Nautica Celebrates 40 Years Of Prep Style With New Capsule Collection

Step up your Prep game.

As sure as the shifting winds on the high seas, the menswear world goes through cycles of fashion, yet some things stand the test of time. For Nautica, that happens to be a mix of prep style and real-world functionality, with a dash of ’80s flair thrown in, and that’s a mission worth celebrating with a new 40-year anniversary capsule.

The heritage-focused collection mines inspiration from the brand’s archives, be it vivid outerwear, layering-ready sweaters or rugby polos, all presented with detail and accessibility (and agreeable pricing) in mind.

Prep style is still all the rage these days, with a distinctive and timeless appeal that seems to capture generations of menswear fans.

Steve McSween, Nautica’s vice president of global design, said the collection speaks to both the past and present of the brand at large.

“Our core principles have focused on creating nautical inspired designs that have a sense of adventure with a strong connection to the water,” he told Maxim. “I am proud to have the privilege of designing for and celebrating this brand every day.”

McSween noted that a “global appreciation” for the brand continues to grow, especially as the brand furthers its “pursuit to create responsibly made and sourced products.”

For Nautica, that means using lower-impact materials and washing techniques, including durable fibers such as Tencel Modal (made from renewable raw beech wood), as well as the certified recycled, traceable Repreve fiber.

Of the collection (which is as fit for the high seas as for a summer road trip), McSween nods to the Toggled Sailing Jacket in an eye-catching shade of Yellow Sunrise, calling out its “versatile appeal” as one that brings “attainable cool to your daily commute.”

The collection at large, including staple pieces like a color-blocked signal flag bomber, is all about Nautica staying “truthful to our heritage,” McSween noted, while working in functional details like treated cotton sailcloth.

For the right blend of utility and rugged, maritime-approved style to end summer and carry you into fall, it looks like Nautica’s 40th anniversary capsule is the proper course to chart.