There are few menswear pieces more versatile than the cotton crew neck sweatshirt, especially in the spring months when you want a warm layer that you can style out in a number of different ways. Originally conceived as an athletic garment, the crew neck rose to widespread prominence in the 60s and 70s America thanks to the industrial capacity of brands like Champion, Hanes, and Russell Athletic. Characterized by its rounded neckline and ribbed cuffs and waistband, it became particularly popular due to its versatility and simplicity, it was embraced by everyone from mums to hippies, punks, skaters, and Steve McQueen, who was often photographed in his light grey style and also wore a navy version in the 1963 classic, The Great Escape.
