A couple of years ago my brother bought me a California Fleece Raglan sweatshirt from American Apparel. Wow. It was amazing – super soft, beautiful shade of blue, long, long sleeves – just the best thing. I wore it almost all winter. Unfortunately it didn’t survive multiple run-ins with my Proactiv. By the end of the winter it had bleach stains all over it. But, I kept it. Figured I could use it for painting or something.
So, I bought another one – exact same shade, exact same size, exact same cozy softness.
It, too, did not survive the Proactiv. To my credit, I didn’t immediately realize that it was the cleanser bleaching my beloved sweatshirt; otherwise, I would have been more cautious about wearing it while washing my face. The thing is, it’s too wickedly comfy, and I don’t want to take it off.
I tried to table sweatshirt number two, relegate it to the “painting” stack. But, I couldn’t. Every time I was chilly, I looked in my closet, and it was there, whispering its sweet nothings in my ear. So, put it on I would – all bleach stained and everything.
I finally took pity on my husband and decided I should stop looking like a gross slob every winter evening. I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist the sweatshirt’s siren call, so I donated it to Goodwill.
It might be rather uncouth to donate bleach-stained clothing to Goodwill, but I loved the sweatshirt too much to simply throw it away. Maybe someone will buy it for $ 0.50 to add to their paint clothes collection.
Since I live in a small city in the Midwest, 2.5 hours from the nearest American Apparel store, I ordered my 3rd installation online. Of course, it was on backorder. Everyone must know how amazing these things are. I had to wait 3 weeks for my new, baby blue sweatshirt, but it is so worth it. It’s buttery soft, lean and long, with considerate non-binding cuffs around the wrists and bottom. This one I’ll keep far away from cleansing products and maybe even our washing machine. I’m pretty sure it’s from the 194os and knows not the meaning of “gentle.”
I also have the California Fleece Zip Hoody in 3 colors. It also fits nice and lean. I must say, though, that boy does it SHRINK – each and every time it’s washed. I might have to get a XL next time. I don’t put them in the dryer anymore; I just hang dry them. It keeps the fit a little looser, but you pay for that with crunchiness.
So, if you’re looking for a spiffy, comfortable sweatshirt that’s not emblazoned with a sports logo, check out American Apparel. You won’t be sorry.