Sailing is an integral part of Tommy Hilfiger's brand identity. The American label's famous logo made its first appearance in 1985, designed as a nautical flag that incorporated the initials of founder Thomas Jacob Hilfiger – TJH – in maritime signals. In the early 1990s, the brand launched its debut sailing-themed collection and has since spent over 40 years infusing high-performance nautical wear and sporty design elements into every release, solidifying Tommy Hilfiger's presence in the sporting culture.
Last summer, Tommy Hilfiger took another step in its commitment to water sports by becoming the Official Lifestyle Apparel partner of U.S. SailGP. Collaborating with the team’s CEO and co-owner Mike Buckley, they aimed to redefine the relationship between fashion and sailing, as well as sailing's influence on popular culture. Described as ‘F1 on water,’ this adrenaline-charged competition features 12 national teams racing on high-performance F50 foiling catamarans, reaching speeds of up to 60mph (100km/h). Established in 2018, the SailGP Championship has quickly gained traction, revitalizing the sport of sailing and transforming it into one of the most thrilling spectator sports, drawing fans to 13 venues around the globe throughout its 12-month seasons.
Following the success of a sell-out, archive-inspired debut collection earlier this year, Tommy Hilfiger and U.S. SailGP are launching the second part of their ongoing collaboration. Reflecting a shared adventurous spirit and love for the open sea, this capsule offers a contemporary interpretation of a traditional sailing outfit.
Combining maritime tradition with Hilfiger’s signature preppy style, each item in the collection is designed to seamlessly transition from the ocean to everyday activities. Featuring a cohesive palette of red, white, and blue, the collection focuses on layering and versatility for regular wardrobes. Highlighted pieces include a heavy-duty, color-block flag jacket with a three-layer construction and water-resistant finish, a polo shirt made with unique moisture-wicking fabric that provides UV protection, a windproof athletic ripstop sailing jacket with a light mesh lining, and a range of knitted hoodies and sweaters that Tommy Hilfiger has identified as his favorites.
Here, Tommy Hilfiger and Mike Buckley share their insights on the collection and their aspirations for their continuing multi-year partnership.
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Tommy, how do you connect with sailing and what makes working with the U.S. SailGP Team special for you?
Tommy Hilfiger: Integrating fashion and sport has been a crucial aspect of our brand for 40 years. We have proudly been involved in nearly every sport — from tennis and golf to racing, snow sports, and soccer — and SailGP represents an exciting new chapter in this story. Our collaboration with The U.S. SailGP Team embodies our shared passion for pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and introducing an unexpected twist to tradition. The races, breathtaking and high-stakes, take place in iconic locations. As one of the newest and most vibrant sports globally, SailGP is transforming sailing with speed, athleticism, and style, and we are eager to participate in this authentic race.
Mike, you’ve described your partnership with Tommy Hilfiger as a “dream come true.” Did you envision such collaboration?
Mike Buckley: This partnership is fueled by Tommy’s belief that dreaming big and persistence can make anything possible. Tommy is a legendary figure in sailing with an innate ability to identify rising sports; when we considered a fashion sponsor, he was the only name we thought of. He quickly recognized SailGP's potential as not just a sport but a cultural movement, playing a crucial role in our progression to date. For me, it’s more than sponsorship — it’s a collaboration that mirrors a mutual vision of performance, style, and impact.
Could you tell us about the Tommy X U.S. SailGP Team collection?
Tommy Hilfiger: The collection fuses our preppy heritage with high-performance, technical nautical designs. Inspired by the intensity and excitement of the races, we aimed for a refined aesthetic that remains polished and wearable for everyone. It exemplifies how style can blend with adventure and performance — on and off the water.
Mike Buckley: "Born on the water and built for the city" is an ideal description for the collection. The pieces include many functional details we seek as professional sailors, making them effective for our activities on the water. At the same time, they are versatile enough for off-deck wear or travel. The entire team appreciates how the collection authentically resonates with our lifestyle, combining technical performance with everyday comfort and classic Tommy Hilfiger style.
What are your favorite items from the Tommy X U.S. SailGP Team collection?
Tommy Hilfiger: The knitted items are timeless — inspired by the sea and featuring engineered details and a luxurious feel. The ripstop jacket and shorts are highly functional against wind and rain, while still looking
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Sailing is deeply ingrained in the essence of Tommy Hilfiger. The renowned American brand introduced its iconic logo in 1985, featuring a flag inspired by nautical themes, reflecting the vision of its founder, Thomas.