It wasn't just another celebrity endorsement deal. When the Travis Kelce American Eagle collab officially hit the shelves in late August 2025, it felt like a collision of every major cultural force in America. You had the NFL’s most famous tight end, a brand trying to move past a viral marketing controversy, and—oh yeah—the tiny detail that Travis had just announced his engagement to Taylor Swift literally 24 hours prior.
The timing was almost too perfect. People were already refreshing their feeds for any glimpse of a ring, and suddenly, they were met with varsity jackets and heavyweight tees.
Honestly, the AE x Tru Kolors by Travis Kelce line was a long time coming. This wasn't a "slap a name on a shirt" situation. Kelce had been working behind the scenes with American Eagle for over a year, serving as the creative director for his own brand, Tru Kolors, to make sure the pieces didn't just look like standard mall fare. He wanted "vintage-inspired," and he actually delivered on it.
Why the AE x Tru Kolors Drop Was Different
Most people think these collabs are just about the face of the brand. But Travis brought his entire lifestyle brand, Tru Kolors, into the mix. Established in 2019, Tru Kolors is basically Travis's brain on a hanger: bold, optimistic, and a little bit "extra."
The collection itself was massive. We're talking 90+ pieces.
It wasn't just hoodies. The range included everything from $15 paisley boxers to $180 varsity jackets. They even threw in cashmere sets and cricket sweaters, which feels very "off-duty athlete" in the best way.
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The Breakdown of the Drops
Instead of dumping everything at once, American Eagle played it smart with a two-part release strategy:
- Drop 1 (August 27, 2025): The "engagement era" launch. This featured the core streetwear—heavyweight hoodies, the famous "87 Records" graphic tees, and those corduroy cargo pants everyone obsessed over.
- Drop 2 (September 24, 2025): The "Back to School/Season" launch. This focused more on the heavier layers, including the sherpa bomber jackets and the wool-cashmere crew necks.
The "Anti-Celebrity" Campaign
Here’s the thing that caught a lot of people off guard. American Eagle had just come off a campaign with Sydney Sweeney that—depending on who you ask—was either a genius denim ad or a total lightning rod for "culture war" debates.
Instead of leaning into the Hollywood glitz for the Travis Kelce American Eagle collab, they went the "jock" route. But not just any jocks.
Travis hand-picked a crew of rising stars to model the line alongside him. We saw Olympic gymnast Suni Lee, tennis prodigy Anna Frey, and even Kiyan Anthony (yes, Carmelo’s son). It gave the whole thing a "varsity squad" vibe that felt way more authentic than a staged photoshoot in a studio. Kelce’s "Live to Play" mantra was all over the marketing, emphasizing that you should actually move in these clothes.
What You Can Actually Still Buy (and What’s Gone)
If you're looking for the Travis Kelce American Eagle collab today, you’ve gotta be quick. The "Manifest Your Mindset" tees and the cream-colored heavyweight sweatpants sold out almost instantly during the initial 2025 runs.
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However, because this was such a massive success for AEO, you can still find certain staples and secondary market gems.
The Standout Pieces:
- The Varsity Jacket ($179.95): The crown jewel. It has that heavy, authentic weight that you usually only find in actual vintage shops.
- Rugby Polos ($60): These are surprisingly versatile. You can dress them up with trousers or just look like you're heading to a casual brunch.
- Graphic Tees ($39.95): The "Listening Lounge" and "Country Club" graphics are the ones that really scream Kelce’s personal style.
The color palette stayed remarkably grounded. We saw a lot of olive green, burgundy, and cream. It wasn't the neon-bright stuff some expected from Travis; it was sophisticated.
The Business Behind the Hype
Let's talk shop for a second. American Eagle needed this.
Before the Travis Kelce American Eagle collab, the brand was navigating some choppy waters with their earnings. By linking up with Kelce—and by extension, the massive "Swiftie" demographic—they didn't just sell clothes; they bought relevance. Shares actually saw a bump right after the launch.
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It’s a classic move: pair the "#1 jeans brand for Gen Z" with a guy who has 50+ endorsement deals but still feels like someone you could grab a beer with.
Acknowledge the Noise
Not everyone was a fan, obviously. Some critics felt like American Eagle was trying too hard to stay in the news cycle after the Sweeney ads. Others thought the prices—nearly $200 for a jacket—were a bit steep for a brand traditionally known for affordable denim. But the numbers don't lie. The "AE x TK" pieces became instant collector's items for the "92%ers" (the New Heights podcast fanbase).
How to Style the Collection Now
If you managed to snag some pieces, or if you're eyeing them on resale sites, the "Kelce look" is all about proportions.
- Go Big: The hoodies are heavyweight for a reason. Don't size down. They’re meant to look slightly oversized.
- Mix Textures: Pair the corduroy mechanic jacket with the simple "Fresh Vibes" tee. The contrast makes it look curated, not just thrown on.
- Accessorize: Those $35 corduroy hats are probably the easiest way to pull a whole outfit together without trying too hard.
Future of the Partnership
As of early 2026, the ripple effects are still being felt. Travis and Jason Kelce have since launched the Kelce Clubhouse on Amazon, creating a central hub for all their merch and "New Heights" gear. This makes the original Travis Kelce American Eagle collab feel like a distinct chapter—the moment Travis officially transitioned from "NFL star with a hobby" to "Global Fashion Powerhouse."
If you’re hunting for these pieces now, check the official American Eagle site for any "back by popular demand" restocks, but your best bet is likely verified resale platforms. Keep an eye on the "87 Records" branding; those are the pieces that tend to hold their value the best among fans.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Availability: Visit the official American Eagle "AE x Tru Kolors" landing page to see if any seasonal restocks or leftover inventory from the second drop are available.
- Verify Authenticity: If buying from a third-party seller, look for the specific AE x TK inner neck labels and "Tru Kolors" embroidery to ensure you aren't getting a knockoff.
- Follow for Drops: If you missed out, follow both @killatrav and @americaneagle on Instagram; their partnership history suggests they may revisit the "Live to Play" ethos for future seasonal capsules.