FTS Thermal Leggings

Reconstructed cotton thermal leggings with repaired waistband and hand-stitched appliqué lettering.

Category: Remade

File under: #Grunge, #Canadiana, #VisibleMending, #DIYRepair

Description

Pair of cotton waffle-knit thermal leggings reconstructed from a worn base garment with a failed waistband. The waist and rise have been rebuilt using Fruit of the Loom briefs, integrated directly into the original structure through hand sewing.

Lettering reading “FUCK THE SYSTEM” is appliquéd across the garment using fabric cut from a vintage floral baby blanket. Each letter is stitched individually using quilting and sashiko techniques. Stitching remains visible and uneven.

Thermal garments have circulated across punk, grunge, and anarchist contexts as utility clothing—worn for warmth, durability, and availability rather than style. The waffle-knit structure, repairs, and added materials remain legible, carrying wear without concealment.

The garment retains the proportions and texture of a thermal layer, altered only where the original structure had failed.