MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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Fed up of buying sweatshirts that fall out of shape and look shonky after not much wear, so looking for some better quality options.
Plain-ish would be good, but don't mind the odd logo. Don't mind spending some money on them if I know they'll last.
Friends swear by Colorful Standard. They're quite plain and (honestly) seem a bit pricy for what they are, but I've no complaints so far
I got some Rapanui organic cotton t shirts for work and they feel really nice and no complaints so far. They also do sweatshirts.
I've had some from Kaft and Rapanui over the last few years - both seem well made and last pretty well, over a couple of slightly different price points. Kaft currently do a second item half price thing, and Rapanui do a cheaper twin pack bundle for the waffle knit jumpers I have
I have 3 sweatshirts, an Analog one that is/was a sub of Burton snowboards (not sure if they still exist) its probably 18 years old and still looks great, a Carhartt one thats about 10 years old and is fraying at the cuffs but otherwise great, shape and colour wise, and a Vans one that is only a year old and is nice.
I say buy them from companies that expect them to get a bit battered and they'll be ok.
I like the Sutsu sweatshirts and they are supposedly organic and recycled or something but I have a few and they seem durable with lots of different designs.
https://sutsu.com/collections/organic-sweatshirts
Community Clothing are worth a look - all made in the UK
I also like the terribly named Yes Friends who are tiny company so only do a small range, but they are very strong on ethical/sustainability issues
Haven't tried their sweats, but the t-shirt quality from Passenger is high. Note to take is that their sizing is generous (I'm a medium in their T's with space, but a large/xl in many other brands).
PS by Paul Smith - more spendy, but very good quality, hold shape and colour well. Look out for sales as can be had for up to 50% off RRP if you're lucky (I've also sourced a couple from Vinted).
Carhartt - plenty of colours, simple branding.
I have a few from Spoke & Solace (they used to be called Spokeshirts) and find them good quality. Especially the embroidered designs. There are some understated ones amongst the bolder designs.
https://spokeandsolace.com/collections/sweatshirts
Burton snowboards (not sure if they still exist) its probably 18 years old and still looks great, a Carhartt one thats about 10 years old
I'm impressed you are allowed to keep them that long 😉
Finisterre is my favourite.
Howies one coming up for 10 years old has also been fab.
Finisterre Coho
I bought a wool jumper from Benetton last year, they also do merino wool sweaters.
The sizing is on the small size so check first. Lots of colours.
Finisterre and Carhartt are my choices
Howies are having a sale at the moment and another Community clothing recommendation
Recent Howies stuff I've bought doesn't seem to be the quality of old. That's only based on polo shirts which seems flimsy, maybe they're meant to be 'light'.
I would have said Fat Face but they were bought by Next and the quality might also go down hill.
The best sweat/hoody I have is a five year old Patagonia which I've work loads and still going strong in good shape
Currently wearing a Patagonia sweatshirt that has been worn and washed most weeks since 2017. Still in more or less perfect nick.
Second Yes Friends. Sat in one of their hoodies right now. It's like a hooded hug.
Any charity shop. Just saying 🙂
Carhartt (not Carhartt WIP) - my boys and I have had their medium weight (hooded) sweatshirts since 2022 and they have been great. Thick (despite being only medium weight), warm and have kept their shape perfectly.
They do come up big though, I am a L/XL in most brands and L is on the big side. I could probably wear a medium.
I get my carhartt stuff from here: https://ruffntuffclothing.co.uk/original-carhartt-for-men/carhartt-sweatshirts
I'm impressed you are allowed to keep them that long
I’ve got a few sweatshirts that are older than that, and a lot of tee shirts that are a lot older, that I wear regularly, some have tour dates from the 90’s! The only sweatshirts I wear regularly are hoodies, so generally fairly generous when it comes to the size, the one I bought at the Tool gig at the O2 is the only one I wear much now.
I much prefer fleeces these days, I stopped buying sweatshirts when fleeces became popular, they’re so much easier to look after, wash them, hang them out and they’re dry almost immediately.
Good shout BillOddie.
I have had a Carhartt hoodie (bright yellow) since around 2008 and it still looks new.
Of course, quality may have changed in that time, but I'd certainly be willing to try them again.
I've got a Heb Tro co cotton pullover and it's a TANK, UK made and easily twice the weight of my Carharrt Force workwear jobbie.
No the most 'athletic' but in terms of durabilty it's looking good so far.
Not cheap obvs.
Howies still make some good stuff, just bought a set of their lined toasty chinos and they're lovely. Not as OTT nice as Hiut or Heb Tro but not at the same price point either.
Nice that Ruffntuffclothing site. Birthday pressie for partner sorted 👍