Seven-year-old Skyler Rozell-Whitaker from the United States wore 50 sweaters at once to claim the world record for the most jumpers or sweaters worn at once. The second grader beat the previous mark of 46, held by fellow American Hanmisha Voddineni, by adding four more layers during an attempt on 1 June that was cheered on by classmates, friends and family. Now eight, Skyler has handed every single sweater to a local clothing drive, turning an official record attempt into a gift for his community. The attempt took place in Pennsylvania and drew television coverage as far away as Australia.
Why a young boy chose sweaters: The long-held wish for a world record and a habit of giving
Skyler has always wanted to hold a world record, according to Guinness World Records, but it took time to find a challenge that suited his age and reflected his passion for helping others. He volunteers with his family every quarter at a local clothing drive, so a title built around clothes offered a way to combine both interests in a single attempt.
“Once we knew Skyler was safe, comfortable, and happy, all that was left to do was organize and fold the sweaters by size,” said his mom (Image: Guinness World Records)
How a trial run and secondhand shops got him ready for a record sweater attempt
Before the big day, Skyler and his mothers ran a trial to check that the garments layered properly and that he did not become too hot or overwhelmed. They gathered dozens of sweaters from local secondhand shops and topped up the pile with brand-new items from Walmart. Although it was summer, they practised indoors beside a fan to keep him cool. His mother, Patty Rozell-Whitaker, told the organisation that once the family knew he was safe, comfortable and happy, all that remained was folding and sorting the sweaters by size.
Skyler disliked sweaters but kept calm through layer after layer
The challenge took place in the children’s room of the public library in Monroeville. As his mother helped pull each sweater over his head, Skyler stayed mentally and physically cool, despite a genuine dislike of wearing them. He explained that sweaters feel itchy and that, as a sensory child, he avoids clothes that do not feel comfortable. When the final sweater went on, its black hem tugged over the bulky pile; he looked joyful. Friends hugged him afterwards, but, as Skyler told Guinness World Records, “I couldn’t move my arms to hug back.” His favourite moment was taking the sweaters off, because the weight around his neck felt strange.
From parkour belts to a bicycle attempt , what he wants to try next
Skyler says he has been bitten by the record-breaking bug. In October, he plans to help his mother with another attempt involving a bicycle, and he is working on helping his elementary school and his best friend Liam earn titles of their own. Alongside the plans, he stays busy with school, parkour and karate, where he has reached orange belt, and with playing alongside friends and pets.
