Usually, when one thinks of Nike's adventure-leaning ACG imprint, they'll likely imagine technical parkas capable of handling winter's worst or sneakers infused with the ability to easily scramble across slippery terrain. Despite some hippy-leaning retro wearables, ACG may not be as easily aligned with hot weather as it is with cold climes. Nike aims to change that with its Hawaiian-inspired Summer 2021 collection, packed with lightweight layers and versatile accessories designed with island escapades in mind.
This collection is unusually drab, swapping the vivid hues of yore for muted shades of grey only interrupted by floral sports bras and graphic T-shirts laden with imagery of ocean dwellers like whales and dolphins. Nike aims to swap flash for function here, leaning hard into recycled textiles. It claims that 85 percent of the collection contains over 90 percent recycled content, which is indeed impressive for a company at Nike's scale, but bear in mind that waste generated by production often outweighs the resources saved from recycling.
At least the renewed nylons and polyesters are being put to use in interesting products, like the Cinder Cone jacket and pant, a wind and water-repelling set that's lightweight enough to be packed away for on-the-go storage. There's also the Lava Tree Hoody, a recycled poly piece that, like the accompanying cargo pants, trail skirt, and bucket hat, was created with breathability and UV protection in mind.
On the footwear front, Nike has revamped the ACG Mountain Fly Low and Air Deschutz for the new season, complete with React midsoles and Air Units. The Mountain Fly takes on a thematic tweak with its grippy rubber outsole, intended to allow the wearer maximum mobility even atop slick waterside stones.
All of the Summer 2021 ACG items go live at Nike's website, stores, and stockists on June 7.
