Stay cool and comfortable in the best sweatshirts to buy now
It’s time to take your loungewear game up a level
Words: Zoe Dickens
It’s been a full three weeks since you’ve had to comply with an office dress code – and it looks more than likely that it will be a while yet before you’re forced back into your tie. And, while you may have tried to keep your work from home style formal at first, we’re willing to bet the temptation of your well-worn loungewear won out eventually.
We’re not judging – it’s natural. After all, it’s not like anyone is going to see you, is it? However, if your favourite loungewear happens to consist of an ancient pair of tracksuit bottoms and that Leavers ’08 hoodie that normally only comes out during the most vicious of hangovers, it may be time to have a rethink.
Because comfort doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Just take a look at Steve McQueen above, rocking a classic blue sweatshirt in all his King of Cool glory. Of course, the motorbike helps but a well made sweatshirt is a good start – and we guarantee that looking good will help you feel more productive and positive as well. Here are some of the best sweatshirts for men that are comfortable enough for lockdown and cool enough to wear when this is all over…
Keep it classic
It may seem extravagant to spend north of £100 on a basic sweatshirt but, as any well dressed gent knows, a good wardrobe is underpinned by well-made essentials – and our selection are world’s apart from the fast fashion offerings currently lurking on your shelves. Ralph Lauren, for example, has opted for a super-soft and lightweight French terry fabric for its timeless grey sweatshirt, meaning it feels like an old friend from the first wear. Frescobol Carioca, meanwhile, utilises organic cotton in its highly versatile take on the style while Tommy Hilfiger offers a textured version with a ribbed neckline and cuffs for a more formal feel.
Go bright with a block colour
Chances are you’ll wear your sweatshirt with jeans or chinos once you’re finally allowed back out of the house, so it’s the perfect item to bring a bit of colour into your wardrobe. If patterns and prints aren’t really your thing, choose a bold block colour in a summery hue. A.P.C.’s pastel offering has summer in the South of France written all over it while Sunspel’s signature towelling sweatshirt promises jewel tones in the cosiest of fabrics (and it’s ideal for when you can hit the beach again). For something a little sportier, look to Fred Perry and its tennis court-ready forest green option.
Turn heads in a graphic print
There aren’t too many places you can get away with big images or bold wording in your wardrobe but a sweatshirt is one of them. Stay away from designer logos and photographic prints in favour of vintage-style graphics and more subtle embellishment. If you’re just dipping your toe into the trend Rag & Bone’s understated floral sweatshirt is merely your basic navy sweater with added interest while Palm Angels’ grey on black design exudes a nonchalant charm. Holiday Boileau’s Arc sweatshirt, meanwhile, is bursting with 80s nostalgia and will look great with dark denim.
Pull on a pattern
There’s something about the sporty casualness of a sweatshirt that makes it the perfect vessel for a print. For the more sartorially cautious Paul Smith’s complementary blue stripes – inspired by the belt of a kimono and crafted in fine loopback cotton – make a great starter piece while Stone Island puts a colourful modern spin on traditional camouflage with its cotton-jersey sweatshirt. If you’re willing to really go for it, however, Wacko Maria’s knitted tiger-print sweatshirt is guaranteed to turn heads for all the right reasons.
Your work-from-home wardrobe needs a pair of formal drawstring trousers…
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