The fashion encyclopedia interprets a sweatshirt as a sweater that has a sweatshirt style. This is the favorite clothing of young people, combining comfort, relaxedness, functionality. Many have heard of such a wardrobe item as a sweatshirt, which, alas, not everyone knows. You can get a full idea of the thing by evaluating its advantages and disadvantages, the possibilities of creating harmonious ensembles with it.
What is it
The sweatshirt owes its appearance to the son of American Benjamin Russell, who, while playing football, expressed to his father a wish to have a comfortable, cool sweater. Benjamin Russell, a famous manufacturer of underwear in the 20s of the last century, met him halfway. He found nothing easier than replacing a wool sweater with a cotton sweater with a round neckline and raglan sleeves. This was in Alexander City. Soon, four Philadelphia football teams wore sweatshirts, and later they were joined by track and field and baseball professionals.
Sweatshirts reached the peak of popularity after the appearance of designs on them made using the flocking method. The Champion company, which traces its history back to 1919, received a patent for its own technology of applying a velvet coating to fabric back in the 1920s. The quality of the sweatshirt material was ideal for flocking, which marked the beginning of the emergence of exclusive prints.
The literal translation of sweatshirt is of interest: sweater – “sweater”, shirt – “shirt”.
The history of the real popularity of sweatshirts began in 1936 thanks to the uniform of the US rowing team. The whole world then saw the inscription USA on sweatshirts, made using a new technology. In the late 70s, a type of sweatshirt appeared - a hoodie. Its distinctive feature is the presence of a stand-up collar and a kangaroo pocket. The popularity of this sweatshirt model increased after the release of the famous film about Rocky.
Today, a sweatshirt is a favorite item of clothing in the wardrobe of guys and girls who do different things but prefer to dress comfortably.
Main advantages
Sweatshirt is a simple cut sweatshirt made of knitted fabric, in which you can always look fashionable, and if necessary, warm up. On the inside of the model there may be a warming layer of fleece, polartec, pile, so the sweatshirt is soft and warm. On the outside of the sweatshirt there are almost always drawings, inscriptions, logos, ornaments, patchwork is possible. They make the thing stylish, original, memorable. Sweatshirt is a permanent element of sportswear, and it is also present in rock style, street, military directions.
The character and design of the products in the classic version are best suited for sports. The sweaters are lightweight, functional, and provide ease of movement. Many consider sweatshirts to be universal models, since today such an element is not uncommon in romantic style images, for example, with colorful flowing skirts and shorts.
How it differs from other types of sweaters
To answer what a sweatshirt is, you should compare it with other popular types of sweaters. Each model has its own features, advantages and disadvantages. A sweatshirt has the following mandatory characteristics:
- comfortable cut that does not restrict movement;
- no buttons, zippers, laces;
- raglan sleeve;
- the neck of the blouse is made with a round cut, a V-shaped insert is possible;
- very rarely there are patch pockets, a hood.
The sweater and sweatshirt (a type of sports model) have a turtleneck collar. They are knitted from threads, and not sewn from fabric like the sweatshirt. In the classic version, the model has no fasteners, pockets or hood. It also differs from a long sleeve, which is made of thin T-shirt jersey. There are even more differences between a sweatshirt and a jumper. A thin sweater without a high neck is rarely worn on the body due to the unhygienic nature of woolen threads. It is inconvenient to play sports or lead an active lifestyle in it. A hoodie always has a pocket in the front, which is called a "kangaroo" - this is its main difference from a sweatshirt.
Selection criteria
Despite the fact that the models have a number of mandatory characteristics, each of them can attract attention in one way or another. Today, the sweatshirt is present not only in the wardrobe of young athletic boys and girls. This type of sweater is increasingly chosen by fashionistas, mature men and women, and children.
Purpose
A men's sweatshirt looks more formal and thematically narrow. It can have designs for any taste (from humorous ones to logos of sports companies and world stars), be made of two-layer knitwear or diving-type fabric (especially fashionable lately). A women's sweatshirt is often decorated with artistic stitching, embroidery, stones, rhinestones and even beads. The products often feature bright appliques and design elements, such as inserts of coarse lace. The fair sex truly appreciates the opportunity to quickly warm up and look attractive at the same time.
When choosing a suitable model, you need to take into account the features of your build. So, a black or white sweatshirt will help make your figure look slimmer, without adding accessories. If women want to visually lose a few kilograms, bright colors with floral prints or small animals are ideal for them. It is even better if the sweatshirt is worn with jeans or black trousers. Thin girls should not be afraid to choose a horizontally striped item, especially when combined with a light bottom, for example, with a long skirt. You can look bigger with space themes and animalistic designs.
Children's and teenage sweatshirts are deservedly loved by their owners because of their softness and warmth. In addition, cartoon characters, funny animals and fashionable toys depicted on the front are attractive and realistic. For functionality, children's sweatshirts are complemented with pockets and hoods.
Another improvement of the models is the double-layer material, which allows the sweater to be made double-sided.
Sweatshirt style
Despite the sports and walking orientation of the models, the sweatshirt can have a special meaning for the wardrobe. Its mandatory characteristics include:
- straight, even cut of the blouse;
- along the bottom edge there is a knitted cuff;
- round neckline;
- loose sleeves ending with cuffs;
- attractive decor on the front panel.
However, today sweatshirt manufacturers are ready to make some changes to its classic design. First of all, they “play” with the length of the models. Releasing shortened items, they attract young girls who want to emphasize the slenderness of their hips. Elongated sweatshirt styles are of interest to middle-age groups and people with a certain degree of fullness. Connoisseurs of mixed styles are fond of knee-length models, following the fashionable trend of layering in clothing.
