What’s in a Word? (aka How I Choose What Goes on a Sweatshirt)

It’s just a word, right?

Except sometimes that one word is everything you want to say but can’t.

Sometimes it’s an eye-roll, a mood, or a deeply buried scream. Sometimes it’s a badge of honour or a play with words — like “Addicted” (not to drugs but to dark chocolate and matcha) or “NoToday” (because, no… just no).

That’s why I started The Sweatery. Not to make cute clothes, but to put the unsaid stuff out there — right where you wear it.

A very chaotic creative process

How do I choose the words? Honestly?

It starts with a mood. Or a memory. Or something I’ve muttered under my breath three times in one day.

Some words come from being a tired, misunderstood mum. Others are pure sarcasm. Some are a little emotional. And some are just… feral (literally).

Once I have the word, I think about how it should look, and this can take days. Typography is part of the voice.
Should it shout? Whisper? Be serious, sweet, ironic?

There’s a reason “Blah blah blah” is bold and bossy, and “Fine line” is thin and delicate. The type says the feeling too.

Words = connection

What I love most is when someone buys a sweatshirt and says, “That’s exactly how I feel.”

That’s the whole point.

Because I’m not really in the fashion game. I’m in the honesty game. The words come first — the sweatshirts just happen to be soft, organic, and wearable.

And now, I’d love to know:
What word would you wear on your chest?

Send it to me. If it resonates and ends up on a sweatshirt I'll keep you in the loop with the design process and you'll receive the first one off the printing table as a thank you.

🖤
Anna
Creator / Word picker / Professional over-thinker