In Its First-Ever Champion Collection, an Iconic Japanese Label Made Athleisure Art

Some may argue that the words “elegant” and “sweatsuit” don't belong in the same sentence. Undercover and Champion's first collaboration expertly challenges this narrative through well-done basics.

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The Japanese fashion label and Champion's link-up is a coordinated fusion of street fashion and comfort wrapped up in one luxurious collection. The lineup includes all the classic loungewear staples: hoodies, sweatpants and crewnecks, but these pieces aren't your run-of-the-mill athleisure. 

Oversized hoodies and cropped-flare sweatpants bring elements of structural sophistication to the cozy collection. Crewnecks wear widened necklines and raw-cut details that elevate the simplicity of Champion's standard 10oz sweatshirt, while the zip-ups sport more fashion-forward dual-track zippers.

What really sets this collection over the top, though, is the beaded "C" Champion logo worn by all the pieces. The bejeweled emblem acts as a built-in brooch of sorts, offsetting the established simplicity of the collection with beaded elegance.

This is the first time Undercover has released an official collab in its 30-year history, and the brand really couldn't have asked for a better first-time partner than Champion, since the athletic-wear brand has a storied knack for bringing approachability to even the most obscure of brands.

From bringing wearability to Rick Owens' unconventional fashions to adding some playful sportiness to Timberland’s classic 6" boots, Champion brings an invaluable energy of athletic ease to every venture that highlights just how powerful intentional basicness can be.

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