Madewell debuts 38-piece men’s collection

Madewell ventured into new territories on Wednesday with the debut of its first men’s collection.

Featuring 38 pieces, the collection has a special focus on denim and everyday basics. It includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and even sneakers, as well as 21 denim styles offered in three fits — skinny, slim and straight — with denim prices starting at $115, and other basics starting as low as $35.

While the collection was only announced a few weeks ago by J.Crew CEO Jim Brett in an earnings call with investors, the line has apparently been in the works for the last two years.

"As we expand the Madewell point of view into new categories, men's was a logical step for the brand," said Madewell president Libby Wadle, in a news statement.

"After two years of incubation, we're excited to bring our denim expertise and laid-back design sensibility to a new customer where there's an opening and need in the market for premium quality jeans at an accessible price point."

The menswear offering won’t be found in Madewell's brick-and-mortar stores, however.

Instead, the J.Crew-owned brand partnered with retailer Nordstrom for its debut, making it the sole physical seller of the men’s collection. The line launched in 31 Nordstrom stores, Nordstrom.com and Madewell.com.

The group is continuing to invest in Madewell, as the brand grows steadily, unlike its sister brand.

In the first half of fiscal 2018, sales at the J.Crew brand fell 6 percent to $820.7 million, with comps decreasing 3 percent. Madewell saw sales shoot up 34 percent to $237.5 million, reporting an increase in comps of 29 percent.

CEO Jim Brett, previously expressed plans for Madewell to become “the leading premium denim brand in the world."

Madewell debuts 38-piece men’s collection

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