The HEAVYWEIGHT HOODED / COASTGUARD sweatshirt is made from reverse weave cotton and finished with a rubber print COASTGUARD design.

The reverse weave technique, introduced in 1938, involves cutting heavy-weight cotton along the cross-grain to prevent shrinkage and maintain the sweatshirt's shape. This method produces a 14oz. fabric with no shoulder seams, a construction style typical of sweatshirts from the 1940s. The sweatshirt also features side gussets to prevent width shrinkage after washing, a technique common in the 1960s and 70s.

Originally created in the 1930s by adding hoods to existing sweatshirts, the hooded sweatshirt was a functional solution for construction workers facing harsh New York winters. It was quickly adopted by the U.S. military for training and physical education.

The Coast Guard, established on August 4, 1790, as the Revenue Cutter Service, merged with the United States Life-Saving Service in 1915 to form the modern Coast Guard.

During World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard played a crucial role in protecting the coastline, maintaining navigation aids, and participating in major combat operations. They were integral to the D-Day invasion, anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue missions, saving thousands of lives and ensuring the safe transport of troops and supplies.

After World War II, the Coast Guard continued to adapt to new global challenges, including its involvement in the Vietnam War, where it played key roles in coastal patrols, smuggling interdiction, and support operations for naval forces.