What Is a Sweatshirt?
29 Nov 2023
Did you know that a sweatshirt is not just a comfortable piece of clothing, but a versatile closet item that has its own unique story and fits into almost any style? From gyms to high fashion runways, sweatshirts in the context of fashion have transformed unrecognizably, becoming an integral part of every day and even business wear. At the peak of popularity for several years is a sweatshirt, what is it - a tribute to fashion or just comfortable clothes for everyday use, it is not easy to answer. Top sports cut has long conquered all segments of the population, but many still confuse it with a sweater or hoodie. In recent years, the vocabulary of fashion has been replenished with a mass of new terms, to understand the meaning of which are still managed by not everyone. In this article, we will dive into the history of the sweatshirt, its style features, and current trends and share the secrets of choosing the perfect sweatshirt for your style.
Many people stock up on warm sweaters, sweatshirts, sweaters, and pullovers. These closet items have long been known to everyone and are present in the closet of anyone. However, the concept of sweatshirts is still not quite clear to citizens, and not all risk updating their closets with its help. Although this thing is really warm and cozy while emphasizing all the advantages of figure and warms in the cold season. Hoodie, hoodie, long sleeve, sweatshirt - agree, in such a variety of terms you can easily get confused, especially if you do not know what to choose. Therefore, before the next shopping trip, it is not superfluous to refresh your knowledge. Today let's remember what a sweatshirt is and how it differs from its brethren. Surely everyone knows that there is such a piece of clothing as a sweatshirt, however, what exactly it is and how it differs from other similar elements of the closet, does not everyone. The task of today's article - is to help readers understand the confusing terminology, as well as to familiarize them with the features and varieties of fashionable sweatshirts.
Many people stock up on warm sweaters, sweatshirts, sweaters, and pullovers. These closet items have long been known to everyone and are present in the closet of anyone. However, the concept of sweatshirts is still not quite clear to citizens, and not all risk updating their closets with its help. Although this thing is really warm and cozy while emphasizing all the advantages of figure and warms in the cold season. Hoodie, hoodie, long sleeve, sweatshirt - agree, in such a variety of terms you can easily get confused, especially if you do not know what to choose. Therefore, before the next shopping trip, it is not superfluous to refresh your knowledge. Today let's remember what a sweatshirt is and how it differs from its brethren. Surely everyone knows that there is such a piece of clothing as a sweatshirt, however, what exactly it is and how it differs from other similar elements of the closet, does not everyone. The task of today's article - is to help readers understand the confusing terminology, as well as to familiarize them with the features and varieties of fashionable sweatshirts.
What Is a Sweatshirt? Know Everything About the Trending Sweatshirt Fashion!
A sweatshirt is a versatile and easy-to-make sweatshirt that has no pockets, hood, or zippers. The sweatshirt is a great addition to a casual image. Such a thing is made of lightweight materials and depending on the design will suit both sports and everyday life, a meeting with friends, or even a date. The word "sweatshirt", as we have already written above, comes from the English sweatshirt. This word consists of two English words: "sweat" and "shirt". First of all, this type of clothing was intended for sports, and from this came the name - "sweatshirt".
When creating a sweatshirt, the key aspect was comfort and ease in every movement. So it turned out simple in cut, light, but still warm sweatshirts, which were loved not only by athletes but also by ordinary people. The classic model of our days is necessarily sewn from blended cotton, polyester, or fleece. Ideal for everyday use is considered to be the cotton version – made of soft further with fleece, looped further without fleece. On the sleeves and waistband placed cuffs of jersey-riband, which remind of the former sporty character of this closet item. Remaining still laconic and becoming appropriate in almost any situation, sweatshirts can now be made of printed fabrics. The classic model is improved depending on the wishes of fashionistas and suitable styles - someone prefers an oversized silhouette, and someone likes more fitted models.
Sweatshirts are both monochrome and multicolored or decorated with some prints. In great demand are sweatshirts with symbols of prestigious educational institutions, and sports teams, as well as just models with a bright pattern depicting, for example, animals or cartoon characters. Popular sweatshirts with a variety of inscriptions and quotes in foreign languages. This piece of clothing can be part of both sports and casual closets. It looks great not only with sweatpants and sneakers but also with jeans, pants , and skirts of different styles.
