It’s the season of the sweatshirts. From running errands to game day and even when we just want a little hygge, these five Minnesota sweatshirts are my go-to for wintering Minnesota.
Minnesota Tradition
Maker: North Made Clothing
What: Meat Raffle sweatshirt
Price: $47
Why I picked this sweatshirt: The distinctly Minnesotan Meat Raffle sweatshirt from North Made is guaranteed to make all you encounter smile before following up with their stories about a “big win” Up North or at the local dive bar. I’d never heard of this Minnesota tradition until I moved here, and I love it! Since 2012, Brian and Jamie have been creating clothing with an Up North state of mind.
Life In the Great North
Maker: Northern Ties
What: Come As You Are crewneck
Price: $59
Why I picked this sweatshirt: As an outlet for her creativity, founder Jacklyn Rassmussen launched Northern Ties in 2020 during the pandemic when she was furloughed from work. Today, it is her full-time job. Her social media stories remind us of the successes and sometime frustrations of being a small-business owner. What started with her signature reverse-tie-dye designs has grown to a full line of apparel that captures life in the Great North. I love the sentiment of this sweatshirt—”Come As You Are. Land of The Wild and Free.”
Big Hugs
Maker: Henry Montplaisir
What: MN Bear Hug
Price: $35
Why I picked this sweatshirt: Three of my favorite things on a sweatshirt…bears, hugs, and Minnesota. This “Bear Hug” sweatshirt was designed during COVID when hugs were craved and scarce. Henry Montplaisir remarks, “This design came when Minnesota and the world needed a hug most.” Henry’s attention to detail in his illustrations and sense of humor can be found in all he creates. His signature style of animals doing “human stuff” reminds us that we are not all that different.
Artsy Attire
Maker: Michelle Brusegaard
What: Arts & Crafts hoodie
Price: $50
Why I picked this sweatshirt: This is my team, and Michelle Brusegaard is my kind of people. Brusegaard and I share the same belief that “Arts & Crafts” should be emblazoned on clothing as much as “Phy Ed.” A trained oil painter and photographer, she realized that screen prints sell faster than selling oil paintings, and her legions of fans couldn’t be more grateful. Her strong point of view is matched only by her skill with typography.
Star of the North
Maker: Minnesota Made
What: Camp sweatshirt
Price: $50
Why I picked this sweatshirt: I love everything Sarah does with Minnesota Made. She is known for tucking in special hidden designs. This sweatshirt includes the Big Dipper and the North Star as well as the Minnesota state motto, L’Étoile du Nord, “The Star of the North.” In addition to the beauty of the shirt, it is made with sustainable materials—cotton from Texas and recycled water bottles from South Carolina that are made into thread in South Carolina then sent to Miami where it is made into fabric before being screen printed in Stillwater.
