the perfect, unadorned grey crewneck sweatshirt

[wmmk]

Hey guys,

I've been looking around for a slim heathered grey crewneck sweatshirt (preferably with old-school Ivy/trad type ribbing and that upside-down triangle stitching at the neck) and having a much harder time than I thought I would. L.L. Bean makes one, but its fit is somewhat tent-like. Uniqlo makes one, but it's only available in the UK (if I could get one, I definitely would. Maybe I'll try a proxy). Buzz Rickson and some other Japanese repro brands make them, but they're all insanely expensive ($150 for a sweatshirt--yikes!!). The Michael J. Krell shawl-neck sweatshirt would be perfect if it were a crewneck.

So, are there any other brands to look at where I can a sweatshirt as I described for a reasonable price? If not, what's the best way to go about doing Uniqlo UK proxies?

Thanks much,
wmmk

 

[ToruOkada]

loopwheel ftw

 

[constant struggle]

MJK had a crewneck one.

 

[kiya]

Originally Posted by wmmk

. Buzz Rickson and some other Japanese repro brands make them, but they're all insanely expensive ($50 for a sweatshirt--yikes!!).

Please find me a place selling Buzz Rickson sweatshirts for $50.... I'll buy every one they've got..

 

[wmmk]

Originally Posted by ToruOkada

loopwheel ftw
As I said, while I truly appreciate the attention to quality and detail that goes into Japanese repros, I can't afford that stuff.

Originally Posted by kiya

Please find me a place selling Buzz Rickson sweatshirts for $50.... I'll buy every one they've got..
Sorry, that was a typo on my part. Should've said 150; and I saw them on Rakuten.

Originally Posted by constant struggle

MJK had a crewneck one.
Ah, good to know, I'll have my eyes peeled for one on B&S.

Anyway, any other brands to be on the lookout for?

 

[robin]

It looks like J.Crew might put some out this next year.

 

[robbie]

Hanes + tailor

probably about right

 

[wmmk]

Originally Posted by robin

It looks like J.Crew might put some out this next year.
Interesting. You mean SS09, or FW09?

Originally Posted by robbie

Hanes + tailor the details will be off , but hanes crewneck sweaters are 10$ tops and tailoring shouldn't be terrible shouldn't cost you more than 35$
Interesting option. I suppose the fit might even be better than a RTW sweatshirt. I suppose I could ask the tailor to stitch on the triangle thing at the neck, etc. Other than that, what details would be "off"? And how's the quality/warmth on Hanes? I know it wouldn't be Buzz Rickson, but should it at least be at H&M/Uniqlo level?

 

[mulansauce]

Originally Posted by wmmk

And how's the quality/warmth on Hanes? I know it wouldn't be Buzz Rickson, but should it at least be at H&M/Uniqlo level?

It's Hanes--Buzz Rickson can't compare. They are cotton-rich for breathable comfort, with two-needle topstitching reinforcing all the right places.

 

[robbie]

Hanes or Fruit of the Loom make sweaters with the v-stitching... they are cotton/acrylic blend and not 100% cotton, they are not loopwheeled/reverse woven/what have you... they won't be as soft and might begin to pill with wear but I think will serve your budget restrictions alright.

If you really want a good sweater that will last you and improve with wear save up for one of the repros.

If you are just looking for something to fit into a particular fit, I think taking a couple pictures and a basic sweater to a tailor might be a place to start at least.

robie

 

[bluemagic]

HickeyStyle had what seemed to be a great version, and on clearance for only about $35...but they ruined it with clorox splatters. :\\

 

[mulansauce]

Hickey is good at creating fairly nice clothing and then ruining it with a giant pot leaf or other ridiculous detail.

 

[robbie]

I haven't worn anything from Champion since high school, do they offer anything that doesn't fit like a sail?

I know their stuff is either loopwheeled, or similar... it is just hard to find plain champion sweaters, and the vintage ones on ebay go for $$$

 

[mulansauce]

If you wear a small, you could always travel to the boy's department for something that might fight. Usually the arms and length will be totally off, but sometimes it works. I have a child's sized Champion from when I was in middle school that was big on me then but fits surprisingly nice now. I don't think I have worn it outside the house for a few years though.

 

[robertorex]

i was gonna say buzz rickson/loopwheeler then I read the OP. perfection does not come cheap.