ShareThisBy LEIGH GROGAN
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Q: Whatever happened to the ordinary sweatshirt? Nothing elaborate _ no designer names or snowflakes. Each year around this time, the stores used to be full of the ordinary style, in all colors. But I've been seeing poor quality _ sleeves too long and the body of the shirts too tight. This year, they have disappeared altogether. Where can I find this style of sweatshirt before it gets any colder?
A: I, too, prefer plain sweatshirts _ unless there's one from a college team I might be rooting for during a particular season. I'm not sure if you're looking for crewnecks or hoodies (zip front with a hood), so here are some shopping options for both. I selected options that were reasonably priced in case you want to buy several in different colors.
_ J.C. Penney: St. John's Bay does a solid-color fleece crewneck sweatshirt that has no embellishments or funky designs. It comes in nine colors and sells for $12.99 to $14.99. The company also has a fleece zip-front hoodie with cuffed sleeves, also in nine colors, for $14.99 to $17.99.
_ Sears: The Classic Elements crewneck sweatshirt is $11.99 and comes in eight colors.
_ Lands' End: This online and catalog company's Supima fleece weekend V-neck shirt is made of a cotton blend that's really soft. It comes in a classic fit, which is not too tight or too loose. A bonus, which you don't find on most V-neck sweatshirts, is the hand-warmer pockets. The shirt comes in three colors _ black, magenta and steam heather (light tan) _ and three sizes (regular, petite and plus). Prices range from $29.50 to $34.50. You can order at www.landsend.com or call (800) 963-4816.
