jackets.