Sweatshirts

Sweatshirts have a history rooted in practicality and comfort. In the 1920s, football players at American universities began wearing knitted jerseys to keep themselves warm on the field. These early versions were not too dissimilar from today’s sweatshirts, featuring long sleeves and a crew neck. The popularity of sweatshirts grew in the 1930s when companies like Champion started manufacturing them for athletes and labourers alike. The United States military also adopted sweatshirts during World War II as part of their official uniform, further solidifying the garment’s status. Read more

The 1960s saw a shift in the sweatshirt’s perception, as it transitioned from a purely functional item to a fashionable one. The iconic grey sweatshirt became a symbol of rebellion, associated with youth culture and activism. In subsequent decades, sweatshirts became synonymous with comfort and American casual style, breaking free from their athletic and utilitarian origins.

With the advent of Amekaji style in the 1960s, the Japanese market opened up to American casual staples like the sweatshirt and by the latter part of the century, Japanese brands were creating their own versions to an incredibly high standard. Using vintage loopwheel machines and the skill of the local textile industries, the sweatshirts produced by Japanese brands are revered for their softness, fit and longevity.