http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=22786&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=502853&cat4=502810
Last year I started out on an odyssey to replace a couple of plain grey sweatshirts that were worn out. I thought that an hour spent on a journey to a sporting goods store would take care of it, but to my amazement everything had the name of an athletic team or a manufacturer's logo on it. That seemed to be a bit like destroying a fine painting to me. Why add superfluous details to perfection?
After a couple of hours and many stops, I finally gave up and went home to the Internet. The only source that I could find was LL Bean - And there it was: The Classic. No adornment, and the old triangle detail at the base of the neck.
I bought two, and have a grey one on back order. Apparently there must be other purists out there in the world if demand is exceeding supply for these things. LL Bean have a number of colors, but plain grey is really THE classic option.
The classic sweatshirt is probably one of the most versatile items you could ever own. Perfect just for hanging around the house in, paired with a good pair of cords and some LL Bean Blucher moccasins. It's a relaxed look, but you don't look like you're homeless when you're out wearing it on errands! Also the sweatshirt is sturdy enough to wear when walking the dog out in the mud with the security of knowing that a short spell in the washing machine will completely restore it back to full health on your bedraggled return home.
It the unlikely event that you might wonder how this seemingly lowly item ever became a part of traditional Americana and a component of the off-duty Ivy League style of dress then let me tell you how it happened:
Long before athletic uniforms in spandex came along we used to be issued with plain 100% cotton sweatshirts and pants. I'm talking about back in the 1950's now. The sweatshirts got heavy when wet and got really grubby out on the field, but the college staff could wash them easily and so many of us took to the standard issue grey sweatshirts as a part of everyday campus wear. We moved them from the athletic field to the class room just because they were so convenient.
Another thing worthy of note is that all of this started back in the days before school names, etc., were plastered all over athletic wear because back then no school could justify that extra expense, ergo the plain classic grey.
Sometimes the logo which says the most is no logo at all.
So here's to the functional simplicity and classic style of the right sweatshirt.
Last edited by Russell_Street (2008-09-10 06:16:14)
^ What I really like here is that familiar experience of The Quest to find that perfect item.
Great post, Matt.
Best -
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=47449&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&from=SR&feat=sr
Just curious how this stacks up. Maybe I will have to try one, although it is probably lighter weight than the sweatshirt. Intrigued by the cotton/ wool blend...
Chums,
What say you on this??
http://www.landsend.com/pp/CottonCashmereSweatshirtSweater~173436_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::GRH&CM_MERCH=SRCH_00001&origin=search
With the exception of the logo on the left sleeve, the Champion sweatshirt has long been a favorite.
http://www.championusa.com/Champion/Products/Men-Champion/Men_ShopByCategory-Champion/Men_Sweats-Champion/CS1049.aspx
Last edited by Alex Roest (2008-09-14 10:47:41)
And there's another thread - "False Purism".
Good comment.
There was a time when the NCAA, NFL, MLB, ad nauseam, prohibited those logos. The Champion sweatshirt is easily identified by its side panels.
If my memory is correct, Champion sold directly to schools only up until the late 80's.
Should you procure one, you would probably appreciate the hefty fabric.
On a cool autumn weekend, there's nothing better than pairing one of these with jeans or beat up chinos. Bean blucher mocs or Converse high tops complete the look.
re: false purism. Maybe you have a point there. It'd certainly be a fun argument. But I've got to side with ol' Farrago on this one. And I just don't care for the label. Discreet or otherwise.
Last edited by Russell_Street (2008-09-15 03:49:48)
:-) Now that is ticklish, thecubicrube. May I ask ask you how long it took you to search for those, or are they a winning bid of yours!
Jim, last years plain 6876 blinds any sweatshirt currently out there. Arrrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh, you've had me away!!!!!!!!
Last edited by the style councillor (2008-09-15 04:10:19)
Last edited by Alex Roest (2008-09-15 05:23:35)
A nice thing to throw into the mix here might be the trademark that isn't a logo:
The J. Press Flap-Pocket or the Shaggy Dog?
The old Brooks shoulder which Press has never quite replicated?
There are (kinda) logos without them being logos out there, no?
Best -
An indiscrete logo on the sleeve, as opposed to the Swoosh or "AIG" in 6" letters on the front of a shirt. Horribile visu!
I should point out that the Champion logo on the left sleeve is glued on and, with a bit of effort, can be removed.
As Horace pointed out, the "Reverse Weave" sweatshirts once sold at a premium, around $40 each in the 1980s. And if my fuzzy memory is correct, Lands End may have sold Champion sweats back then.
BTW, I am not a logophile by any means.
Can anyone speak to the sizing of the LLbean sweatshirt? Looking to order one for myself--40 reg. jacket, around 6 ft. not too heavy...medium or large? I wear a medium J.Crew shetland, medium at brooks, but a "42" shetland from Cable Car...any suggestions?
For those with a C&A nearby, plain grey (few other basic colours like navy too, but I only have eyes for grey) sweats on the racks now for the price of about 3 packs of cigs. No visible branding, close fit.