New collaboration blends 75+ years of Western heritage and 90s hip-hop luxury
GREENSBORO, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global western icon Wrangler® and Avirex, the legendary purveyor of luxury American leather, today announced the launch of an exclusive collaborative collection. This collaboration represents a bold fusion of two distinct worlds: durable, deep-rooted Western fashion and aviation-inspired streetwear, designed for the next generation of tastemakers.
While Wrangler brings over 75 years of Western dominance, Avirex injects a distinctive urban edge rooted in its history as a streetwear and hip-hop staple. Founded in 1975 to produce authentic military-inspired flight jackets, Avirex evolved into a symbol of status and culture in the 1980s and ‘90s. By merging Avirex’s premium leather craftsmanship and bomber silhouettes with Wrangler’s archival denim ruggedness, this collection redefines heritage fashion for a modern audience.
“Avirex brings a distinctive point of view rooted in premium craftsmanship and cultural impact, which makes this collaboration a natural fit for Wrangler,” says Holly Wheeler, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing Kontoor Brands Inc. “Together, we’re blending heritage and modern style in a way that feels fresh and authentic—expanding our reach into a more premium space while continuing to celebrate the breadth of collaborations that make Wrangler such a dynamic global brand.”
“Wrangler is the authority of the West, and Avirex owns the sky and the street,” says Mia Dell’Osso-Caputo, Creative Director of Avirex. “This collection lives where rodeo grit meets city swagger. By fusing our signature leather with Wrangler’s timeless denim, we created a new uniform for people who move with purpose and value authenticity above all else.”
The seven-piece collection features a range of premium pieces characterized by bold embroidery, vintage-inspired patches, and superior materials. Highlights include:
- The Suede Trucker Jacket (Black): This standout piece is expertly crafted from 100% leather, with front button closures, side seam pockets, and is finished with “all-over” black-and-white patches that highlight dual branding.
- Patch Jacket (Wrangler Blue): Inspired by the trucker silhouette, this modern denim jacket pulls from both our archives, with “all-over” patches of Wrangler blue and yellow and Avirex’s signature red and black colorways.
- Barrel Jeans (Black and Wrangler Blue): Available in iconic Wrangler Blue or sleek, black-coated denim, these jeans are structured but easy. The exposed chainstitching—a technique synonymous with 1940s Western wear— creates a clean barrel shape and features the iconic “W” stitching on the back pockets with an oversized back pocket patch.
- The Streetwear Essentials: Finally, the collection is rounded out by a 100% heavy-weight Cotton Hoodie and Jogger set in black, featuring western-inspired “scroll” embroidery and co-branded graphics, as well as a heavy-weight Regular Fit Tee with the “all-over” patchwork.
Born in the West and raised in the city, the Wrangler x Avirex collection ranges in price from $129.99 for the Black Tee to $1,699.99 for the Suede Trucker Jacket. It will be available starting March 4th, 2026, on wrangler.com and avirex.com.
IMAGERY
Link to hi-res images, courtesy of Avirex and Wrangler®
About Wrangler®
Wrangler®, of Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB), has been an icon in authentic American style for 75 years. With a rich legacy rooted in the Western lifestyle, Wrangler is committed to offering superior quality and timeless design. Its collections for men, women, and children look and feel great, inspiring all those who wear them to be strong and ready for everyday life. Wrangler is available in retail stores worldwide, including flagship stores in Fort Worth and Greensboro, department stores, mass-market retailers, specialty shops, top western outfitters, and online. For more information, visit Wrangler.com.
About Avirex
Avirex® is an iconic American fashion brand, founded in 1975 as a supplier of military aviation apparel for the U.S. Air Force. The brand rose to worldwide appeal when its aviator jackets appeared in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Avirex® became a cultural staple, earning a cult following among hip-hop heavy hitters and A-list talent drawn to its distinctive leather “Icon” and “Wildcat” jackets and its signature craftsmanship.
Today, Avirex® marks 50+ years of heritage, style, and innovation under Centric Brands LLC, honoring its American roots with premium apparel and outerwear available across the U.S. and Europe. Follow @avirex.us. Avirex.com
Contacts
For media inquiries, please contact: Ashley Lutzker, [email protected]
