Video: 4 Things to Nail the Vintage Grey Crewneck Sweatshirt Look

The perfect grey crewneck sweatshirt has the idealized classic style of a faded pocket t-shirt. It harkens back to gritty boxers and ball players from decades ago while also feeling modern. Effortlessly minimalist but filled with intention.

The trouble is, you can’t just pick up any grey sweatshirt and call it a day. I’ve been on the hunt for years and have been through two others that just didn't give me everything I wanted.

@primermagazine

Fall Style: The vintage-inspired grey crewmeck sweatshirt #fashion #ootd #mensfashion #mensfashiontips #mensstyle

♬ original sound – Andrew

There are 4 things that, in my opinion, make up the unicorn vintage-inspired crewneck sweatshirt:

  1. It’s soft, drapes, and has a well-worn marled texture
  2. Raglan sleeves that connect at the neck instead of the shoulder for that chest-framing throwback feel
  3. It has that decorative V just below the neck that screams “This ain’t a sweater!” to those in the back
  4. The bottom hem isn’t elastic to avoid the unavoidable muffin top common to most fleece crewnecks

Much like “cheap, fast, or done right” I’ve rarely, if ever, found one that hit all of them that wasn’t also $200 from Todd Snyder. I was pleasantly surprised to find one at J.Crew prices recently and nabbed it in a heartbeat. This made me especially happy because I previously had a grey J.Crew sweatshirt (sans raglan) made of a traditional loopback French Terry cloth but the damn thing didn’t drape AND the bottom hem was such a thick elastic, it ballooned immediately after tugging it down.

grey sweatshirt with v and raglan sleeves from J.Crew

The grey crewneck sweatshirt is a smart and easy layer to wear. Thanks to the V, vintage texture, and raglan sleeves, it adds a dash of casual to whatever you pair it with. So if you want to dress down a button up shirt, throw one of these on instead of a V-neck sweater. Of course, it also looks right at home with a pair of jeans and sneakers. Or a trucker and chunky chelseas. Or these 5 outfits. Hell, if you’re so inclined you could, you know, actually do some boxing in it.

Pick one up at J.Crew

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Andrew Snavely

Andrew founded Primer in 2008 and brings 15+ years of men's style expertise. Known for his practical, relatable approach to style and self-development, he has been a recognized speaker at conferences and has styled work for top brands. Off-duty, he loves photography & editing, and enjoys road trips with his dog, Leela. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, educated in DC, and living in LA for nearly 20 years, Andrew's diverse experiences shape the relatable and real-world advice that has helped millions through Primer. On Instagram: @andrewsnavely and @primermagazine.