When creating a sweatshirt, the key aspect was comfort and ease in every movement. So it turned out simple in cut, light, but still warm sweatshirts, which were loved not only by athletes but also by ordinary people. The classic model of our days is necessarily sewn from blended cotton, polyester, or fleece. Ideal for everyday use is considered to be the cotton version – made of soft further with fleece, looped further without fleece. On the sleeves and waistband placed cuffs of jersey-riband, which remind of the former sporty character of this closet item. Remaining still laconic and becoming appropriate in almost any situation, sweatshirts can now be made of printed fabrics. The classic model is improved depending on the wishes of fashionistas and suitable styles - someone prefers an oversized silhouette, and someone likes more fitted models.
Sweatshirts are both monochrome and multicolored or decorated with some prints. In great demand are sweatshirts with symbols of prestigious educational institutions, and sports teams, as well as just models with a bright pattern depicting, for example, animals or cartoon characters. Popular sweatshirts with a variety of inscriptions and quotes in foreign languages. This piece of clothing can be part of both sports and casual closets. It looks great not only with sweatpants and sneakers but also with jeans, pants , and skirts of different styles.
How Has the Sweatshirt Changed over the Years?
Like many things, the sweatshirt came into the everyday closet from sports equipment. Back at the beginning of the last century, to avoid hypothermia before and after training, U.S. athletes wore wool sweaters, usually gray. But by the late 1930s, things had already changed. The first sweatshirt or sweatshirt, as we know it now, - a free-cut sweater without a collar made of soft cotton, was developed by Russell Athletics brand, which before that was engaged only in sewing women's and children's underwear. In 1922, Benjamin Russell, who played American soccer while studying at the University of Alabama, proposed to remake the upper part of the women's overalls and on its basis to develop a sweater for his team.
In the 1950s, an American factory worker, for the first time began to produce on an industrial scale spacious shirts without buttons for sports. This type of men's clothing appeared because of the increased sweating of the factory worker's child. Once, his athletic but sweaty son complained that he was not comfortable playing in a popular at the time of shirt in soccer, as it sticks to the body. Soon Russell presented to the world a "sweatshirt", making life easier for people who are actively engaged in sports. It was as clothing for training promoted this item of closet, which can be seen on the photo cards of American basketball players, soccer players, and Olympians of all stripes from the 40s to the 70's of the last century. It all started when his son complained to him that the shirt he was sporting was too sticky and uncomfortable. After this statement, the manufacturer began to think about the possibility of improving the existing shirt and created a prototype of a modern sweatshirt. Now it no longer carries such a function as actively absorbing sweat and is not always the subject of a sporty image, but its creation is based on sports.
The star hour of sweatshirt came when the customer of the cult sports drama "Rocky" decided to put it on Sylvester Stallone. In the picture, the hero in a "sweatshirt" for the first time appears on his morning run in Philadelphia. Rocky Balboa in the movie of the same name ran in a sweatshirt (alternating it with a hoodie-hooded sweatshirt), worked out, visited bars, and even brushed his teeth. Sweatshirt implies comfort and ease in every movement, which does not contradict the sport concept. Simple in cut, light, but at the same time warm sweatshirts are a universal thing, without which it is impossible to imagine the closet of a casual style adherent.
However, the sweatshirt could forever remain the exclusive domain of athletes, if not for the mass culture of the XX century. The history of its general popularity began in 1963 with the movie "The Great Escape". It was in it that the main character, played by the style icon of the time, Steve McQueen, walked almost throughout the movie. After this tape sweatshirts ceased to be perceived exclusively as sportswear. A little later, this closet item became a favorite of Ivy League students and became, along with the oxford shirt and light-colored chinos, one of the basics of classic preppy style. And 20 years later, famous designers took notice of it, making the sweatshirt a truly relevant item.
For almost 80 years the construction of this closet item has remained the same. A good sweatshirt is still made of cotton, elongated cut, and with a round collar. Only the details have changed. Originally, the sweatshirt was part of sports equipment, and the triangle of ribbed cotton kept the collar from stretching. Now many brands produce sweatshirts without this element. We have kept this detail as a tribute to history.
