Just last week,
Alpha Industries, an icon of military outerwear, unveiled its collaboration with Korean designer brand XLIM.
The fusion of the brand's most fundamental pieces with the most contemporary designs has garnered significant popularity.
Alpha Industries, renowned for its iconic MA-1 jacket, has also been showcasing new facets by collaborating with various fashion brands.
Notably, collaborations with Korean brands have increased in recent years.
Last year, they partnered with contemporary brand 'Solid Homme' (left) and the edgy street-inspired 'Thug Club' (right), demonstrating their versatility by highlighting each brand's unique appeal.
Alpha Industries continues its collaboration streak with Korean brands this year.
As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2026, four collaborations have already been revealed.
Today, we delve into the stories behind Alpha Industries' collaborations with Korean brands.
<Five Korean Brands Collaborating with Alpha Industries in 2026>
(1) Alpha Industries × XLIM
This is the most recent collaboration unveiled,
a partnership between Alpha Industries and the Korean brand XLIM.
Based on Alpha Industries' original L-2B jacket,
the design emphasizes layers of wear by omitting the insulation.
A key feature is its **reversible construction**,
offering the advantage of enjoying two distinct moods and colors in a single garment.
Additionally, the leather patch and leather keychain details
perhaps represent the most sophisticated reimagining of Alpha Industries.
(2) Alpha Industries × JiyongKim
The second collaboration is with JiyongKim, the brand by designer Jiyong Kim.
True to the brand's signature **'Sun-Bleached' technique**, which involves prolonged exposure of fabric to natural light to fade its color,
this collaboration applies a naturally weathered hue to Alpha Industries' military outerwear.
The collection features pieces such as wide collar jackets and liner jackets.
Instead of the typical strong military colors, the addition of faded tones, reminiscent of prolonged sun exposure,
reimagines the outerwear with a completely different aesthetic.
By layering natural color variations onto the robust impression of military wear,
this collaboration offers a softer interpretation of the Alpha Industries archive.
(3) Alpha Industries × ept (east pacific trade)
The third collaboration is with ept, a domestic sneaker brand.
This collaboration reimagines ept's signature models, Santos and FAT,
infused with colors and material details inspired by military aesthetics.
A notable feature is the incorporation of Alpha Industries' iconic **'Flight Tag'** detail,
seamlessly integrating the military brand's identity.
This collaboration is particularly interesting as it expands Alpha Industries' partnerships beyond apparel into the footwear domain.
(4) Alpha Industries × MSCHF
The final collaboration is with MSCHF, a Korean brand known for its experimental projects.
This collaboration presents an outerwear piece based on the U.S. Air Force N-2B parka,
reinterpreting Alpha Industries' military silhouette with MSCHF's signature urban sensibility.
Notably, instead of the typical nylon used in military outerwear, a **'wool blend'** material was chosen,
creating a more subdued and sophisticated atmosphere.
The lining features a **flower stripe pattern**,
adding a subtle point of interest that is revealed with movement.
Consequently, this collaboration successfully refines the rugged image of traditional military outerwear through MSCHF's distinctive aesthetic.
Alpha Industries, Who's Next?
Even the same military outerwear can yield vastly different results depending on the brand's perspective.
This is precisely why Alpha Industries' collaborations with Korean brands continue to flourish.
With the first quarter just concluding, we eagerly anticipate which Korean brands will be featured in new collaborations for the remainder of the year.
Which brand will be the next collaborator?
Image Credits: Alpha Industries Official Website, Alpha Industries (@alphaindustries_korea) Official Instagram, XLIM (@xlimlink) Official Instagram
