Amtrak has launched, for a limited period, a product that is unusual for a rail operator: a railway-inspired tracksuit, called the “Trak Suit,” created to mark the introduction of the new generation of NextGen Acela high-speed trains.
The outfit, available in limited quantities in the Amtrak online store, was designed as an extension of the premium image of the new Acela fleet and quickly attracted attention with its unusual combination of rail transport, fashion, and lifestyle.
From train to wardrobe
The “Trak Suit” is the result of a collaboration between Amtrak and the New York School of Design, as part of a design competition held last year. Seven young designers were invited to reinterpret the classic tracksuit, and the winning design—by Anastasiia Lukinskaia—was chosen to be produced and marketed.
The tracksuit is made of microfiber fleece fabric, features embroidered logos and a custom zipper, and the piece that has attracted the most attention is the detachable sleep mask integrated into the hood. Priced at USD 279 , the tracksuit falls into a premium price range that will likely raise eyebrows even among train enthusiasts.
Fashion, marketing, and high-speed trains
According to Amtrak, the idea came about in the context of the launch of the new NextGen Acela fleet, which serves the northeastern corridor of the US between Washington, New York, and Boston.
The new trains are promoted as a premium experience, with 5G Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, individual lighting, and improved catering services.
The launch of the train took place in parallel with New York Fashion Week, where the “Trak Suits” collection was initially presented in the form of a fashion show.
In addition to the commercialized design, the competition also included handmade couture creations designed to push the boundaries of the concept.
An image experiment
Although the product is only available for a few days, the initiative shows the direction in which Amtrak is trying to build its image: not just as a rail operator, but as a brand associated with comfort, style, and urban culture.
It remains to be seen whether the “Trak Suit” will become a collector’s item or just a curiosity in the history of American rail marketing.
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