Staple Series: Part One
The faded red sweat
Photo Credit: Chris Walker
Sweatshirts are a subcategory of vintage workwear that bears in the community, pardon the pun, weight. Those from the 1960’s & earlier can be as hefty in the price tag as they are in character & style. In recent years though, vintage sweatshirts have gained popularity and in particular, the old red sweat. From markets filled with resellers adorning their favorite thrashed fader to Kendrick Lamar wearing a vintage cherry sweat on stage during his “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends” concert at the Kia Arena in his hometown Inglewood, CA last summer. It is undeniable, this cardinal clobber is enjoying its moment.
So, what makes the older red sweats so hot? We asked a few experts to weigh in.
Chris Walker:
Vintage Clothing Collector & Professional Archivist
“The faded red sweatshirt is popular for a ton of reasons but the ultimate one for me is how it looks. Pretty simple and subjective stuff, take it as you will. I could wax poetic about provenance, resilience in the face of time marching past, the arc where the golden past and the golden sun kiss, but honestly, it's all about the aesthetic.
Drastic fades, subtle ones, uniform, and ghost fades are all just so beautiful to me - they tickle my eyes. The peaches, pinks, and dusty rose colors you get from sun-faded red fabric can't be beaten and seem to match anything you throw at them. Maybe on a deeper level, it speaks to a desire to find beauty where others won't.”
@dads_style
Dani Ortiz :
Silversmith, Jewelry Maker, & Vintage Enthusiast
@sage_silver
“…humans are evolutionarily designed to be attracted to red. The color subconsciously signals attractiveness & potential reproductive health… is a symbol of health & fertility.”
“Over time, the red fades to such a unique, beautiful color. In my work, I use vintage pool balls and red tones are some of my favorites to work with. Other than Levi’s, a white tee, & maybe Chuck Taylor All Stars, a red sweatshirt would be the next on my list of iconic vintage.”
Samual Ward:
Owner of Vertical Archives
@vertical.archives
“The most common being gray, white, blue and red. The gray and white tend to hold their same color over time, while the dye in the blue and red tended to fade and change color through wash cycles and sun exposure. As an old red hoodie fades, it eventually will transition to a salmon/pink color due to the all cotton fabric. Since this is a process that can only be replicated through wear and time, many sweatshirt dealers and collectors hold these at a higher regard. Similar to the “whiskers” on old Levi’s, or the tattering on old Carhartt; the right type of wear will actually attract its next owner while showcasing a bit of American history.”
“… cotton sweatshirts, in the grand scheme of clothing, are a newer garment. Early designs are somewhat obtainable and have become very popular with clothing collectors worldwide. The more unique and obscure the design, generally the more desirable. But with some collectors, it’s all about the way you can piece the sweatshirt into an outfit. And in my opinion, nothing beats the fading of an old cotton hoodie.
Generally, there were very few dye colors that were used on sweatshirts from the 1960s and earlier.”
“…nothing beats the fading of an old cotton hoodie.”
- Samual Ward @vertical.archives
Emanual Edwards:
Owner of Chicago Based, The Goody Vault
@thegoodyvault
… Red is my favorite color but the popular faded red hoodie doesn’t excite me. Once everyone is hyping up a specific item I personally tend to shy away from it. There are so many items, hoodies and garments, that have the same allure once they’re faded and aged. I wish I knew where the hype of the red hoodie started…”