J.Crew is finally hitting the gym, and they’re asking New Balance for a spot.
The princes of blue gingham have teamed up with the New England sneaker brand for their first ever activewear line, and it’s everything you’d expect from the preppy chain: tailored gym gear for dudes who’d rather blend in than stand out. Which is not a knock. That’s just what J. Crew does, and very well.
The collaboration comes at a shaky time for J.Crew, which has been fighting to save slumping sales as menswear at large moves from “heritage” to streetwear. Meanwhile, New Balance also has its gloves up — against Neo-Nazis who have attempted to claim the brand as the “official shoes of white people.” Either way, it’s perfect timing. Will jumping on the activewear bandwagon help revive J.Crew? Hard to tell. But there’s plenty to love about the new collaborative line.
Our favorites include this reflective packable light jacket made from stretchy ripstop nylon. A pared-down coach’s jacket that’ll look good in and out of the gym. And a moisture-wicking shirt-and-short combo that won’t completely empty your wallet.
Head on over to J.Crew to check out the full line.
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