Northwestern University Sweatshirt: A Legacy of Style and Spirit
The Northwestern University sweatshirt is more than just a piece of clothing; it's a symbol of belonging, a banner of pride, and a tangible connection to the university's rich history and vibrant culture. From its practical function of providing warmth and comfort to its role as a fashion statement and a canvas for personal expression, the Northwestern sweatshirt has evolved over the years, reflecting the changing trends and the enduring spirit of the Northwestern community. This article explores the multifaceted history of the Northwestern sweatshirt, examining its various designs, its significance to students and alumni, and its place in the broader context of campus fashion.
The Evolution of Campus Style
Northwestern University's campus is a melting pot of individual styles, where students express themselves through clothing, from thrift store finds to treasured hand-me-downs. Getting dressed becomes an art form, with students layering fishnets under jeans, sporting boldly patterned pants, and embracing vibrant colors. Accessories like colorful pins on coat lapels, necklaces crafted from vintage Kodachrome slides, and skillfully applied false eyelashes add personal touches. Students curate their looks, blending confidence with individuality.
Student Style Spotlights
Saul Osorio: A sophomore majoring in learning and organizational change and global health studies, Osorio cultivates a classy and quirky look through his sharp eye for bargains and a strong sense of personal style. He shops around, heading straight to clearance and sale sections, seeking the cheapest but nicest clothes he can find. Goodwill is also a frequent stop. His formula includes long-sleeve button-downs (regardless of the weather), pins for pops of color, layering textures, fun pants, bright colors, and dress shoes. Osorio admits that "Whenever I meet someone new, they tell me I look like I have it all put together, even though I don’t. But I think that’s what I’m trying to do. I dress to convey confidence.” His only splurge is $300 transitional glasses that darken and lighten according to the light.
Serena Lewin: A sophomore planning to major in environmental science, Lewin embodies sustainability in her life. Having harvested kale, broccoli and leeks on a sustainable farm in Birkerod, Denmark, she realized she wanted to return to Europe after graduation - to eventually tend crops on her own small-scale farm. "I want to have a full-cycle farm that has its own market that can provide to the whole community," she says. She never buys anything new, reselling her clothes via the Depop app. Lewin's Dr. Martens boots are from the Rose Bowl flea market in Pasadena, her plaid pants from a vintage store in Amsterdam, and the multicolored necklace from a flea market in Sicily.
Kristyna Gočová: A second-year master of music student in voice and opera, Gočová dresses like someone who is going places, hoping to be onstage at an opera house. Offstage, she describes her style as "very eclectic but fun and fashionable. I do what I want. Sometimes it’s on trend, sometimes not, and I’m OK with that. I do a lot of pattern mixing. If you see me any day of the week, I’m probably mixing a pattern. Stripes and polka dots all the way.” She frequents Anthropologie and Kate Spade but also loves a good Marshall’s or T.J. Maxx deal.
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Kristen Gerdts: A sophomore journalism major, Gerdts often wears clothes from her parents’ ’80s and ’90s wardrobes. She unearthed many of the clothes in the back of dusty closets when her family was packing up her childhood home in Colombia. A favorite find is her mother’s Guess jeans, discovered over the summer. "When I was sifting through my parents’ old photos for their 25th anniversary, I came across several pictures of her wearing the same jeans. She stopped wearing them because she accidentally stained them with bleach. There are now three small white dots on the front. I think they add character." She also wears a huge, bomber-like jean jacket from her dad. "I wear this jacket constantly. I can style it with anything, honestly, even overalls.”
Jay Towns: A freshman theater major, Towns stands out in his cream-colored blazer and floral button-down shirt. "I like to dress a bit more formally for classes, because I feel like it engages my mind better," he says. He snagged his jacket from Goodwill for $3! He assembles his wardrobe with care, pin rolling his pant cuffs so they fit more snugly.
Liliia Voitenko: An international first-year Kellogg School of Management MBA student, Voitenko balances classes, homework, and parenting without compromising her sartorial style. She pairs an emerald green Armani dress with an edgy Cole Haan black leather jacket. "I like to wear something a little hard, like the leather jacket, with something soft and silky, like the dress," says Voitenko. "It’s special because of the contrast."
Sam Liu: A first-year student in the School of Communication, Liu heads straight for the men’s department when shopping. "I feel like it’s powerful to be able to wear men’s clothing as a woman," she says. "I grew up around boys. I hung out with boys. I played basketball, I skateboarded and did all the stereotypical boy things. And I grew up dressing like a boy. I just feel more comfortable in that. I don’t like frilly or glittery or anything that’s traditionally more feminine. Everyone has their own style, and my style just happens to be more masculine.” Her entire outfit except for her pants is thrifted.
Elizabeth Zhang: Zhang’s outfit is a happy marriage of frugality and splurge-worthy items. She thrifted her of-the-moment turquoise corduroy jumpsuit from a secondhand store in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood and received the designer brand Carel short white boots as a birthday gift from her mom. "I enjoy buying things people owned once upon a time," says Zhang. "The process is fun, like a treasure hunt. It’s exciting to have a piece that not a lot of people have. It’s a good way to have an individual style.”
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Sayeed Sanchez: A junior English and African American studies major, Sanchez views dressing and applying makeup as an art form. "I have a very unapologetic kind of style," says Sanchez. "I like to stand out and look cool and stylish. In fall, you’ll find me wearing lots of dark lipsticks. Black is an iconic lip color I like to rock.” He is a fan of layering fishnet stockings beneath ripped jeans to add texture. "Wearing makeup is simply a hobby of mine, like cooking or reading or drawing. I understand some people think it’s weird or unorthodox for men, but my sister said, ‘If you like doing it, you should do it!’”
The Northwestern Sweatshirt: A Key Component
Amidst these varied styles, the Northwestern sweatshirt holds a special place. It's a comfortable and practical garment that allows students to showcase their school pride. Whether it's a classic purple crewneck, a hooded sweatshirt with the university logo, or a more fashion-forward design, the Northwestern sweatshirt is a staple in many students' wardrobes.
Willie the Wildcat: From Homecoming Float to Mascot
The Northwestern sweatshirt often features the university's mascot, Willie the Wildcat. Willie's origins trace back to 1947 when Alpha Delta Pi members Frank Willard, John Balch, Rog Johnson, and Bill Henning designed the first Willie for their homecoming float. Their mothers sewed the rear section of the costume while they worked on the head. In 1948, two women students donned the Willie costume, which led to complications at a Notre Dame game due to Notre Dame's rule against women on the field. In 1949, Purdue male cheerleaders, unaware that Willie was being played by two women, threw the wildcat into their boilermaker mascot.
Design Variations and Trends
The Northwestern sweatshirt has seen numerous design variations over the years. Classic designs typically feature the university's name or logo in simple lettering, often in purple and white. More contemporary designs may incorporate graphic elements, such as images of campus landmarks or stylized versions of Willie the Wildcat. Tie-dye, vintage washes, and other trendy treatments have also been incorporated into Northwestern sweatshirt designs.
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