INTERNATIONAL SWEATER VESTIBLE
On the second Friday after Thanksgiving, International Sweater Vestival encourages people worldwide to wear a sweater vest to work. The day also encourages sharing sweater vests with those who don’t have one.
Sweater vests are exactly what they sound like. The sleeveless garment is usually made from a knit material. Some of the more memorable ones were argyle sweater vests. But they were also made in solid colors and houndstooth patterns. Sweater vests were hugely popular in the 1990s, but this clothing item dates back to the early 1900s.
In 1907, Michigan football players wore sweaters vests with a monogrammed M instead of traditional sweaters as part of their uniform. Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Herbert Hoover were also known to don sweater vests on occasion. Thanks to them, the sweater vest became standard menswear by the 1930s. After that, the sweater vest never really went away. Politicians, grandpas, teachers, golfers, hippies, and business professionals have all worn sweater vests throughout the years.
In the 1980s, guys who liked the preppy look wore a sweater vest. For a more professional look, sweater vest wearers wore them with a tie. In the 1990s, girls began wearing sweater vests, too. This is thanks in part to Princess Diana, who was often seen in a sweater or sweater vest. Women usually wore worn sweater vests layered over dresses or under jackets.
If you love sweater vests, you’ll be glad to know they are still trendy for both men and women!
HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalSweaterVestival
The best way to observe International Sweater Vestival is to wear a sweater vest to work. If someone doesn’t have a sweater vest, lend them one of yours. Other ways to participate include:
- Learn more about the history of the sweater vest.
- Buy some extra sweater vests and give them away.
- Host an ugly sweater vest contest at work or a social gathering.
Take a selfie of you in your sweater vest and share it on social media with #InternationalSweaterVestival.
INTERNATIONAL SWEATER VESTIVAL HISTORY
Carolyn Johnson, a reporter for the Boston Globe, coined the term “sweater vestival.” The first International event was held in 2008. The goal was to combat the winter season with something funny and warm.
DATES:
2 December 2022
1 December 2023
6 December 2024
5 December 2025
4 December 2026
3 December 2027
1 December 2028
30 November 2029
6 December 2030
5 December 2031
