How Acronym Defined Techwear
Acronym was founded in Munich in 1994 by Errolson Hugh and Michaela Sachenbacher, first as a design agency. For almost fourteen years, the duo worked with Burton on technical snowboard outerwear. That experience shaped everything that followed: jackets that perform in the rain, adapt to your movement and carry what you need without a backpack.
In 2002, Acronym released KIT-1, its first collection, and slowly grew into a cult label for people who care about function as much as form. Hugh's influence spread far beyond his own brand. He helped shape Stone Island Shadow Project and led design at NikeLab ACG from 2014 to 2018. Hideo Kojima's game Death Stranding then brought Acronym to a whole new audience, with its own J1A-GT jacket for the Bridges crew in 2020.
Acronym Jackets and Signature Pieces
Every Acronym piece has a product code instead of a name. The letter tells you the category (J for jacket, P for pants), the number the model, and the suffix the fabric. Once you can read it, you can read the whole archive:
- J1A-GT: the classic Gore-Tex hardshell with the Gravity Pocket and JacketSling, a strap that lets you wear the jacket hands free.
- J1W-GTPL: a lighter Gore-Tex Paclite Plus shell with the Interops system, so you can wear it as a jacket, a vest or a sling bag.
- J91-WS: a Windstopper softshell that feels at home in the city and in the mountains.
- P30A-DS: the most iconic cargo pant in techwear, made from stretchy schoeller Dryskin with articulated knees and hidden pockets.
- 3A-1: the modular bag that clips onto jackets and straps.
Acronym x Nike Sneakers
Hugh's work with Nike produced some of the most wanted sneakers of the last decade. The Lunar Force 1 came first in 2015, followed by the Air Presto in 2016. Then came the Presto Mid, the VaporMax Moc 2 and the Blazer Low, each with Hugh's typical straps, zips and bold colour accents. Looking for more? Explore our Nike collection.
Curated and Checked at 2nd Culture
Acronym jackets cost well over a thousand euros new, so fakes and worn out shells do show up. That is why every item we stock is handpicked, put through our authenticity check and graded with our condition check. Here is what we look at:
- Labels and codes: the product code and season on the inside label should match the design and fabric of the piece.
- Tape and seams: Gore-Tex shells need clean, intact seam taping without peeling.
- Zips and hardware: smooth, high quality zips and solid, branded buckles and fasteners.
- Fabric performance: water should still bead on the surface, and stretch fabrics should spring back.
How to Style Acronym
Picture a rainy morning on the Amsterdam canals. You wear an all black J1A-GT zipped to the chin, slim P30A-DS cargos tucked into a pair of Acronym x Nike Prestos and the 3A-1 clipped to your chest. Your hands are free, your phone is dry and you look ready for a sci-fi film. On dry days, swap the shell for a softshell and pair it with a graphic tee. Fans of functional outerwear will feel at home in our CP Company collection and our jackets.
Acronym Sizing Guide
Acronym uses a technical, athletic fit, so it is worth checking the measurements on each product page.
- Jackets: most models fit true to size with room for a layer underneath. Size up if you wear thick knitwear.
- P30A-DS and other cargos: a slim, tapered fit with plenty of stretch. Take your normal size for a close fit.
- Nike collaborations: the Presto uses XS to XXL sizing instead of shoe sizes. Check our size guide before you order.
Not sure which size works for you? Our team is happy to help, in store or online.
