Sweater-Knot Secrets: How to Tie a Crewneck Sweatshirt Like a Prep Pro
Back-to-school season is officially loading, and guess what’s having a major moment? Prep is back. But this isn’t your dad’s prep — it’s cooler, comfier, and 100% Cordsmiff-core.
At the center of this new preppy revival? The crewneck sweatshirt knot. One sweatshirt, three knots, infinite clout.
If you’ve been scrolling TikTok or lurking in Reddit’s r/preppy, you already know the look: crewnecks tied effortlessly over shoulders, worn like scarves, or knotted at the waist. It’s simple, it’s gender-inclusive, and it’s going viral.
📚 Welcome to Prep 2.0
Forget stiff collars and pastel gatekeeping. The new prep is all about quiet luxury meets campus cool. Think tailored-but-soft trousers, vintage sneakers, and a heathered crewneck slung over your shoulders like you just left tennis practice… but actually you’re headed to the coffee shop.
Reddit threads like r/preppy and r/NavyBlazer are full of discussions around “non-costume prep” — clean lines, real textures, and thoughtful layers.
TikTok fashion creators like @bobrownn and @noahaltink are demo-ing sweatshirt styling tutorials racking up hundreds of thousands of views. The trend isn’t just aesthetic—it’s practical, versatile, and full of personality.
✨ How to Tie It: 3 Ways, 3 Vibes
Whether you’re on your way to class, brunch, or just channeling rich-girl-off-duty, here are the top sweatshirt knot styles that’ll level up your look:
1. The Classic Shoulder Drape
The most iconic look. Fold your sweatshirt lengthwise, drape it over your shoulders, and tie the sleeves in a soft front knot near your collarbone.
Style it with:
A crisp oxford shirt
Pleated trousers or a denim midi skirt
Loafers or platform Mary Janes
Visual inspo: Pinterest example
2. The Scarf Knot
Wrap the sweatshirt around your neck and tie the sleeves off to the side. It gives “on my way to creative writing club at Brown” energy.
Style it with:
A tank or tee tucked into high-waisted cargos
A cropped blazer
Minimalist jewelry and a claw clip
Tutorial: Watch on TikTok
3. The Waist Wrap
Channeling 1997 — but make it fashion. Tie your crewneck at the waist to define your silhouette or layer over something oversized.
Style it with:
Baggy jeans or a leather mini
Cowboy boots or clean sneakers
A structured tote or Cordsmiff phone case
Extra styling tips: Try layering it over a trench or blazer for extra dimension.
Style guide: InStyle explains it here
🧵 Cordsmiff-Approved Picks
To fully commit to the look, start with the Debate Club Sweatshirt – 90s Grunge College Crew — a heavyweight favorite with retro collegiate vibes.
It works whether you tie it, wear it, or toss it in your tote. For accessories, add the Garden Phone Case for subtle floral nostalgia, or layer with a thrifted striped scarf if you’re going full vintage academia.
🧠 The Philosophy: Prep, But Make It Real
As one Redditor wisely said:
“You don’t cosplay prep. You are prep — and you just happen to wear a sweatshirt over a collar.”
This isn’t about looking like you belong at an Ivy League — it’s about mixing in prep-coded elements with your own flair. Cordsmiff gets that. Our sweatshirts are unisex, comfortable, and made to be layered — not gatekept.
🛍️ Prep-Core Starter Pack
✔️ White oxford or striped tee
✔️ Loafers, platforms, or sneakers
✔️ Tortoise shell clips + rings
✔️ Vintage socks (scrunched, duh)
✔️ A perfectly imperfect knot
👑 Now Go Be the Main Character
You’ve got the look. You’ve got the knot. You’ve got Cordsmiff.
Finish the vibe at cordsmiff.etsy.com and layer up before the rest of the internet catches on.