In the 1950s, an American factory worker, for the first time began to produce on an industrial scale spacious shirts without buttons for sports. This type of men's clothing appeared because of the increased sweating of the factory worker's child. Once, his athletic but sweaty son complained that he was not comfortable playing in a popular at the time of shirt in soccer, as it sticks to the body. Soon Russell presented to the world a "sweatshirt", making life easier for people who are actively engaged in sports. It was as clothing for training promoted this item of closet, which can be seen on the photo cards of American basketball players, soccer players, and Olympians of all stripes from the 40s to the 70's of the last century. It all started when his son complained to him that the shirt he was sporting was too sticky and uncomfortable. After this statement, the manufacturer began to think about the possibility of improving the existing shirt and created a prototype of a modern sweatshirt. Now it no longer carries such a function as actively absorbing sweat and is not always the subject of a sporty image, but its creation is based on sports.
The star hour of sweatshirt came when the customer of the cult sports drama "Rocky" decided to put it on Sylvester Stallone. In the picture, the hero in a "sweatshirt" for the first time appears on his morning run in Philadelphia. Rocky Balboa in the movie of the same name ran in a sweatshirt (alternating it with a hoodie-hooded sweatshirt), worked out, visited bars, and even brushed his teeth. Sweatshirt implies comfort and ease in every movement, which does not contradict the sport concept. Simple in cut, light, but at the same time warm sweatshirts are a universal thing, without which it is impossible to imagine the closet of a casual style adherent.
However, the sweatshirt could forever remain the exclusive domain of athletes, if not for the mass culture of the XX century. The history of its general popularity began in 1963 with the movie "The Great Escape". It was in it that the main character, played by the style icon of the time, Steve McQueen, walked almost throughout the movie. After this tape sweatshirts ceased to be perceived exclusively as sportswear. A little later, this closet item became a favorite of Ivy League students and became, along with the oxford shirt and light-colored chinos, one of the basics of classic preppy style. And 20 years later, famous designers took notice of it, making the sweatshirt a truly relevant item.
For almost 80 years the construction of this closet item has remained the same. A good sweatshirt is still made of cotton, elongated cut, and with a round collar. Only the details have changed. Originally, the sweatshirt was part of sports equipment, and the triangle of ribbed cotton kept the collar from stretching. Now many brands produce sweatshirts without this element. We have kept this detail as a tribute to history.
Sweatshirt Outfit Ideas
Sweatshirt with athletic pants
Sweatshirts and sports pants are close relatives. If they harmonize in color, the image is sure to turn out successful. But to make it not boring, it is important to use accessories wisely. Shortened sweatshirt with voluminous sleeves harmoniously combines with tight-fitting joggers. The snow-white color of the sweatshirt is supported by sneakers and lamppas on the pants. The knitted fabric has sufficient density, and the collar almost fits the neck, thanks to this image looks restrained, even despite the narrow open belly band. A sporty sweatshirt and knit pants in tone would look strange on a city street, even in the company of sneakers. Such an image would be more suitable for a sports ground or a park. But thanks to the classic coat, the degree of its formality increased. The best thing to go with such a set is a bag that holds its shape well. Another successful combination of a short sweatshirt and sports pants. Unlike the first image, things do not contrast in volume but have approximately the same fullness. The open elastic band emphasizes the waist, thanks to which the whole composition looks harmonious.
Sweatshirt of classic cut, tucked into jeans
It is still possible to wear a sweatshirt out, although stylists insist that T-shirts and long sleeves should be tucked in. However, if the cut of jeans allows, the sweatshirt can also be tucked in. This technique allows you to correct proportions and visually adds growth. It is noteworthy that it is suitable for women of any complexion, including those with lush shapes. The image clearly shows the charm of retro style, but it is not overloaded with details inspired by the fashion of the past years, so it looks up-to-date. The trendy small crossbody bag also contributes to it. A good solution is to choose shoes in the tone of the sweatshirt. Tucks, right-cut jeans, narrowed at the bottom, and tucked sweatshirt – details that make the silhouette light and harmonious. It's all about accents that highlight the waist and graceful ankles. The white color further refreshes the image. Those who are afraid that a tucked sweatshirt, made of a fairly dense fabric, will add an extra volume, can go for a trick – choose a model up to the waist with a cutaway. Thus you can get the same winning silhouette, but without extra centimeters on the hips.
