This month’s coverage of [global sporting event in Italy] is underwritten by Runners’ Edge Alaska. We sincerely appreciate their support of the site.
By Devin L. Ward, Ph.D.
This recently dropped Team USA–themed merch collection, courtesy of J.Crew, has something for everyone. Want to support the home team in “brushed cashmere” while remaining in red-white-and-blue? Buy this “ITALY”-emblazoned sweater. Because, as we learned from the promo video, style never takes a snow day. (Note: the exact percent cashmere in this garment is a $368 USD mystery.)
Want to rep Norway the nation that will win the men’s classic sprint on February 10th? Buy this knock-off Norwegian-style sweater (marius genser) in, again, red, white, and blue.
Editor’s note: I didn’t cut off the rest of the model’s face with this screenshot, promise; that’s what it looks like online. Maybe her eyelash extensions took a snow day?
One five-star review claims, “Worth Full Price!” This might make sense as this is only $168 USD (that’s a full $200 USD less than the cashmere sweater just mentioned).
Want to support Team GB? Buy this preppy rugby shirt for $128 USD that looks a little out of place, but maybe less so considering the retro U.S. Ski & Snowboard patch on the shoulder.
The snowtop setting doesn’t stop the collection stylists from throwing the shirt on Colby Stevenson in their promo video, an oddly avant-garde work that forces us to confront the question, “what are The Alpine People?”
Moving on to more practical gear, consider the navy sweater leggings ($298 USD). Yes the logo around the waist and ankles is nice, but unless your après outfit somehow includes a crop top or you’re willing to tuck in a sweater, you may be better off sticking with the navy base layer you already own. Even the model is holding up her jacket to make the logo visible.
The jackets are absolutely the best part of this collection, which is probably why they had all sold out by the time I got a closer look. Some do seem to be available for preorder, though, so don’t lose hope yet! Consider the fleece pullover with an excellent assortment of patches ($178 USD):
Or this “heritage anorak” with color-contrast hood and BIG FONT U.S. Ski & Snowboard logo on the back ($298 USD):
These white joggers are tempting, but one drop of mulled wine and they’d be down for the count. Also, the (limited) reviews so far aren’t great for $118 USD (on sale for $86.50 as I type this), despite all being flagged as, “Review submitted for promo eligibility.”
This graphic on this sweater ($198 USD) is amazing, no notes. Okay, one note: click through to the J.Crew Insta to see one Gus Schumacher modeling it.
There are two hats available in the J.Crew collection, one a classic pom-pom situation ($98 USD) and the other a more pointed shape ($89.50 USD).
Both left me wondering if there was adequate volume to emulate the headwear icon Ben Ogden. That said, even the most voluminous hat might not be enough, given that a mustache is really needed to complete the look and definitely not for sale as part of the collection ($priceless USD).
Tldr; just buy the socks ($59.50 USD for three pairs).
You’re reading this on Nordic Insights, one man’s labor of love dedicated to publicizing American skiing. We started with nothing and now we’re going to the Olympics, albeit not looking anywhere near this stylish. You can read more about our first three years here, and donate to the Olympics fund here. Thank you for consideration, and, especially, for reading.
