**Features Gifted Product**
It’s not often you can say you’ve stuck with a brand for over 30 years nowadays. Longevity in the fashion industry is somewhat of a novelty with brands disappearing on, what feels like, a daily basis. But Sloppy Joe Sweatshirts have been a mainstay in my wardrobe since my teens! And much to my embarrassment (not the sweatshirt but more the thin eyebrows and sovereign rings) I have, albeit blurry, photographic evidence of a 15 year old Becky to prove it.
My Love Affair with Sloppy Joe Sweatshirts
It all started back in 1995, in a little boutique in an area called Abbeygate. I’d seen these gorgeous sweatshirts starting to become popular and I simply had to have one. I begged my mum for ages and I’d been working a summer job that year too, so I think we’d clubbed together to buy one. I was already on the chubby side, so the fact they were oversized was an absolute bonus. Back then it was near impossible to get trendy clothes in bigger sizes.
I ended up with a black one that I wore to school, back then uniform rules weren’t very strict, and a powder blue one that I wore with my baggy jeans and platform boots to the under 18s night club on a Monday night – lovingly nicknamed ‘nappy night’ hahahaa.
Sadly, I don’t know what happened to my original ones, but 15 years later and pregnant with my daughter Poppy, my best mate Giselle bought me a replacement Sloppy Joe Sweatshirt for my 30th birthday because I never stopped banging on about how much I missed mine! And now, 15 years later, my teenage daughter frequently steals it, and I have found myself lucky enough to be giving a new one a twirl thanks to the lovely folk at Sloppy Joe HQ!
It really is a testament to solid design, great quality and lasting style.
Made in the UK
Each sweatshirt is made in the UK using eco-friendly dyes from 100% organic cotton and are proud to be a female run brand. Established in the 90s by Jackie Harris, daughter Charlie now sits on the board of directors now too. We love a girl power story for the ages!
Easy to Style
Styling wise, the sky is the limit. I’ve gone with the jean of the moment, the barrel/carrot style, matching socks and trainers, a leopard print bag and in a nod to my past 90s self, a contrast tartan neck tie. But you could go for that signature Princess Di look (who actually wore a Sloppy Joe Sweatshirt herself!) and wear it with cycling shorts tube socks and trainers. It’s also going to look great with a flowing skirt or wide leg trousers. What I love as well is that they’re plus size friendly. I wear a size 22/24 in most places and the size 3 is still a good generous fit. I’d love to know if you’ve still got an original knocking about or if you’re new to the brand. Comment below or check out my reel on instagram.