Black Sail by Nautica Fall 2014

Nautica has consistently been a leader when it comes to American sportswear for men. The label’s Black Sail collection for fall 2014 demonstrated why.

Sportswear, especially for men, isn’t as easy as it sounds. One can’t get away with just slapping together a ski jacket and calling it a day. Developments in the industry have meant constant innovations, not just in style and tailoring but in the use of high-tech materials. No man needs to look like a hefty Michelin Man when he dons winter gear these days, unless of course, he is the Michelin Man.

With the Black Sail by Nautica fall 2014 collection, designer Chris Cox proved that he has indeed found the right blend. The 40 looks presented were a perfect mix—sporty, vibrant and fashion forward without being kitschy, overdone or self-indulgent.

Outerwear, always strength of Nautica, proved to be the true standouts in this collection. Subtle color blocking, contrasts between metallic finishes and muted tones, and lightweight nylon fabrics were consistent themes here. And Cox also offered some interesting twists with separates, particularly in a variety of cargo pants.

Highlights included an ink color-blocked nylon bomber jacket, a bright red nylon rip-stop down bomber, a muted melon-colored wool jacket with leather trim and shearling collar, and two nylon jackets featuring digital prints.

Sweaters shown throughout the collection like a charcoal marl alpaca wool cardigan and an ice blue merino wool turtleneck earned second and third looks from those in the audience and not just because of the impressive physiques of the models.

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—Karyn D. Collins