NAUTICA EST. 1983
David Chu’s first 1983 sailing-inspired jacket collection was designed to be worn off the water. Comprising of six pieces of outerwear, they were sold to upmarket New York boutiques, achieving his vision of their appearance on sidewalks. Now, over 40 years later, our unique take on trends has seen Nautica remain true to its American Sportswear heritage. Best known for its place as the leading, water-based lifestyle brand, the evolution from classic preppy style to streetwear via competitive sport is a story worth telling.
With David Chu’s vision to fuse function and fashion, Nautica quickly became a regular sight in New York’s upscale suburbs, the Hamptons, and sailing clubs on every shore in North America. The original spinner sail logo, still seen on coveted vintage finds, developed into the widely known Nautica Essentials Collection emblem that soon became synonymous with quality and prestige.
The brand’s confidence developed with each release, and it wasn’t long before the bold logos - popular with young crowds in the 90s - moved the brand into the urbanwear market. As the sportswear-for-streetwear trend continued its momentum through the 90s, Nautica’s iconic sub-label Nautica Competition was released, fronted by Glen Rice, in 1996. With an extension of the classic nautical colour palette, graphic lines, and technical features, this range further immersed Nautica in the urbanwear space, worn by leading culture icons.
Overtime as the brand has moved into the global market, Nautica’s connection to sport has grown. The long-standing alignment to competitive water sports has positioned Nautica as the key sponsor of the Malibu Triathlon for over 15 years, as well as sponsoring the Australian Sailing team. Michael Kim, former PGA Tour player, and Mikey February, South African World surf tour competitor, have been embraced as brand ambassadors. Most recently US gymnast Olivia Dunne became the face of Nautica’s Spring Summer ’24 women's collection.
As vintage favourites, original pieces of 90s Nautica are sought-after styles worldwide. In 2016 Nautica released a sell-out Urban Outfitters collection with long-time brand fan Lil Yachty. The partnership was extended in 2017 when the Nautica x Lil Yachty collection was released, with the rapper as creative director.
In recent years, Nautica has embraced its international presence, releasing collections exclusive to the countries that design them. Nautica Japan, designed by famed city-boy stylist Akio Hasegawa, has drawn global attention and in SS22 Nautica Australia became only the third country to have the honour of selling these exclusive styles. In Winter 24, nautica.com.au will be the exclusive stockist of the Nautica Korea collection - the only country to do so outside of Asia.
Nautica Australia released its first locally designed collection in 2019 in partnership with General Pants. Focused on bringing back authentic vintage logos, the heritage-inspired collections are cut in original 90s fits and crafted in fabrics made to become their own vintage shop finds. The bold Nautica Competition sub-label, stocked in JD Sports, is a locally designed collection that is exclusive to them.
Nautica’s story isn’t finished yet, it's exciting to see what the next 40 years will look like.