Stormy Kromer expands 2026 collegiate lineup to 38 universities across 12 states

On crisp autumn Saturdays in college towns across the country, school spirit usually arrives printed on lightweight polyester. 

But for fans who prefer their loyalty sewn into something more solid and built to last, a legendary Upper Peninsula brand is expanding its reach from the sidelines to the stands.

Stormy Kromer, the iconic brand famous for its ear-banded wool caps, is taking game-day gear to the next level. By blending decades of American manufacturing heritage with classic university traditions, the company is proving that modern fandom doesn’t have to compromise on quality or warmth.

This month the company launched its expanded 2026 Collegiate Collection, adding more states and universities across the Midwest and the West to its roster. The original lineup included licensed caps representing 18 universities in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

“From Marquette to Montana, from Notre Dame to North Dakota, this collection is a love letter to the places and institutions that define the American Midwest and beyond,” said Gina Jacquart Thorsen, CEO of Stormy Kromer.

What’s Happening: Stormy Kromer has  officially launched its expanded 2026 Collegiate Collection, growing its lineup to 38 universities across 12 states. Built for students, alumni, and fans stretching from the Midwest to the Rockies, this year’s release more than doubles last year’s inaugural lineup. Beyond their famous caps, the 2026 collection marks the debut of collegiate wool vests—available in the classic Ironwood Vest and the Ida Outfitter Vest styles—featuring custom embroidery, official school logos, and licensed university colors. 

What They’re Saying: “Last year we proved there’s a real appetite for a quality, American product that lets fans show their school pride in a way that’s built to last,” Thorsen said. This year we’re going further with more schools, more states, and the addition of the vests that bring Stormy Kromer warmth and character to the whole look.” 

The 2026 Collegiate Partners are:

Michigan: Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Lake Superior State University, Marquette University, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, Western Michigan University.

Minnesota: Bemidji State University, Minnesota State University–Mankato, St. Cloud State University, University of Minnesota Duluth.

Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin, UW–Eau Claire, UW–La Crosse, UW–Milwaukee, UW–Oshkosh, UW–Stevens Point.

Midwest Expansion: Indiana University, North Dakota State University, Northwestern University, The Ohio State University, University of Illinois, University of Iowa, University of Notre Dame (coming soon), University of North Dakota (coming soon), University of South Dakota.

Mountain West & Northern Plains: Colorado State University, Montana State University, University of Montana, University of Wyoming.

What’s next: The Collegiate Collection officially launched August 11 and is available exclusively at www.stormykromer.com/collegiate/.

About Stormy Kromer: Founded in 1903 when railroad engineer George “Stormy” Kromer asked his wife, Ida, to sew a snug ear-band onto a wool cap, the brand has spent more than 120 years crafting rugged outdoor apparel rooted in American manufacturing and Midwest values. In 2001, the iconic brand was acquired by Jacquart Fabric Products—a second- and third-generation family business—moving operations to Ironwood, Michigan. Today, operating out of a 90,000-square-foot facility in the U.P., more than 100 Midwestern workers cut and sew every signature cap and wool vest directly in the U.S.A.