Hey there, fashion lover! If you‘re into ultra-soft hoodies, groovy ‘70s vibes, and the effortlessly cool style of surf and skate culture, you‘ve probably had your eye on Aviator Nation. This Los Angeles-based brand has amassed a cult following for their colorful, supremely comfy sweats, tees, and hats that look like they stepped straight out of a sun-soaked California daydream.
As a major Aviator Nation fan myself, I wanted to do a deep dive on the brand to help you decide if their laid-back threads are really worth the hype (and the splurge). I‘ll give you the full scoop on Aviator Nation‘s backstory, bestsellers, quality, customer reviews, and more. By the end, you‘ll have all the deets you need to determine if this uber-cool label deserves a spot in your closet. Let‘s go!
What‘s Aviator Nation All About?
Aviator Nation is the brainchild of Paige Mycoskie, a fashion designer and entrepreneur with a serious passion for 1970s style. After falling in love with the carefree aesthetic of the decade during a trip to Lake Tahoe, Paige felt inspired to create a clothing line that captured the era‘s laid-back energy.
In 2006, she began hand-making t-shirts, hoodies and sweats in her Venice Beach garage, adorning each piece with retro rainbow stripes and perfectly broken-in softness. The brand quickly caught on with the local beach crowd and Aviator Nation soon became a bonafide hit.
Today, the label has expanded far beyond Paige‘s garage operation. Aviator Nation now has 13 retail stores across the country, collaborations with major names like SoulCycle and Lollapalooza, and over 200,000 Instagram followers. Despite the growth, every garment is still handmade in California using premium fabrics to maintain the quality and authentic vintage vibe.
So what sets Aviator Nation apart? For one, the brand is committed to creating truly unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Each item is individually sewn and hand-distressed to give it a cozy, lived-in look and no two are exactly alike. The brand also puts a major focus on feel-good fabrics, using custom-knit materials that are insanely soft and durable enough to last for years.
Of course, the real star is the rad ‘70s-inspired style. With their rainbow stripes, retro logos, and bright smiley face patches, Aviator Nation pieces make a statement while still being totally wearable and easy to style. It‘s a vibe that feels both nostalgic and completely fresh – perfect for channeling those chilled out Cali beach bum vibes 24/7.
Aviator Nation‘s Most Popular Pieces
Aviator Nation has built their reputation on cozy sweats and hoodies, but they also offer a range of tees, bottoms, hats, and accessories for men, women and kids. While you really can‘t go wrong with any of their stuff, here are a few of the brand‘s bestselling pieces:
Aviator Nation Bolt Hoodie
The Bolt Hoodie is a best-seller for a reason – it‘s insanely soft, warm, and looks cool with everything from jeans to joggers. Made from a heavyweight fleece that‘s garment-dyed and distressed for a perfectly worn-in look, this hoodie features Aviator Nation‘s signature rainbow bolt design and kangaroo pockets. It comes in a range of colors and unisex sizing.
Aviator Nation 5-Stripe Sweatpants
If you‘re looking for the perfect pair of cozy sweats, look no further. These joggers are made from Aviator Nation‘s softest tri-blend fleece and feature an elastic waistband with drawstring, ankle cuffs, and the brand‘s classic 5-stripe design down each leg. They‘re slouchy but still flattering, and ridiculously comfy for lounging or low-key days.
Aviator Nation Chevron Tee
A great basic with a vintage-inspired twist, the Chevron Tee is made from 100% cotton in a slightly relaxed, unisex fit. It features Aviator Nation‘s logo in a cool zig-zag design that‘s giving major retro vibes. The tee comes in a variety of colors and works with pretty much any bottoms in your closet.
Aviator Nation Smiley Trucker Hat
Top off any look with a dose of retro charm in one of Aviator Nation‘s Smiley Trucker Hats. Made from a cotton-poly twill with a mesh back panel, these classic caps feature the brand‘s signature smiley face embroidered on the front and an adjustable snapback fit. They come in a ton of fun color combos and look great on everyone.
How‘s the Quality and Fit?
Now for the question on everyone‘s minds – how do Aviator Nation pieces actually measure up in terms of quality and fit? I‘ve owned several hoodies, sweatpants, and tees from the brand for years now, and I can confidently say the quality is top notch.
The materials Aviator Nation uses are seriously a cut above your average sweats. They have a really substantial weight and an ultra plush feel that seems to get softer with each wash. I love how the garment-dyeing process makes each piece look authentically faded and vintage too. After tons of wears, all of my Aviator Nation pieces still look great with no real signs of wear and tear. They‘re clearly built to last.
Fit-wise, Aviator Nation sizing does run a bit on the larger size since most styles are unisex. I‘m usually a women‘s medium but wear a small in their hoodies and tees for a still-relaxed fit. I like that the women‘s sweatpants have a slightly tapered leg and more fitted hip compared to the men‘s for a flattering look.
While looser fits are part of Aviator Nation‘s laidback style, you can always size down if you prefer your clothes more fitted. The brand also offers a super helpful size guide on their website with garment measurements to help you find your perfect fit.
