Tommy Hilfiger launches new preppy line aimed at younger generation

The Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2016 collection is modelled during Mens Fashion Week in New York on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016. (AP / Andres Kudacki)

NEW YORK - Will preppy ever go out of style? Not if Tommy Hilfiger can help it.

But guardians of prep like Hilfiger most definitely need to adapt, he said Wednesday as he presented his Hilfiger Edition line aimed at "feeling necessary, youthful and ready for right now," according to the show's notes.

These are wardrobe building blocks for men, American classics that Hilfiger has been putting out for 30 years, but with some notable twists aimed at the younger set.

"These guys want preppy but they want preppy in a new way, and we're giving it to them a little bit oversized again," Hilfiger said in an interview ahead of his presentation on the third day of New York Fashion Week: Men's. "We were very slim for quite a few years but now we're doing it a little bit more oversized. Better fabrications, more interesting detail and a real nod to military and functional details."

Many of the trousers were slouchy, though some suits were narrow and tightly tailored. A relaxed pajama-style suit came in a glen plaid of red and blue with nautical braided trim and a drawstring waist. One pair of red trousers had blue tuxedo striping on outer seams and a long coat in navy blue was fitted with gold buttons.

The global brand put visible stitching along some wider hems on pants and rolled out roomy and functional outerwear in wool with nylon or canvas detailing. There was a rugby shirt in a playful patchwork and luxe cashmere coats in camel, elevating the collection.

Hilfiger focused a lot on nautical and military vibes.

"We love gold bullion buttons," he said. "We still have chinos, oxfords, bomber jackets, blazers, but done in new ways."

So back to a key question for the company: Will preppy ever go out of style?

"Preppy will always be. It always has been," Hilfiger said, "but it has to be new and fresh. It has to be relevant for the consumer today. Otherwise she or he will not even bite."