The Natural Sweatshirt

Recently I have been fixated on off-white sweatshirts. When I say natural or off-white I am using it as an umbrella term for white, off-white, tan, etc. You know the type of sweatshirt that makes you think of gym class in the 1950’s. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that you have relive an awkward gym scene from Wonder Years.
Vintage Converse AdI like natural colored sweatshirts because they are versatile. They work with well with my grey sweatpants allowing me to incorporate a little of my personal style at the gym, an environment dominated by futuristic fabrics. They also work well with a well-aged pair of chinos to tackle yard work, conquer the couch, or even to hang with some friends.

I have often heard people say that a Shetland is the trad’s sweatshirt. While this certainly rings true there are times when you just need a sweatshirt. We know that there were a different set of standards in the heyday, but we also know that they weren’t exercising in 3/2 sacks and penny loafers.

There are lots of places to find this style of sweatshirt. You can pay top dollar for a LVC (There are few on sale at Unionmade right now: here) or Champion collaboration like the ones that I listed below as well as find cheaper options from retailers like J.Crew (The one I am wearing in the top image is the J.Crew sweatshirt listed below). This is also the type of item that you can find at the Gap, Old Navy, or for cheap at your local outlet mall.

1. Levi’s Vintage Clothing (LVC) Bay Meadows Sweatshirt $148

LVC White Sweatshirt

2. Todd Snyder x Champion Reverse Weave Sweatshirt in Natural $148

Reverse Weave Sweatshirt in Natural

3. Wallace & Barnes fleece crewneck sweatshirt $78

Tan Sweatshirt

 

oxford cloth button down
Jerrod Swanton is a simple man interested in simple, classic, and traditional style.

13 Comments on "The Natural Sweatshirt"

  1. greyflannel says:

    Nothing like a louie collar from kellsport- the best and well worth the price. http://www.sweatshirtsusa.com

  2. .weston.pecos. says:

    Sorry, I do not spend $148, or even $78 for a sweatshirt. I buy my sweatshirts and sweatpants from LL Bean, as I have for the past 50 years, for a lot less money than you are paying and I am getting them from a traditional clothier that was well established “in the community” long before “J.Crew” came along/

  3. oxford cloth button down says:

    Weston – I completely understand. This is why I suggested that you can find these on the cheap, but if you are looking for something “authentic” you may have to pay a bit more. Most of my sweatshirts are Hanes. Also with J.Crews infinite sales you can find yourself paying far less than $78 which is what I did.

    Grey Flannel – Great option to add!

  4. MRS says:

    Not sure what kind of workouts you do, but as a runner, I’m always going to opt for “futuristic fabrics” that are much more comfortable than sweats.

  5. Tommy says:

    https://www.historypreservation.com/products-page/sweatshirts/buzz-rickson-1930s-1940s-loop-wheeled-set-in-sleeve-sweatshirt-heather-grey/

    Own a LVC Hoodie, a velva sheen sweater and one of these, this is the best by a long way. Only problem is very difficult to pick up in the sales/ cheaply.

  6. oxford cloth button down says:

    MRS – It was probably an unnecessary shot at “futuristic fabrics.” As an avid runner I do utilize them and as someone that also likes the late 70s prep look I also incorporate them there. Where I use this type of gym gear is for my lifting days.

  7. Alexander_F says:

    A natural colored sweatshirt is indeed good thing to have, and it really works great as a reminder of a 60’s gym style. However, I would not spend as much as for the exemplaries shown here.

  8. Jeremy says:

    I think that you’ll like this:

    http://www.justsweatshirts.com/Crewneck-Mens-Fine-French-Terry-White-100-Cotton_p_46.html

    I’ve been wanting one for a while. The price point is much more appealing as far as gym-wear goes, it’s 100% cotton, and it’s cut in true vintage style.

  9. I love this post because the off-white sweatshirt could and should be in any guys closet. Mine is a Billy Reid Made in America from several years back that is actually reversed, with the loop wheel on the outside and smooth facing on the inside. I love it and keep it in heavy rotation. Doubt they re-release them and I have looked on eBay for years… no luck.

    If I had to buy another one today, the Todd Snyder x Champion is high on the list – I am pretty sure they are made in Canada, which brings to mind Reigning Champ as a contender as well. Great stuff.

    On the “Made in USA” front, which is important to me for a variety of reasons, there is Columbiaknit in Portland that makes great lighter weight sweatshirts. I may end up using them as a supplier for Tailored Forward project down the road, but you can order direct from them as well: http://www.usa-wear.com/ostore/

  10. oxford cloth button down says:

    Jeremy – Thanks for the lead! That is an attractive price. Have you ever ordered from them before?

    Nathan – Thanks for the comment. I appreciate the intel!

  11. connecticut says:

    Have you tried victor athletics? I highly recommend them. Made in USA to boot. They have very limited runs, but I read that an off-white version is upcoming.

    https://victorathletics.com/collections/mens-sweatshirts

  12. Jeremy says:

    Jerrod – I received two of their crew neck sweatshirts, and a hoodie as a gift a few years ago. I’m very impressed with the quality.

I would like to hear from you