What is a sweatshirt?
sweatshirt A sweater is a loose-fitting, collarless sweater made of thick cotton jersey (fleece). The name is derived from the fusion of two English words: "sweater" and "shirt."
This item of clothing originated in the 1920s thanks to American entrepreneur Benjamin Russell. He created a cotton sweatshirt for American football players as a comfortable replacement for the itchy wool uniforms that chafed their skin. Initially a purely athletic piece of clothing, the sweatshirt is now a staple of everyday wardrobe.
Distinctive features
The sweatshirt's key design feature is the complete absence of a hood, pockets (including a kangaroo pocket), and zippers. It is this minimalist design that distinguishes it from hoodies and tracksuits.
The characteristic details of a classic sweatshirt include:
- A crew neck. Historical models featured a V-shaped elastic panel underneath, which served to absorb sweat and prevent the collar from stretching.
- A specific sleeve cut. Most commonly used are raglan sleeves, which allow for freedom of movement, or classic set-in sleeves with a dropped shoulder line.
- Wide elastic ribbing (ribbing) at the sleeve cuffs and hem ensures warmth and a secure fit.
- Material. A traditional sweatshirt is made from fleece—a knit fabric with a smooth face and a rough (loop-knit) or fleece-lined back.
What to combine with
As an everyday staple, the sweatshirt creates a classic pairing with straight-leg jeans, joggers, or cargo pants, paired with sneakers.
As part of the smart-casual style, the sweatshirt integrates into more formal outfits. It's worn over a classic collared shirt, paired with pleated suit trousers or a pleated midi skirt. In this version, the sweatshirt's sporty character is offset by the clean lines of the other elements of the outfit.
The lack of a bulky hood and a snug neckline make the sweatshirt a convenient layering option. It fits comfortably under oversized jackets, classic trench coats, wool coats, and denim jackets. When choosing footwear, the sweatshirt pairs harmoniously not only with sportswear but also with chunky loafers, Chelsea boots, or chunky lace-ups.
