Why Are Sweatshirts Called Sweatshirts? The Surprising History Behind the Name

We wear them, love them, and live in them — but have you ever stopped to wonder:
Why are sweatshirts called sweatshirts?

At Beyoustyles, we create premium 100% cotton hoodies and sweatshirts that honor the origins of this beloved garment. But let’s take a moment to dive into the surprisingly functional history of the word “sweatshirt” — and why it still fits today.

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🧥 The Origin of Sweatshirts – A Functional Name

The word “sweatshirt” literally comes from “sweat” + “shirt.”
It was originally created in the 1920s for athletes who needed a comfortable, breathable layer during workouts — one that could absorb sweat without irritating the skin.

Before sweatshirts, football players and track runners wore itchy wool uniforms. Then came Benjamin Russell Jr., a football player from Alabama, who worked with his father to create the first sweatshirt using cotton fleece. The idea was simple:

🏈 A shirt made for sweating — a sweatshirt.

It was soft, absorbent, and durable — and it quickly became the go-to warm-up gear for athletes across the USA.

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✅ Why the Name Stuck

Even though most of us now wear sweatshirts for comfort, fashion, or warmth, the name has stuck for almost a century. That’s because:

• Sweatshirts still absorb moisture

• They’re often worn during warmups, workouts, or sports

• The cotton interior helps wick sweat away

• They originated as performance gear before becoming casualwear

And while today’s styles are much more elevated (like Beyoustyles’ handcrafted hoodies), the name is a tribute to the sweat-absorbing purpose they were designed for.

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🧶 What Are Sweatshirts Made Of Now?

While older versions were made from loopback fleece or wool blends, modern sweatshirts — especially high-quality ones — are made from:

• 100% Cotton (like Beyoustyles)

• Cotton-Polyester Blends

• French Terry or Brushed Fleece

👉 Our Hoodies & Sweatshirts are made from pure cotton, designed for breathability, softness, and daily wear.

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👕 What’s the Difference Between a Hoodie and a Sweatshirt?