Nota bene: If you buy through the links in this article, we may earn a small share of the profits.
It’s Inauguration Day! Former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris have now been sworn in, and all eyes are on … Bernie Sanders’ mittens.
The senator from Vermont’s inauguration fit quickly gained attention on Twitter for its mundane practicality. While many attendees are sporting designer, Sanders has opted for a casual sartorial choice, drawing inspo from long post office lines.
It seems Sanders is sporting the same coat he wore in his now-viral “I am once again asking” meme and a pair of cozy mittens. The mittens, as Buzzfeed News political reporter Ruby Cramer pointed out, are made by Jen Ellis, a Vermont teacher who gave them to Sanders over two years ago on the campaign trail. They’re crafted from repurposed wool from sweaters and they’re lined with fleece from recycled plastic bottles — because of course, they are.
According to a Vermont independent newspaper Seven Days, Ellis typically sells the mittens at craft fairs but Sanders’ daughter-in-law runs Ellis’ daughter’s daycare, so during one holiday season, she made mittens for all the teachers and Bernie.
The “oven mitts,” as they’re referred to by some, even have their own Twitter account called @BerniesMittens and became an internet joke during Bernie’s presidential campaign run in 2020.
If you want your own sustainable Bernie mittens and help out a small business, you can check out Ellis’ Twitter account for updates and info on how to order.
More Like This
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.
