An Avirex style leather jacket is a heavyweight bomber with a boxy cut, ribbed collar, cuffs and hem, and bold patchwork or embroidery across the chest, back and sleeves. It sits between a military flight jacket and a varsity jacket, and it is meant to be worn roomy rather than close to the body.
Before going further, one point worth stating plainly. Leather Outlet makes jackets in the Avirex style. We are not an official Avirex retailer and our jackets are not licensed Avirex products. If you want official branding you need an authorised stockist. If you want the style, the build and a jacket made to your measurements, that is what we do.
Where the Style Comes From
The look grew out of American military flight jackets, particularly the A2 and the leather varsity jackets worn by aircrew. Through the 1990s it was picked up by hip hop and streetwear, which is where the heavy patchwork, the big back panels and the bold lettering came from.
That mix is what makes it distinctive. It has the shape and ribbing of a flight jacket, but the decoration of a varsity jacket, and the volume of 1990s streetwear.
What Defines the Style
- Boxy cut. Wide through the chest and shoulders, short in the body. It is not meant to be slim.
- Ribbed knit collar, cuffs and hem. Straight from the flight jacket lineage. The rib pulls in the waist while the body stays full.
- Heavy patchwork. Leather appliqué, embroidered lettering, chenille patches and large back panels.
- Contrast panels. Often two or three leather colours across the sleeves and body.
- Weight. Genuinely heavy, usually cowhide with a quilted or full lining.
Have a look at the range in Avirex Jackets.
How It Should Fit
This is where most people get it wrong. An Avirex style jacket is not a slim jacket and should not be sized like one.
Shoulders. The seam can sit slightly past your shoulder bone. That dropped shoulder is part of the silhouette, unlike on a cafe racer where it would be a fault. It should not drop more than an inch or so.
Chest. Roomy. You should be able to wear a hoodie underneath comfortably. The ribbed hem creates the shape, so a full chest is correct.
Length. Short. The ribbed hem sits at or just above the waistband of your jeans. A long Avirex style jacket loses the proportions entirely.
Sleeves. The ribbed cuff sits at the wrist bone. Because the sleeve is cut full, some bunching above the cuff is normal and correct.
Sizing rule. Take your true size, or size up if you plan to layer. Do not size down. Our guide on whether to size up or down in a leather jacket covers this for every cut.
What to Check Before Buying
Patchwork jackets are widely copied, and the shortcuts are usually in the decoration rather than the leather.
- Are patches stitched or glued? Real leather appliqué is stitched down around its full edge. Glued patches lift at the corners within a season.
- Is embroidery dense? Good embroidery is thick enough that you cannot see the leather through it. Thin stitching means fast production.
- Is the rib real knit? Collar, cuffs and hem should be proper knitted rib with elastic recovery. Stretch it and let go. It should snap back rather than staying loose.
- Is the lining full and quilted? These are heavy jackets and need a lining that can take the weight without tearing at the armholes.
- Is the hide named? Cowhide or lambskin should be stated. If a listing only says "genuine leather", ask.
Our guide on real leather versus faux leather covers the material checks in detail.
How to Wear It
The jacket is loud, so everything else stays plain.
- Straight or relaxed jeans, not skinny. The proportions need volume below to balance the boxy top.
- A plain hoodie or a heavyweight tee underneath. No competing graphics.
- Chunky trainers or work boots. Slim dress shoes fight the silhouette.
- Nothing else patterned. One statement piece per outfit.
Avirex Style vs Other Bombers
Versus a plain leather bomber. Same ribbed construction, but a plain Bomber Leather Jacket is slimmer and far more versatile. Choose it if you want the shape without the decoration.
Versus an aviator jacket. An Aviator Jacket keeps the military roots but adds a shearling collar and drops the patchwork. Warmer and more traditional.
Versus a B3 shearling. A Shearling Leather Jacket is far warmer and much bulkier. A winter jacket rather than a three season one.
Care
Patchwork needs slightly more attention than plain leather. Wipe with a barely damp cloth, working around patches rather than over them. Never soak. Let it dry naturally away from heat. Condition the plain leather sections two or three times a year and keep conditioner off embroidery and chenille. Hang it on a wide hanger, since the weight will distort the shoulders on a thin one. Store in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Avirex jacket?
A heavyweight leather bomber with a boxy cut, ribbed collar, cuffs and hem, and bold patchwork or embroidery. It combines military flight jacket construction with varsity jacket decoration and 1990s streetwear volume.
Are Leather Outlet jackets official Avirex products?
No. We make jackets in the Avirex style. We are not an authorised Avirex retailer and our jackets are not licensed products. For official branding you need an authorised stockist.
How should an Avirex style jacket fit?
Roomy and boxy. Full through the chest with room for a hoodie, a slightly dropped shoulder, and a short body with the ribbed hem at or just above your waistband.
Should I size up in an Avirex style jacket?
Take your true size, or size up if you plan to layer underneath. Never size down. The boxy shape is the style, and a slim fit loses it entirely.
How do I know if the patches are good quality?
Leather appliqué should be stitched down around its full edge, not glued. Embroidery should be dense enough that the leather does not show through. Glued patches lift at the corners within a season.
What do you wear with an Avirex style jacket?
Straight or relaxed jeans, a plain hoodie or heavyweight tee, and chunky trainers or work boots. Keep everything else plain, since the jacket is already the focal point.
How do you clean a patchwork leather jacket?
Wipe with a barely damp cloth, working around the patches rather than over them. Air dry away from heat. Condition only the plain leather sections and keep product off embroidery and chenille.
Choosing Yours
Size for the boxy shape rather than fighting it, check that patches are stitched, and keep the rest of the outfit plain. Browse Avirex Jackets at Leather Outlet, check the Size Guide first, and compare against Bomber Leather Jackets if you want something quieter. Made to order in real leather, XS to 5XL, free worldwide shipping.
0 comments