A hoodie used to instantly identify you as a would-be robber and general bad guy, right up there with balaclavas, swag bags, and black-and-white striped tops.
However, despite the fact that this common piece of sportswear has the ability to turn onlookers away from you, we’re advising you right now to accept fashion advice from David Cameron (remember him?) and learn how to wear a hoodie properly.
Why? Well, leaving practicality aside, the hoodie has evolved from the de facto uniform of irate teenagers to the garment most likely to be covering the backs of well-dressed guys thanks to a designer makeover.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, is the lone loser in this situation because his normcore hoodie has recently gone full #menswear. Unlucky you, Mark.
THE HISTORY OF THE HOODIE
The hoodie was the uniform of champions long before it started to become a witness to shady transactions in isolated alleyways. Okay, so maybe that’s a touch exaggerating, but the sportswear manufacturer Champion Products does assert that it invented the first hooded sweatshirt in the 1930s.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the hoodie was created to keep athletes dry and warm in chilly conditions. Since then, it has been embraced by the runway, skaters, snowboarders, furious young people, stag parties, college students, and hip-hop culture.
THE RETURN OF THE HOODIE
Even while many news organizations take great pleasure during fashion week in mocking the most ridiculous runway outfits they can discover, the majority of menswear items were actually created out of necessity. And that’s precisely what gaining an understanding of hoodie styling offers: comfort, comfort, and more comfort.
We have reached the height of athleisure, as seen by the hoodie’s comeback. After successfully introducing high-end sportswear in all of its guises, it was only a matter of time until menswear seized the almost 100-year-old stalwart.
Hoodie mania is expected to last for some time since everyone from streetwear hawking upstarts (Off-White, Vetements) to more established menswear heavy hitters (Balenciaga, Versace) have started pushing out high-end versions in their collections.
Here are five ways to wear yours that five fashion experts have recommended to get in on the look early.
HOW TO STYLE A HOODIE
AS PART OF A LAYERED LOOK
Even while we’re extolling the virtues of hoodie styling, wearing one shouldn’t just be about making a statement. The hoodie may be surprisingly understated when worn as a layering piece.
“A cozy cashmere hoodie is a great layering piece for a day in the city, leaving you looking sharp while keeping you warm at the same time,” says Mr. Porter’s style director Olie Arnold.
To pull off this style, layer a zip-up hoodie over a plain white crew-neck t-shirt, then finish the outfit with a jacket or overcoat, tight jeans, and a pair of brand-new sneakers.
AS PART OF AN ATHLEISURE LOOK
You can count on us to be passionate supporters whenever coziness and coolness go hand in hand. Athleisure fits this description, and thanks to those astute clothing designers, you won’t have to worry about coming off as someone who was too lazy to take off their workout clothes.
James Jee, the head of menswear at Jaeger, declares: “The days of the loose, oversized sweatshirt with a logo are long gone. The fabrics are softer and heavier, which indicates that there is more yarn of higher quality. The fit is slightly cleaner and crisper.
UNDER A LEATHER JACKET
It’s alright to stay on more familiar ground if you’re not sold on the high-low mix (it’s not for everyone). One of those low-octane combinations that looks good season after season and proves you know how to style hoodies is a leather jacket and hoodie outfit.
Alex Field, the head of menswear design at Reiss, claims: “The quality and fit of hoodies have significantly improved. As a result, men are wanting to spend money on well-made, casual clothing that can be worn in a variety of settings. Whether it be for a workout or an elegant after-hours look.
A black leather jacket and black or indigo jeans serve as the foundation for this outfit. To smarten it up, layer various colored hoodies underneath your outerwear and pair it with a pair of Chelsea boots made of leather or suede.
WITH TAILORING
If you can master the “look” of wearing a hoodie with a suit or jacket, you will instantly distinguish yourself as a card-carrying member of Club Menswear. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try this high-low mix.
Sure, a sweatshirt paired with a pair of straight-leg jeans and shoes is a tried-and-true combination that just works, as Giles Farnham, head of River Island’s Style Studio, notes. However, if you want to look more put together, try layering under an unstructured suit for a look that defies convention.
Try a mid-weight grey hoodie with a charcoal grey suit and go with white lace-up sneakers instead of your typical work shoes to master hoodie fashion via the sports-meets-suit look.
WITH TAILORED TROUSERS
The ideal option for blending smart and casual is a sweatshirt paired with a pair of business-casual pants. It’s a simple approach to stay away from that scary overgrown adolescent zone once more.
Nick Eley, the head of male design at ASOS, says: “We’re seeing a real move towards ‘high-low’ dressing, so team your hoodie with wider-leg trousers or a long formal coat.”
Choose a hoodie in a neutral hue, then add a pair of pants and a pair of high-end sports shoes to nail this outfit. Try a small design on the bottom half, such pinstripes or checks, if you’re feeling bold.
HOW TO STYLE A HOODIE GUIDELINES
- Keep your old Linkin Park sweater in your closet. You’re no longer an anxious adolescent, and the 2000s are long gone.
- For the best quality and durability, look for designs made entirely of cotton (plus points for brushed cotton and loopback construction).
- In general, pullover styles are more fashionable than zip-up styles.
- If you want to get the most use out of your hoodie, avoid chasing the newest must-have style. Instead, choose for a timeless, adaptable style in a hue that goes well with the rest of your wardrobe.
- A fitting hoodie is a wonderful approach to ensure that you appear professional rather than careless.
- In any case, skip the logo. Using flecks or mottled weaves can add intrigue.
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