Oversize sweatshirt with wide jeans
Oversize and oversize – the decision is risky, but if you pick the components correctly, the result will pay off all the effort. The peculiarity of this combination is that visually the figure seems more fragile under the folds of clothes. Wide midi jeans and sweatshirt as if from someone else's shoulder – it would seem that such an image could look careless. But a small collar and a compact handbag with a rigid shape give it a neatness. The image for those days on which no important business is planned can be completely composed of informal things: a wide sweatshirt, flared jeans from the hip with scuffs, and sports shoes. The bet is made on a soft contrast of shades, similar in color temperature, but belonging to different ranges. When combining things with a loose cut, women of low height should be careful not to make the silhouette squat. A good solution is to choose jeans with elastic bands on the ankles or tapered. Shoes are better for choosing a fitting silhouette.
Sweatshirt with leggings
Once, it was believed that the sweatshirt, as well as any top part of the image with leggings, should cover the thighs. Today, it is not necessary to fulfill this condition. One of the inspirers of the trend is Haley Bieber, who was repeatedly seen wearing leggings and a shortened sweatshirt. However, the variant with an elongated top is no less relevant and comfortable. The details differ in the width of the cut but harmonize thanks to the successfully selected shades. The sporty style is fully maintained, and in everyday urban life, the image looks harmonious. Voluminous shoes are a common way to balance the silhouette with a wide sweatshirt and narrow leggings. Even more, unites the details into a single whole bag in the tone of the boots. Images in which one shade is taken as a basis, look especially successful, especially if things-companions are selected specifically for each other, rather than being part of a ready-made set. To soften the brightness of the fuchsia color, the image is completed with details: the edge of the long sleeves, cuffs, and an unexpected accent - socks.
Sweatshirt with a linen-style skirt or dress
Influencers boldly wear dresses and skirts in the linen style. But in an urban environment, such outfits can look ambiguous, and to bring them closer to everyday life, you can use the dress-up technique – that is, add things with a low level of formality. It is the sweatshirt that can take on this role. Knitwear with satin shimmer, linen skirt in tone, stiletto sandals, a small clutch – and the evening image is ready. The absence of active decoration works only in favor: Total Navy looks really elegant. For the city, you can match the linen skirt with a more casual sweatshirt model, including one with a print.
Sweatshirts and sports pants are close relatives. If they harmonize in color, the image is sure to turn out successful. But to make it not boring, it is important to use accessories wisely. Shortened sweatshirt with voluminous sleeves harmoniously combines with tight-fitting joggers. The snow-white color of the sweatshirt is supported by sneakers and lamppas on the pants. The knitted fabric has sufficient density, and the collar almost fits the neck, thanks to this image looks restrained, even despite the narrow open belly band. A sporty sweatshirt and knit pants in tone would look strange on a city street, even in the company of sneakers. Such an image would be more suitable for a sports ground or a park. But thanks to the classic coat, the degree of its formality increased. The best thing to go with such a set is a bag that holds its shape well. Another successful combination of a short sweatshirt and sports pants. Unlike the first image, things do not contrast in volume but have approximately the same fullness. The open elastic band emphasizes the waist, thanks to which the whole composition looks harmonious.
Sweatshirt of classic cut, tucked into jeans
It is still possible to wear a sweatshirt out, although stylists insist that T-shirts and long sleeves should be tucked in. However, if the cut of jeans allows, the sweatshirt can also be tucked in. This technique allows you to correct proportions and visually adds growth. It is noteworthy that it is suitable for women of any complexion, including those with lush shapes. The image clearly shows the charm of retro style, but it is not overloaded with details inspired by the fashion of the past years, so it looks up-to-date. The trendy small crossbody bag also contributes to it. A good solution is to choose shoes in the tone of the sweatshirt. Tucks, right-cut jeans, narrowed at the bottom, and tucked sweatshirt – details that make the silhouette light and harmonious. It's all about accents that highlight the waist and graceful ankles. The white color further refreshes the image. Those who are afraid that a tucked sweatshirt, made of a fairly dense fabric, will add an extra volume, can go for a trick – choose a model up to the waist with a cutaway. Thus you can get the same winning silhouette, but without extra centimeters on the hips.
