THE JOURNAL
3 MINUTE READ
Gallery: Five Sweats For Showing Your Softer Side
Words by Chris Elvidge
19 October 2021
The sweatshirt. An off-putting name, we’ll admit, but it serves to remind us of the garment’s athletic origins, which can be traced back to the 1920s, when it began life as a practice football jersey. Cooler, lighter and more comfortable than woollen jerseys, this new “sweatshirt” soon caught on, and it wasn’t long before men were wearing theirs not only on the field, but at home, too. Today, every designer brand worth their salt sells sweats of some description; here are just five examples from the new season worthy of your attention.
01.
The logo hoodie
Balenciaga’s wittily subversive logo hoodies have become a collection highlight over the past few seasons, their deliberately mundane reimaginings of the brand’s logo bringing a much-needed jolt of fun and frivolity to the world of high fashion. The latest example, printed here on a loose-fitting, cream-coloured hooded sweatshirt, has a distinct “designed on Microsoft Word” look about it. You can blame the Times New Roman for that.
02.
The luxe sweatshirt
Leave it to TOM FORD to take something as quintessentially American as the sweatshirt and elevate it to the status of high luxury. The Texan designer’s take on this everyman garment features a subtle tie-dyed finish, which in the case of this blue version (purple is also available) gives the impression of a cloud-dappled summer sky.
03.
The garment-dyed sweatpants
For proof that sweatpants have well and truly shaken off their slouchy associations, look to Los Angeles basics brand Les Tien. All its sweats are garment-dyed, a process that results in a lovely uneven finish – notice how dye gathers along the seams and in the creases of the elasticated waistband. It’s an effect that’s especially eye-catching in this shade of bluish-green.
04.
The fleece shorts
The bandana print is a recurring motif of AMIRI, so it’s no surprise to see it adorning these wide-legged fleece shorts. As you’d expect of the Los Angeles luxury brand, the finishing is second-to-none, with leather-trimmed pockets and a leather drawstring adding a hint of refinement. And if that’s somehow not enough bandana for you, we’re happy to say that there’s a full hoodie and sweatpants in the same material.
05.
The half-zip fleece pullover
If this tonal-green tracksuit from 7 Days Active feels a bit like a late-1990s vintage-shop find to you, you’re not alone. The Copenhagen-based sportswear brand has a knack for taking old-school styles and making them feel new again. It’s designed for pre- and post-exercise, but, let’s be honest, it works just as well off the track, too.
