I’ve rediscovered sweatshirts lately. Moreso than the usual seasonal turnover in wardrobe. I actually found an old one, Discus brand, tucked away in one of my parents’ closets. It was lying beneath some ugly sweater contenders and above some ill-fitting pants. But it was still sized for immediate manly adornment, at a large, and was the most socially-acceptable color known to clothing, black.
Sweats seem to have faded from pop existence altogether. How often do you see someone in a sweatshirt, or forbiddingly in sweatpants? Even in an appropriate setting like a gym or a Pumpkin Chunkin contest they’re hard to come by. They seem to have been replaced by the tougher, sleeker Under Armor, alternatives. Or by sophisticated wind breakers, hipster hoodies, or long-sleeve T-shirts. Sweats are certainly representative of older generation. From when Rocky charged up the steps of (fill in the blank) in Philly to when the bad-ass artists, martial variety, cut off their sleeves in an intimidating manner despite already wearing the diminutive title of Karate Kids (80’s version, it sucks that that has be clarified).
Much like a nice fleece or cozy pajamas, sweats represent an excellent combination of comfort and flexibility. However, unlike the previous two, sweats add an industrious component. This makes them extremely useful for multiple applications ranging from lounging inside to working outside. Plus the sleeves are easily displaced providing enhanced temperature control without disrobing. Try rolling up the sleeves of a skin-tight Under Armor. Not only will you look ridiculous but you could risk serious loss of blood circulation.
I doubt that sweats have completely disappeared from the social scene. I bet if I strolled through the neighborhood Walmart I would catch an ill-fitting pair of B.U.M.’s clinging to more than an XL bum. But then you can catch folks in Walmart clad in anything legal, and judge accordingly, as at least one popular website evidences. There’s probably still a market in the college business, too, drunken co-eds or their fashionably inept family members electing to patronize the university with any promotional gear they can find. But outside these inversely proportional domains, the normal go-to, soft yet tough, non-descript insulating force seems to have largely faded from the limelight.
Which is fine by me. The old-school sweatshirt may have simply recessed into indie cult favor. As evidenced by Charlie’s character on Sunny in Philly. Or Brett on Conchords. Maybe my proud display at Panera’s will further facilitate this popular movement. If not, I’ll just rest (and work) comfortably in my ignorance, along with the other freaks and geeks out there.
