Fall brings crisp air, apple cider donuts, Halloween, football (both varieties), and back-to-school, but for me, the best part of the season is wearing a sweatshirt again. As nice as it is to soak in the sun all summer, there’s a different kind of warmth that comes from donning more layers to keep yourself cozy in the crisp air. It’s a shame the fun ends during school, but on the ride in, or down by the Jordan, the sweatshirt still prevails. Comfort and weight come first in the discussion of a sweatshirt’s greatness, but storage space is less appreciated. A built-in handwarmer with space for a phone, wallet, keys, or even an extra pair of socks adds loads of value to an outfit.
A sweatshirt is really an all-around player. It accompanies one in whatever fall activity they choose to endure. The article of clothing provides top-end mobility while also providing a suitable climate for any pursuit. The range of sweatshirts, from hooded to unhooded, with zippers or without, and in different thicknesses, all contribute to the astounding versatility of the garment. Some hoodies are suited to a 70-degree day, made of a thin, athletic material. Conversely, nothing beats a bulky, cozy crewneck you can hide in during the colder days. You can truly wear them anytime, anywhere.
There’s also something to be said about the sentimental value of a sweatshirt. Whether it’s the one you throw on before heading out the door, the one that stays in your backpack just in case, or the one that has survived countless washes and still somehow remains your favorite, each sweatshirt has its own place in the rotation. Maybe one was a gift from your parents, another was a hand-me-down from your favorite cousin, or maybe it just has your high school’s logo on it. No matter what the hoodie is, its stains, tears, and consistent smell remind you of a person, place, or memory, and there is something sacred in that. I even asked one Form V student if they had a specific sweatshirt that meant something to them. “Yeah, I do actually. I have this Belmont Hill crewneck that’s kind of like a comfort wear for me. I connect it to good memories, and I love to wear it out.” Yes, they keep you warm, but it also seems like they do something for your feelings, too.
It’s important to consider other options, as well. Especially in New England, the cold throws the possibility of a t-shirt out the window. Similarly, a long-sleeved shirt might keep your forearms warmer, but it doesn’t provide enough substance to heat your core. A jacket is either too bothersome to carry, limits mobility, is too warm, or just doesn’t fit the mood. The hoodie is perfect – it’s not too formal, allows fluid mobility, and is just right for keeping you warm.
The moment that really sets the sweatshirt apart for me, compared to the rest of the fall treats, is the first wear of the season. Goosebumps start to encroach on your arms; maybe you’re leaving for the warmth of a shower or just getting out of bed a little earlier than you’d prefer; it’s the discomfort that ultimately heightens the moment’s grandeur. A t-shirt is out of the question, a jacket would seem out of place, and long-sleeve isn’t going to cut it: there’s really only one thing to turn to. So, you open the drawer for the first time since April, and your favorite hoodie is sitting at the top of the pile. It’s a glorious reunion as the cloth embraces your skin, the greatest single activity of the fall.
