sweatshirt

A sweatshirt is a knitted, warm outerwear garment, typically worn for casual or athletic use. Most designs are fleece-lined for insulation and feature long sleeves, a crew neck or hood, and ribbed cuffs and hem. The term originated in the United States in the 1920s, from sweat-related exercise attire, and later came to denote this type of warm knit top regardless of specific style.

Materials and construction: Common fabrics include cotton or cotton-polyester blends; fleece interiors or brushed terry provide insulation, while the outer surface is a smooth knit. Sweatshirts usually have reinforced stitching and ribbed cuffs and waistband to maintain shape, with some versions offering a covered zipper or hood with drawstrings.

Variants and design: The main variants are crewneck sweatshirts, hoodies (with a hood and often a front pocket), and zip-front hooded sweatshirts. Some models are blank for versatility; others display logos or graphics and are common in sports branding and fashion.

Uses and cultural role: Sweatshirts are used for warmth during sport training and leisure; they have become staple casual wear and have a prominent role in streetwear. They are produced by athletic brands and mass-market fashion houses worldwide.

Care and production: Sweatshirts are widely mass-produced, often in Asia, and made in cotton, synthetic blends, or fleece. Care typically involves machine washing in cold water and tumble drying low. Cotton-based fabrics may shrink with heat, so care labels should be followed for longevity. Environmental considerations include cotton farming impacts and dyeing processes.