The second way to diversify the style is to model the neckline. In strict sweatshirt models, it is closed and high under the throat, with a neat narrow cuff. Other options allow for a deepening of the neckline to the middle of the sternum, revealing the collarbones and giving the opportunity, for example, to wear a choker. More extravagant sweatshirt models can have a frankly deep neckline, designed without a knitted cuff. These are products for bright girls who choose a glamorous style, chic or disco.
The third feature that allows you to add variety to the classic sweatshirt is the sleeves. The original raglan style is used today along with dropped armholes, tight or loose cuffs. Such “secrets” allow you to visually hide some defects in your build, which is why they are in demand.
Materials of manufacture
At the beginning of its history, the sweatshirt was made according to the authentic loopwheeled technology (the word comes from two English terms: wheel – “spinning wheel”, loop – “loop”). The fabric had no seams and stretched well in any direction. However, such material was not suitable for mass production, since it required a lot of time (the reason for the high cost of the products). In the 50s, the manufacturing technology was completely changed.
In Japan, there is still a company called Looopwheeler, founded by Satoshi Suzuki in 1999, that has remained true to the original loopwheeled technology.
Classic sweatshirts are made today from jersey, cotton, mixed cotton-synthetic raw materials. They are less expensive than Japanese Looopwheeler, since the fabrics are faster to produce. However, the ability of the sweatshirt to stretch in all directions suffers (the advantage of the seamless loopwheeled technology).
Coloring and decor
How popular a particular sweatshirt option is depends not only on its style. Important components are color and decor. The male half often prefers black, dark gray, blue products with a single-color decor, decorated with inscriptions, prints, symbols of sports teams or countries. Women's sweatshirt models are made in less categorical colors. Red, pink, yellow, green options are produced and in demand, as well as items combined from several colors of material.
The cotton base fabric is often covered with appliques with leather, velveteen, and rough lace. The original feminine decor is in the form of abstract spraying, large drawings, and patterns. Such color schemes allow you to ergonomically combine a sweatshirt not only with sportswear and casual wear, but also use it to create a romantic look. 3D decor is especially relevant today on things - three-dimensional pictures made using a special technology.
What to wear with
From the very beginning of its appearance in the world of clothing, the sweatshirt was classified as a sports jacket. However, today it can be used to create the most pleasant combinations in different styles. The models are in harmony with shorts, jeans, leather or denim skirts, classic tapered trousers, leggings and even lace bottoms. Various shoe options can also be suitable: sneakers, moccasins, oxfords, derbies, brogues, monks, loafers, desert boots and others. Many extraordinary personalities wear the described models with high-heeled shoes, including stilettos.
A bag is a must-have accessory. A sports accessory and a backpack look harmonious with a sweatshirt. You can wear a baseball cap, a felt hat, or a small beret on your head. Despite the street-sports focus of sweatshirts, bright jewelry and light scarves will not look ridiculous.
A fashionable look for a man can consist of, for example, black skinny jeans, a sweatshirt of the same color, a dark gray coat (possibly tartan) and blue low-top sneakers. The second option: a gray sweater, light blue jeans and white short sneakers. For lovers of a casual look, a set consisting of chinos, a dark sweatshirt and black high-top sneakers will suit.
Women's fashion looks:
- To create a casual look, you can choose denim bottoms, a bright green sweatshirt with a white print, large beads and a bracelet, and flat shoes. Jeans can be replaced with leggings, breeches, or a culotte.
- A sweatshirt with a floral print goes well with skinny pants. It is better to leave the bottom in a single color, and choose shoes in the style of ballet flats, boots, moccasins.
- For a romantic look with a skirt, choose a sweatshirt of medium length, complemented by heels and exquisite accessories. A sporty and urban look can be made from a long model with flat shoes and leggings.
- Business style also allows the presence of a sweatshirt in clothing. For this, the model can be combined with a jacket, ankle boots, a shirt worn underneath, plain jeans of a calm color and a straight cut. Another option: a turtleneck, sweatshirt, midi skirt (flared, wrap, pleated, pencil).
Despite its apparent versatility, it is better not to wear a sweatshirt with classic trouser suits and tailcoats.
The sweatshirt is very popular among children. It does not contain unloved fasteners, laces, belts, it is warm and soft, has bright prints in front, which often depict favorite cartoon characters. Little fashionistas are happy to combine the sweatshirt with fluffy skirts, dresses. Boys will prefer sets of such sweaters with jeans and baseball caps.
Branded models
The leading manufacturers of sweatshirts are the famous Nike and Adidas companies. The theme of their models is mainly sports. The colors vary in the range of blue, gray, black tones. Their products are in demand among professional and amateur athletes. Champion products are, on the contrary, bright and eye-catching models of sweatshirts. Such delicate colors as pink, yellow, blue are often chosen by young girls for glamorous sets with sweatshirts.
Such comfortable sweatshirt models could not go unnoticed by fashion designers. Emporio Armani, Dolche&Gabbana, Levi's, Cheap Monday, Harm's included sweatshirts in their collections. Champion and Russell Athletic continue to delight fans of the classics.
The Celine collection offered girls a red and white sweatshirt decorated with a geometric print. A white pleated skirt with a plain wide belt was chosen for the set. Nicolas Gexquière presented a sweatshirt with birch trees depicted on it at Balenciaga. In this version, a neat pencil skirt was chosen for the set. Men in the Givenchy collection of Riccardo Tisci also received a bright "gift" - a sweatshirt with a Rottweiler in front.
So, what sweatshirts are in clothing has now become clearer. Such a product will never be superfluous in your wardrobe. You can safely rely on it in cold weather or when an active event is coming up. This is a soft, stylish sweater model that is loved by many people and will complement almost any look.
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