The Thermal Pullover Everyone I Know Keeps Trying to Steal
SHOP $100, standardissuetees.com
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I have a problem. Okay, that's not exactly true. Realistically, I have way more than just one problem. But in this context, at this moment, I have one specific problem: Everyone keeps trying to steal my sweater. It's a super-heavyweight pullover by Standard Issue that's cut from garment-dyed 24oz. cotton, feels perfectly lived-in, and is made right here in the States (in Vernon, CA, specifically).
Also, I lied. Because while I'd like to pretend that I don't love that my wife wants to swipe it, and coworkers and friends have threatened to do the same, I understand the impulse. And I kind of appreciate it. Because the fact of the matter is, this thing is probably worth a little small-scale pilfering. Here's why.
It's ridiculously comfortable.
I still have remarkably vivid flashbacks to my childhood experiences with heavy, wooly sweaters. You know, the kind that pinch at the neck and scratch everywhere. This is not that kind of sweater. In fact, it's not really a sweater at all. It is, in the most technical of senses, a "thermal pullover." But people don't talk that way, and that's not the point, either. The point is: This thing is comfy. The waffle-knit cotton is heavy, but not too heavy. It keeps you warm but stays breathable. And the fabric hangs in just the right way to keep you feeling cozy but not constricted.
SHOP $100, standardissuetees.com
It's pretty damn cool looking.
One thing about thermals: They just plain look cool. Maybe it's the utilitarian nature of the fabric itself, harkening back to the idea of appropriating serious, purpose-built clothing for more casual endeavors. Maybe it's the artfully undone raw edge at the bottom hem. Maybe it's just the fact that everyone-everyone who's sane, at least-likes waffles. (It's probably not that last one.) But this pullover has a kind of versatile, easygoing vibe to it that goes with everything from a denim jacket to a tailored topcoat.
It's not even close to standard.
There are a lot of thermals out there if you go looking. But here are two quick things to consider. First off, you do have to go looking. Because a good thermal isn't like a good crewneck sweater or hooded sweatshirt. It's not a completely rare beast, but you don't see it everywhere. And this one is different. From the weight of it to the careful details to the made-in-the-USA pedigree, it's got just enough to set it apart from the pack. It's familiar, but still special. Hard to beat that.
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