What makes the “perfect” sweatshirt? I think I may be able to accurately answer this question after years of buying them, wearing them, giving them away, and buying some more. I hope that this is able to help you more easily pine through the thrift store racks in your search for the “perfect” sweatshirt.
Here’s the checklist:
- Neutral color
- Gray, white, brown, or black
- High neckline
- But not too high that it chokes you
- Typically a crewneck (They’re the easiest to layer)
- No sinched or elastic waistband
- Goes over your butt or hips slightly
- Not too thick that it suffocates you with its weight
- Not so thin that it feels like you’re naked
- Big enough to fit your arms inside of if you’re cold
- Not too big to take away your body shape completely
- Can be worn with a variety of pants
- Like leggings, jeans, sweatpants, and shorts
Plus, there’s always bonus points if it’s a college sweatshirt and worn in just-right. However, there are still some other things that you have to consider when going through the checklist that I haven’t already mentioned. For one, holes and stains are normally not great and will worsen with time so make sure to try and avoid those. Additionally, if you’re buying from a thrift store all of this is null if you do not wash it immediately when you get home (do not get a skin infection because of impatience – wash before you wear). I can almost guarantee that if this list is followed (for the most part at least) that you will wear that sweatshirt for days straight after you buy it. The last, and most important thing, is to look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Will it be kept long enough for my kids to call it vintage?”. If the answer is yes, then you have acquired one of the many “perfect” sweatshirts out there.