The phrase 'more money than sense' springs immediately to mind.  Lads, as Gibson Gardens will tell you, Pike Brothers at either JS or 'American Classics' is the one to go for.  Eris might even be able to tell you a decent alternative source.  What kind of jobs must these winning bidders do?  I had my fingers burned a little bit, putting in high bids for stuff that then turned out to be, well, unsuitable.  You live and learn.  Nowadays, I very rarely bid for anything, just decide what it is I'm looking for and go for a Buy-It-Now.

Give JS a try, Woolster.

I own up to having fucked about on Ebay for two years, looking for something exactly like that - then found 'American Classics' by chance.  What's the word?  Serendipity?  Mind you, these sweats are Made In Turkey, not the good old USA.  Having said that, it beats my old USA made Russell Athletic in navy (poly/cotton) into the proverbial cocked hat.

You're very welcome.

^ Good lad.  Many thanks.

My favorite gray sweat is an 80s raglan number, cotton/rayon.  Nothing special but what is a "special" sweatshirt.  Although to each his own, somebody (probably in Japan) clearly wanted the one above.  What made that sweatshirt worth $300 to someone was the condition, 100% cotton, and width of the ribbing around the waist and sleeve cuffs.  When I first saw it i thought it might be 30s, and those go for major money.

Got my American Giant hoodie today, it's perfect.  I'm going to get a gray sweat next when back in stock - heavy, 100% cotton, made in the US, raglan...

http://www.american-giant.com/crew-neck-sweatshirt.html

No, they haven't been discussed here many times already.

might be worth checking out:
http://www.leftfieldnyc.net/category/sweats

I think I've settled on a Velva-Sheen myself. Here's the spiel:

“The Velva Sheen Mfg. Co. was established in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1932 as a manufacturer of sweatshirts, t-shirts, jackets and gym shorts for colleges, camps, schools and the United States Armed Forces.

The company has seen many changes over the years and recently had all but gone out of business. The brand was resurrected in Los Angeles, under new management, with the intention of bringing back some of Velva Sheen's classic styles, and producing them with the same techniques and materials as they would have been originally.

At Hickoree's we carry Velva Sheen products with the famous white and blue sewn-in label from the 1950s and 60s. These pieces seek to match era-correct manufacturing and materials.

Velva Sheen products are made in the USA using domestic cotton.”



Their t-shirts look nice too. Also available from your favourite online boutique, the Bureau Belfast, but their site seems to be down at the moment so I can't link it.

An eBay search for vintage Velva Sheen brings up mostly funny print tees from the 80's.

The Woolster wrote:

patrickf wrote:

might be worth checking out:
http://www.leftfieldnyc.net/category/sweats

Nice shout Patrick, and good to have you posting. Have you tried them?

haven't tried them but only heard good things about their products.

A'noon all....I've lurked here for some time and if I may just say (clears throat, wipes away a tear...)..what a most marvellous forum this is people....so a hearty hello to one n all!!

Now - with regard to thee search for a decent gray sweat.....

I've had an eye (my good one at that) on the Velva Sheen for a while so was wondering if "The Woolster" got round to making said purchase and ergo, what his opinion of said item is?
Can't say I care for my Pike Bros one now (seems to have gorn quite shapeless....) and Buzz Rickson aside, I've not found anything worthwhile:

Feeling quite "cheap", I even dabbled with a UNIQLO one and whilst it's nae bad appearance wise, one wash and you're forever picking bits up from it ...man alive, you're covered in em'...and not a good look for us slapheads to be out n about with, bits of fluf fall over yer bonce - and this coming from a man who once went through an interview with a pube on his head...but I digress..... - not 100 % cotton eeva kids, which I knew wasn't right from the getgo....

Anyhoo, keep up the good work my cherubs....and a pleasant afternoon to you all!