Aviator, a clothing brand based in Los Angeles, is gaining attention for its innovative travel jeans designed for comfort and utility. The company creates garments that adapt to the needs of travelers, featuring practical pockets and materials that enhance the travel experience. Founder Colby Kane has crafted a line of pants that not only look stylish but also serve functional purposes, making them popular among those who traverse the globe.
The unique fabric blend used in Aviator jeans combines cotton, Tencel, and elastane. This composition ensures durability, breathability, and stretch, allowing the jeans to maintain their shape even after long flights. They dry about a quarter faster than traditional denim, making them ideal for quick wash cycles during travel. The thoughtfully designed pockets, including hidden zippers and a deep front pocket to fit essentials like passports, cater specifically to the needs of travelers.
Inspiration Behind the Latest Collection
Kane’s creative vision for Aviator continues to evolve, as seen in the recent launch of a chambray utility shirt inspired by a trip to Japan. During a vintage shopping excursion with his sons, Kane discovered a chambray shirt that prompted him to design a version for Aviator. He incorporated travel-ready features, such as a passport-sized pocket and an interior glasses pocket, while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.
Aviator’s commitment to local sourcing plays a significant role in its operations. Kane notes that Los Angeles has been a hub for premium denim for over a century, which allows the brand to prioritize fabrics that are available domestically. While some denim is sourced from the U.S., a majority comes from Japan, Italy, and Turkey. For instance, Aviator’s popular men’s jeans utilize a luxurious Italian denim that is rapidly depleting, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to quality and exclusivity.
Expanding Offerings and Customer Engagement
Aviator is also reintroducing its original style, the Red Eye Hoodie, now crafted from a new durable merino blend. This lightweight pullover is available in classic colors like Black and Blue Ocean, with additional hues set to debut soon. The brand is expanding its Non-Stop Pants and Shorts line, which has garnered enthusiasm from customers who appreciate their versatility for both travel and leisure activities.
Kane enjoys the cooler fall weather in Southern California, often taking his dog Jet for walks in the neighborhood. He appreciates layering with Aviator pieces and recommends local spots for coffee and ice cream, such as Endorffeine in Chinatown and Awan in West Hollywood.
Connecting with customers is also a priority for Aviator. Kane recalls a memorable story from the annual customer photo contest, where a winner captured an image at the Sacsayhuamán ruins in Peru. He also shared a unique incident involving a traveler in Mexico City who became a customer after experiencing a pickpocketing attempt. The traveler sought clothing with anti-pickpocket features, leading him to Aviator.
Through innovative designs and a focus on quality, Aviator continues to make its mark in the travel apparel industry. With products that blend style and functionality, Kane’s vision for the brand remains aligned with the needs of modern travelers.