THE JOURNAL
Menswear is in constant flux. So much so that something considered a fashion faux pas years ago – wearing sweats out of the gym – has now become customary for most of us. Encouraged, even, by societal circumstances and a host of designer brands that have made comfortable staples such as hoodies, sweatpants and crew necks a mainstay in their collections.
We’re talking about the likes of Americana-inspired CHERRY LOS ANGELES, TOM FORD’s elevated loungewear (made only from the finest materials) or cult favourite Stone Island’s separates. The list could go on, but instead, we’ve picked seven of our favourites sweats for spring – and some of the best pieces to wear them with.
01. The CHERRY LOS ANGELES fleece
CHERRY LOS ANGELES takes design cues from 1990s Americana. And this retro sportswear-inspired half-zip fleece is no exception. It’s emblazoned with the brand’s “Cherry Adventure Team” emblem and dyed the season’s most ubiquitous shade – “cherry” red.
Wear it with
02. The TOM FORD zip-up hoodie
TOM FORD’s loungewear feels as refined as the brand’s impeccably crafted tailoring. Take this hoodie – it’s backed in soft fleece and garment-dyed for softness and colour retention. The versatile khaki shade is guaranteed to work double time in your casual wardrobe.
Wear it with
03. The Fear of God track jacket
Fear of God’s collections are packed with retro sportswear influences, but the brand’s sweats feel as elevated and contemporary as ever. This track zip-up is the kind of staple you can layer or wear in place of a lightweight jacket. It’s made from substantial neoprene and ribbed at the cuffs to add a little structure.
Wear it with
04. The John Elliott hoodie
John Elliott’s minimalist leisurewear can be effortlessly dressed up with jeans, or even a pair of tailored trousers and loafers. This Studio hoodie is a case in point. It’s designed to be slightly cropped, with a lower neckline and elongated sleeves. Stock up on the neutrals and pair yours with a darker layer to make the beige pop.
Wear it with
05. The Gallery Dept. shorts
Art and fashion are so intertwined in Gallery Dept.’s practice that most of the American luxury brand’s collection feature paint-splattered pieces, such as these Insomnia shorts. They have a flexible elasticated waistband and raw hems that enhance the DIY, broken-in feel.
Wear it with
06. The AMIRI sweatpants
Back in the 1990s, it wouldn’t be unusual to walk through Venice Beach and spot people wearing a velour tracksuit. Inspired by that same Californian laid-back spirit, AMIRI has brought back the retro staple with this pair of sweatpants. They’re updated in crushed velvet with contrasting white piping and toggles at the cuffs for easy adjustments.
Wear it with
07. The Stone Island crew neck
Few sweatshirts make a better investment than Stone Island’s crew neck. The brand’s pioneering textile research and development allowed it to develop more than 60,000 recipes for dyes, including the garment dye that this black sweatshirt has been treated with. It’s ribbed at the neck, hem and cuffs for a little structure and finished with the label’s sought-after badge.