Setting Trends in Streetwear and Activewear

NAUTICA COMPETITION

The 1996 release of Nautica Competition propelled Nautica to streetwear icon. What started as a range to satisfy an active lifestyle, Nautica Competition quickly commanded an urban fashion following. In contrast to Nautica’s original American Sportswear quiet luxury style, the use of the logo led the release of the first Nautica Competition collections.

In 1998 Nautica Competition stepped the brand away from the water and onto the basketball court. Fronted by the 90s premier sharpshooter Glen Rice, the range included basketball boots, netted singlets, and oversized shorts: designs which have featured since in the collection’s 2017 re-release. The 2019 Nautica Competition x Footaction collaboration included remakes of the original Spara boot in Charlotte Hornets colours.

It was during these early years that Nautica Competition became a regular site on young celebrity icons. A Nautica Competition hockey jersey was seen in The Wu-Tang Clan American Saga series and an original Nautica Competition Yacht Jacket was worn during the press junket. Will Smith wore it with DJ Jazzy Jeff at the 1998 Grammys. The collection's connection to cultural stars continues in the 2000s with the likes of Lil’ Yachty, a former Creative Director at Nautica.

Over time Nautica Competition’s inspiration returned to the water. Moving away from the classic nautical colour palette, Nautica Competition looked to competitive water sports, like windsurfing and kayaking. Taken from the sails and equipment of adrenalin-fuelled water sports, Nautica Competition is an explosion of colour. Even if neutral at first glance, colour pops are found in linings, logos and technical features. The activewear-inspired pieces are built with attention to detail. Spec’d up styles in the range feature multiple pockets, bungee-cords, and reflective patches.

Nautica Competition's original intention of a dedicated sportswear range exists in the designs of today’s modern ranges. The Nautica Competition Collection consists of gymwear shapes, once limited to workouts, that now find themselves part of everyday casual wear. Styles like the Nautica Competition sweatshirt, track pants and shellsuits have taken their place in everyday fashion rotations. Made to be worn your way, go oversized in the Nautica Competition Hoodie and track shorts, circa 1996, or fitted for a more polished recall to our mainline 1980’s inception.