About J.PRESS 

J.PRESS is one of the most enduring symbols of classic American menswear, deeply intertwined with Ivy League tradition and sartorial heritage. The brand was established in 1902 by Jacobi Press, a Latvian immigrant who opened a tailor shop just steps from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Catering to the university’s students and faculty, J. Press quickly gained a reputation for its clean, understated tailoring—anchored in the now-iconic Ivy League aesthetic. This included the three-roll-two sack suit, natural-shouldered jackets, hook-vent sport coats, and Shaggy Dog sweaters, which became hallmarks of East Coast collegiate dress.

Unlike many American menswear labels, J. Press never fully embraced contemporary fashion trends, instead doubling down on consistency, tradition, and craftsmanship. This made it a symbol of authenticity during the height of Ivy style in the mid-20th century and earned it a loyal clientele among professors, politicians, writers, and generations of university students.

The brand’s significance grew internationally, particularly in Japan, where Ivy League style was embraced with extraordinary devotion in the 1960s and beyond. In 1974, J. Press became the first American menswear brand to be officially licensed in Japan. Its presence there flourished, especially during the "Ametora" boom, when young Japanese consumers were meticulously reconstructing and honoring American fashion subcultures. By the 1980s, the Japanese division of J. Press was significantly larger than its U.S. operations. In 1986, J. Press was acquired by Onward Kashiyama, a major Japanese fashion group, which has continued to steward the brand with respect for its heritage and international appeal.

In the 2010s, J. Press experimented with attracting a younger audience through its York Street sub-label, designed by the Ovadia brothers. While short-lived, it demonstrated a willingness to reframe tradition through a modern lens. More recently, J. Press has found renewed relevance through carefully curated collaborations, capsule collections, and a return to its roots, often producing garments in the U.S., the U.K., or Japan.

Today, J. Press stands as both a cultural touchstone and a living archive of American menswear. It continues to operate flagship stores in New Haven and Tokyo, preserving its legacy as a purveyor of refined, Ivy-rooted clothing for those who appreciate timeless style over fleeting fashion.