Oversize sweatshirt with wide jeans
Oversize and oversize – the decision is risky, but if you pick the components correctly, the result will pay off all the effort. The peculiarity of this combination is that visually the figure seems more fragile under the folds of clothes. Wide midi jeans and sweatshirt as if from someone else's shoulder – it would seem that such an image could look careless. But a small collar and a compact handbag with a rigid shape give it a neatness. The image for those days on which no important business is planned can be completely composed of informal things: a wide sweatshirt, flared jeans from the hip with scuffs, and sports shoes. The bet is made on a soft contrast of shades, similar in color temperature, but belonging to different ranges. When combining things with a loose cut, women of low height should be careful not to make the silhouette squat. A good solution is to choose jeans with elastic bands on the ankles or tapered. Shoes are better for choosing a fitting silhouette.
Sweatshirt with leggings
Once, it was believed that the sweatshirt, as well as any top part of the image with leggings, should cover the thighs. Today, it is not necessary to fulfill this condition. One of the inspirers of the trend is Haley Bieber, who was repeatedly seen wearing leggings and a shortened sweatshirt. However, the variant with an elongated top is no less relevant and comfortable. The details differ in the width of the cut but harmonize thanks to the successfully selected shades. The sporty style is fully maintained, and in everyday urban life, the image looks harmonious. Voluminous shoes are a common way to balance the silhouette with a wide sweatshirt and narrow leggings. Even more, unites the details into a single whole bag in the tone of the boots. Images in which one shade is taken as a basis, look especially successful, especially if things-companions are selected specifically for each other, rather than being part of a ready-made set. To soften the brightness of the fuchsia color, the image is completed with details: the edge of the long sleeves, cuffs, and an unexpected accent - socks.
Sweatshirt with a linen-style skirt or dress
Influencers boldly wear dresses and skirts in the linen style. But in an urban environment, such outfits can look ambiguous, and to bring them closer to everyday life, you can use the dress-up technique – that is, add things with a low level of formality. It is the sweatshirt that can take on this role. Knitwear with satin shimmer, linen skirt in tone, stiletto sandals, a small clutch – and the evening image is ready. The absence of active decoration works only in favor: Total Navy looks really elegant. For the city, you can match the linen skirt with a more casual sweatshirt model, including one with a print.
Can You Wear Sweatshirts in the Summer?
Summer this year does not please us with warm weather. And even though the period of strong (by summer standards) cold weather has already passed, it is still not very comfortable to walk in the evening in a top or a light dress. In this situation, a variety of sweatshirts will save you: they will not only keep you warm at the end of the day but also become the basis for a variety of stylish looks. We tell you about the most fashionable ways to wear them right now.
To keep your look warm and comfortable, we suggest combining traditional summer clothes with sweatshirts. For example, shorts will be a perfect match for a "university" sweatshirt with contrasting cuffs and a v-neck. With shorts made of denim, you will get a more relaxed combo, and the option of suit fabric will create an image in the old-money style. Complement this combination with any footwear from sneakers to loafers. Don't forget about Princess Diana's favorite combination - sweatshirt + bikinis. Of course, the outfit will come out quite sporty, but a long walk in the evening city will be perfect. If you want to add more elegance, choose a skirt instead of shorts. It can be a denim mini or a silk midi with a high cut - don't be afraid to combine seemingly incongruous things, because the contrast is often the basis for the most spectacular images. However, if you're not ready to experiment, a versatile combo of linen pants and a sweatshirt will always help you out – it's suitable for any occasion.
To keep your look warm and comfortable, we suggest combining traditional summer clothes with sweatshirts. For example, shorts will be a perfect match for a "university" sweatshirt with contrasting cuffs and a v-neck. With shorts made of denim, you will get a more relaxed combo, and the option of suit fabric will create an image in the old-money style. Complement this combination with any footwear from sneakers to loafers. Don't forget about Princess Diana's favorite combination - sweatshirt + bikinis. Of course, the outfit will come out quite sporty, but a long walk in the evening city will be perfect. If you want to add more elegance, choose a skirt instead of shorts. It can be a denim mini or a silk midi with a high cut - don't be afraid to combine seemingly incongruous things, because the contrast is often the basis for the most spectacular images. However, if you're not ready to experiment, a versatile combo of linen pants and a sweatshirt will always help you out – it's suitable for any occasion.
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