What Are Customers Saying?
Don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s see what other Aviator Nation shoppers have to say about the brand. With thousands of glowing reviews, it‘s clear this label has earned its cult status.
Customers rave about the coziness and unbelievably soft feel of Aviator Nation sweats, with many calling them the most comfortable pieces they own. The vintage washes and colorful retro stripes also get tons of love for their unique, eye-catching look. Shoppers appreciate that the garment-dyeing makes each item feel one-of-a-kind.
Reviewers are also super impressed with Aviator Nation‘s quality, noting the heavy-duty fabrics and construction that hold up wear after wear. Several mention owning their hoodies or sweats for years and they still look great. Fans also praise the thick, durable materials for keeping them warm and cozy.
The only real critique some customers have is the larger unisex sizing. A few note having to exchange for a smaller size to get their ideal fit. That said, the overwhelming majority of reviewers say Aviator Nation‘s tops and bottoms have a awesome relaxed fit that‘s true to size.
What About the Price?
So we know Aviator Nation aces the style, quality and comfort test – but the real question is, are their laid-back basics worth the price tag? Items start around $80 for tees and go up to $250 for outerwear, definitely pricier than your mall brand sweats.
As someone who‘s bought my fair share of Aviator Nation gear, I think their pieces are 100% worth the cost. The quality really is outstanding and blows other brands I‘ve tried out of the water. I love knowing each item is handmade to last from ethically-sourced, insanely comfy materials. To me, that level of craftsmanship is worth investing in.
I‘d also argue that the unique, vintage-inspired designs have more personality and staying power than generic sweats you can find anywhere, making Aviator Nation a smart buy for building a lasting wardrobe. Plus, their ultra-cozy fabrics make living in their clothes a joy, so you really do get your cost per wear.
That said, the high price point is certainly an investment. If you‘re not ready to splurge on a full sweat set, I recommend starting with a versatile hoodie or joggers you‘ll reach for over and over. Aviator Nation also has sales a few times a year with great deals – I always check their site around Black Friday, 4th of July, and Labor Day to score some rare discounts.
The Final Verdict
So, is Aviator Nation really worth the hype? In my expert opinion – 100% yes. No other brand quite captures that effortless, retro-cool California spirit while absolutely nailing the plush coziness and made-to-last quality. Their vibrant colors, hand-distressed details, and cloud-like fabrics make each piece feel special and authentically vintage.
Yes, Aviator Nation comes with a higher price tag than your standard sweats. But I firmly believe their eye-catching designs, durable materials, and unparalleled comfort make them a worthwhile closet staple that you‘ll enjoy for years. With the right care (always wash cold and hang dry!) Aviator Nation‘s hoodies, sweats, and tees will keep their softness and shape.
Of course, everyone‘s style and budget is different, so Aviator Nation might not be the right fit for you. But if you love a laid-back, beachy vibe and value investing in well-crafted, supremely cozy pieces, I can‘t recommend this brand enough. Aviator Nation is definitely worth saving up for that one perfect vintage-inspired hoodie or sweats you‘ll wear on repeat.
Ready to dive into some ‘70s cool softness for yourself? Here are a few quick hits to keep in mind when shopping Aviator Nation:
- Shipping is free on all US orders over $300 and they also offer free returns/exchanges within 21 days. Shopping internationally? You‘re in luck – they ship all over the world!
- Sizes range from XS-XXL in unisex styles. When in doubt, check the size chart or order your regular women‘s size for a relaxed look.
- Sign up for the email list for a 15% off code on your first purchase. Aviator Nation also has occasional sitewide sales and holiday deals.
- While their flagship stores are only in California, you can find Aviator Nation at stockists like Nordstrom, Revolve, and Shopbop.
I hope this deep dive on all things Aviator Nation was helpful for your next cozy-cool purchase! From their laidback ‘70s style to their unbeatable quality, this brand is a true gem that‘s absolutely worth the buzz. Trust me, once you experience the buttery softness and rad retro vibes for yourself, you‘ll be a fan for life. Happy shopping!
Aviator Nation Review FAQs
Q: Where is Aviator Nation made?
A: All Aviator Nation pieces are designed and handmade in California using ethically-sourced materials.
Q: What‘s the difference between men‘s and women‘s sizing?
A: Aviator Nation offers both unisex and women‘s specific sizing. Women‘s styles are a bit more tailored in the hip/thigh area compared to the looser unisex fit. Check the size chart for garment measurements!
Q: What‘s the best way to care for Aviator Nation pieces?
A: To keep your gear soft and vibrant, always wash cold with like colors and hang dry. Avoid ironing or bleaching.
Q: Does Aviator Nation ever have sales?
A: While markdowns are rare, Aviator Nation does offer occasional sales and holiday deals. Shoppers can also sign up for the email newsletter for a 15% off welcome code.
Q: What‘s the return policy?
A: Aviator Nation allows free returns and exchanges on full-price items within 21 days of purchase. Sale items are final sale.
