Avirex is an American brand founded by Jeff Clyman in 1975 in Brooklyn, New York, with a specific focus on military-authentic flight jacket reproduction — particularly the US military’s Type A-2 leather flight jacket (first issued in 1931 to US Army Air Corps pilots) and the Type G-1 (the US Navy’s equivalent). Avirex secured licenses with the US military to produce authentic reproductions of official flight jackets in the 1970s-1990s, making the brand the primary civilian source for military-grade flight leather. Avirex is not currently in The Brands Villa’s product range. For leather jackets with worldwide duty-paid shipping, The Brands Villa carries Balmain, Khaite, and Philipp Plein leather jackets — available at thebrandsvilla.com.
The Avirex A-2 Jacket
The A-2 is the defining Avirex product — a brown or tan leather bomber jacket with a snap front, knit collar and cuffs, and a clean, military-proportioned silhouette. The A-2 was the standard issue jacket for US Army Air Corps pilots from 1931 to 1943 and became one of the most culturally significant garments of the 20th century through its association with WWII aviation. Avirex’s A-2 reproductions use goatskin leather (the traditional A-2 material) or horsehide leather and are cut to the original military specifications.
Avirex Brand History and Ownership
Avirex was founded in 1975 and became the largest commercial producer of US military flight jacket reproductions. The brand’s cultural moment peaked in the late 1980s and 1990s when the A-2 and the G-1 became fashion items as much as military reproduction pieces. The brand has changed ownership multiple times — it was purchased by Vanson Leathers in the early 2000s and subsequently by other investors. The current Avirex (sold through avirexusa.com and at various retailers) continues the A-2 and G-1 production alongside a broader leather jacket and streetwear range.
Avirex Jacket Prices and Where to Buy
Avirex A-2 jackets retail from approximately $300 (entry-level reproductions) to $600-$1,200 (full goatskin or horsehide with authentic military detailing). Available from avirexusa.com, Amazon, and at various casualwear and military-surplus adjacent retailers. Avirex is not a luxury brand in the Balmain or Khaite sense — it is a heritage Americana brand with a strong authenticity proposition in the flight jacket category.
What is Avirex?
An American heritage brand founded 1975 by Jeff Clyman, known for US military flight jacket reproductions (A-2, G-1). Currently sold through avirexusa.com. Not a luxury brand.
What is the Avirex A-2 jacket?
A reproduction of the US Army Air Corps Type A-2 leather flight jacket (first issued 1931). Brown or tan goatskin/horsehide leather, snap front, knit collar and cuffs. $300-$1,200.
Is Avirex a luxury brand?
No — Avirex is a heritage Americana brand focused on authentic military flight jacket reproduction, priced at $300-$1,200. Not luxury positioning. For luxury leather jackets, The Brands Villa carries Balmain, Khaite, and Philipp Plein.