Is Ivy Style Poised for a Comeback? Or Did It Never Really Leave?

J. Press is poised for a big year under new Creative Director Jack Carlson.

Navy blazer over light blue striped dress shirt with red and navy striped tie and white pocket square.

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By Brad Lanphear

Published December 27, 2025

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J.Press’s reputation is set in stone.

Founded over a century ago at Yale University, the heritage clothing brand basically invented what we call “Ivy Style,” blending tweed, corduroy, seersucker, madras, Scottish knits and, of course, the classic blue blazer into one cohesive look.

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Man wearing a bright green sweater, black pants with small white bear patterns, and brown loafers leaning against a stone wall. — The J.Press Shaggy Dog Sweater is a genre staple that was featured in the 1965 book *Take Ivy*.

Now under the stewardship of a new creative director, Jack Carlson of Rowing Blazers fame, J.Press will look to reach a new generation of guys who care what they wear, all without losing a grip on its historic roots.

Man wearing a brown plaid blazer, black sweater with white skull and crossbones, red pants, and black shoes standing on stone steps. — A look from the J. Press F/W 2025 campaign that sums up Carlson’s direction.

Carlson’s touch is already evident from his debut collection, the obvious highlight being the Made-in-USA Navy Pure Cashmere Sport Coat. It has a rope shoulder, patch pockets, three buttons and a center vent.

Too often, menswear is an act of musical chairs, with established designers jumping from one luxury label to another as conglomerates struggle to stay relevant.

Meanwhile, Carlson and J.Press getting together is like watching soulmates connect, hopefully for the long haul.