What, Why, When: The Sweatery Origin Story

What, Why, When: The Sweatery Origin Story

by Anna Tooley

It all started a couple of years ago. I was fed up with the sweatshirt options out there — everything seemed to scream French cliché or random American city. I didn’t want to wear something that felt generic. I wanted something that actually said how I felt — with bite.

Being a born-and-bred Northern lass, raised on sarcasm and strong tea, I had a vision: sweatshirts that were blunt, dry, and quietly emotional. Tongue-in-cheek, yes — but also honest.

I’ve weathered a few storms. Today, I sit here as an orphan, a mother, and a recovering addict. The words on these sweatshirts? They come from those days — the ones I’ve endured, enjoyed, and finally accepted.

I love playing with words. I love the way a bold word on fabric can spark a reaction — a look, a laugh, even a conversation with a stranger.

Right now, my favourite design is Addicted.
I wear it proudly. I'm a recovered addict — now addicted to all the legal vices: matcha, biting my nails, doom scrolling, sunshine... you get the idea.

If any of this resonates with you — if you’ve felt feral, lost, or epic in the same hour — then you’re in the right place.

Stick around for:

  • A healthy dose of humour

  • An abundance of flipping fabulous sweatshirts

  • And a peppering of unfiltered waffle, courtesy of yours truly.

Love,
Anna x
(Creator, designer, overthinker, and proud sweatshirt snob)