Samuel Gelber founded Alpha Industries, Inc. in Knoxville, TN, on Oct. 17, 1959, for the purpose of manufacturing technical clothing for U.S. military forces. Shortly thereafter, he decided to expand and began producing small quantities of jackets specifically for the commercial market.

His style is mainly distinguished by green and blue colored outerwear, particularly the famous army green bomber jackets. Over the years he forged successful collaborations with Stussy, Doc Martens, and Breitling, yet maintained fabrics and styles designed for military wear.