Following the t-shirt, Hast continues its journey through iconic wardrobe pieces and invites you to trace the rise of another timeless classic (and by no means the least): the sweatshirt. Pronounced "sweat" rather than "sweet", it has become an essential staple of the masculine wardrobe. While you might not imagine spending a weekend or going for a run without it today, the sweatshirt took its time to become a fashion phenomenon. But do you know the story behind this iconic piece?
The birth of the sweatshirt
Hailing straight from America, the sweatshirt first appeared in the 1920s to solve a problem faced by young athletes on US college campuses. To train, they wore heavy virgin wool sweaters that made them extremely hot and irritated their skin.
Difficult to train in such conditions? That was the opinion of Benjamin Russell Jr., an Alabama team player who, tired of sweating in his jumper, asked his father, a textile manufacturer, to create a new sportswear outfit for him. Quick as a flash, Benjamin Russell, head of the Russell Manufacturing Company, had the idea of making a collarless top in cotton jersey: the "sweatshirt". The literal translation of "shirt for sweating". Now you see why.
In the beginning was fleece
Meanwhile, the Knickerbocker Knitting Company, also known as Champion, developed a new fabric: a fleece known as reverse weave. The knitwear is no longer cut on the cross-grain but vertically, making it stretchier and far more resistant to shrinkage in the wash. Quite handy for athletes…
While Benjamin Russell may well have designed the sweatshirt, Champion truly revolutionised its fabric. A winning formula. A legend was born.
A unique craftsmanship (marl)
Champion, whose history is intimately linked with that of the sweatshirt, launched its first jumper with a hood—the hoodie—in 1934. Then, in the 1950s, the market took off thanks to Russell Athletic. The brand had the idea of blending different yarn colours into the fabric weave, creating a look that is now ubiquitous: the marl finish.
Later on, Champion (them again) introduced customisation to the sweatshirt using flock printing. A hit first among students proudly sporting their university colours, the trend soon swept the entire globe. The sweatshirt became a means of self-expression and belonging. Through a logo or a slogan, one could assert their tastes and ideas.
The rise of the sweatshirt
Once the manufacturing process was mastered, things moved swiftly. A fresh craze emerged in the 1980s with the rise of fitness culture and the pursuit of athletic performance. On the silver screen, iconic figures sported these new garments. Sylvester Stallone comes to mind in Rocky IV wearing a white Hugo Boss sweatshirt, as does Jennifer Beals in Flashdance. The mood of the era embraced bold expression, with vibrant, almost neon colours, off-the-shoulder cuts, and kitsch patterns.
Finally, in the 1990s, hip-hop culture embraced the trend for good, turning the sweatshirt into the movement’s signature uniform. Dr Dre, Biggie, Coolio, and Eminem were seen sporting XXL hoodies and sweatpants, creating a fresh, authentic street style.
Too much sweatshirt kills the sweatshirt?
It is easy to see how the sweatshirt evolved in just a few years from a simple athletic top into a true fashion piece, embraced by the music scene and renowned designers alike. With its sheer simplicity of production, endless customisation options, timeless design, and comfortable feel, it became a brand favourite and a staple across collections. It became so widespread that fast-fashion brands began mass-producing it to the point of consumer fatigue. Reinvented in every shape, it shifts its look to suit every mood: crew neck, raglan sleeves, hooded, or with kangaroo pockets, all in contemporary shades. Does this mean the end of the sweat? Of course not. It remains a cornerstone of the masculine wardrobe, to be chosen with care and a close eye on craftsmanship.
The sweatshirt by Hast
Hast is now embarking on its own sweatshirt journey, taking it to a whole new level: that of a comfortable, premium, and responsible jumper. When it comes to choosing rare fabrics in this market, we encourage our customers to be discerning. Our two sweatshirts are crafted from a fine unbrushed fleece in organic cotton and hemp. Two fibres that offer the same lightweight comfort as the fabrics used throughout the sweatshirt's long history. A responsible choice.
We have chosen to offer two heathered shades, ecru and blue. Impeccably styled, they pair just as easily with a formal look, over a large-collar shirt for instance, as with a more casual outfit worn simply over a t-shirt. Our sweatshirts are thus the perfect bridge between the formal and casual worlds—a duality so dear to us at Hast.
This summer, you will not only be dressed with style and responsibility, but you will also be the most knowledgeable, ready to share fascinating insights into the history of the sweatshirt between dips in the pool or over drinks.
