Understanding the nuances between different types of clothing can significantly enhance your wardrobe's versatility. Two staples that often find their way into discussions and closets alike are sweatshirts and long sleeve t-shirts. While they may seem similar at first glance, each serves the wearer uniquely. As a sustainable fashion brand, we're here to guide you through the differences and uses of these garments, helping you find the ideal garment for whatever you’re up to.
The Sweatshirt: Comfort, Warmth, and Versatility
Originating as an athletic wear essential, the sweatshirt has gone beyond its gym-bound beginnings to become a staple in casual and even semi-formal wardrobes. Traditionally made from heavy cotton, fleece, or a blend, sweatshirts are designed to provide warmth and comfort. The thicker fabric not only retains heat but also makes the sweatshirt durable and long-lasting, aligning neatly with sustainable fashion principles.
100% organic cotton sweatshirt
Uses of Sweatshirts
Sweatshirts are super versatile, making them a must-have in any eco-conscious wardrobe:
- Layering: In colder months, a sweatshirt can be layered over a t-shirt for added warmth.
- Athleisure: For those who prefer a sporty style, sweatshirts are perfect for creating a chic, athletic-inspired ensemble. This works quite nicely indeed when you have logos or references to your favourite gym/sports club.
- Casual Outings: Pair a classic sweatshirt with jeans or leggings for a comfortable, laid-back look. This works equally well for meeting friends or a cosy night in.
- Semi-Formal Events: A high-quality, well-fitted sweatshirt can be paired with chinos or a skirt for a smart-casual look. Layering the sweatshirt over a white shirt can enhance the formality of your outfit.
Casual sweatshirt look with a street-wear twist
The Long Sleeve T-Shirt: Lightweight, Layerable, and Year-Round
The long sleeve t-shirt is another versatile piece, offering a lighter alternative to the sweatshirt. Made from materials like GOTS certified organic cotton, our long sleeve t-shirts are perfect for transitional weather and can easily be dressed up or down. Their breathability and lighter weight make them ideal for layering or wearing alone, depending on the season.
100% organic cotton long sleeve t-shirt
Uses of Long Sleeve T-Shirts
Long sleeve t-shirts can adapt to a variety of settings and styles:
- Layering: They serve as an excellent base layer under sweaters, jackets, or sweatshirts without adding bulk. Long sleeves can be a nice advantage over standard t-shirts when you are looking for that extra level of warmth.
- Athleisure: Similar to sweatshirts, a long-sleeve t-shirt with sporty iconography can give an eye-catching athleisure vibe.
- Casual outings: Pairing long sleeve t-shirts underneath short sleeve t-shirts is where they truly come into their own. This works well when you have a plain long sleeve t-shirt and short sleeve t-shirt with some artwork that you want to show off e.g. your favourite band.
- Semi formal outings: It is possible to dress up a long sleeve t-shirt. Wearing it with a structured blazer, formal trousers/skirt and shoes can level up your fit.
Long sleeve t-shirt to layer and match colours
Sweatshirts vs. Long Sleeve T-shirts: Key Differences
While both garments are staples in most wardrobe, there are key differences to consider:
- Material: Sweatshirts are generally made from thicker, warmer materials like fleece or heavy cotton, while long sleeve t-shirts are lighter and made from softer, more breathable cotton.
- GSM: Standing for ‘grams per square metre’, this is a fancy way of talking about a garment’s thickness. Long sleeve t-shirts are almost always of lower GSM than sweatshirts. Our long sleeve t-shirts are of 155 GSM whereas our sweatshirts are of 300 GSM: worth knowing when you are deciding between pairing options.
- Warmth: Sweatshirts offer more insulation, making them suitable for colder conditions, whereas long sleeve t-shirts are better for mild to warm weather. You could even wear them together
- Style: Both garments can be adapted into a range of settings across the casual-formal spectrum. You’d be hard pressed to find examples of these items making it to fully formal settings but smart-casual isn’t out of the question.
Sweatshirts and long sleeve t-shirts at POMP
Here at Pomp, we offer both sweatshirts and long sleeve t-shirts made from GOTS certified organic cotton. Our focus is on timeless organic basics in a range of lovely colours. For example, we have the standard basics of black and white, earthy colours like oat and chocolate as well as brighter colours like cherry and seagrass green.
If you’re especially focused on finding garments that align with sustainability and circular principles, you may be interested in our sustainable essential sweatshirt. This is a 300 GSM sweatshirt made from 50% post-consumer recycled organic cotton and 50% virgin organic cotton. Not only does it already include recycled materials but it can be recycled again: just follow the instructions you’re guided to by the QR code on the care label.
50% virgin organic cotton / 50% recycled organic cotton sweatshirt
Conclusion
Being wise about the differences between sweatshirts and long sleeve t-shirts allows you to build a versatile, sustainable wardrobe that covers more seasons and occasions. And by opting for sustainable and organic materials, you can enjoy fashion in a way that feels good and benefits the planet. Remember, sustainable fashion is not just about the clothes we wear but also about how we choose, use, and care for them. Quality counts!
