The rise of the hoodie

CEBU, Philippines — Most menswear pieces are born out of practicality. And a good example is the hoodie. It offers comfort, comfort and more comfort.

In the light of the current rainy season, the hoodie becomes just the right choice of wear. It is a good emergency cover from the showers. With long sleeves, it is also good protection from the monsoon cold.

Even in this tropical country, it is common to see someone looking slick in a hoodie. There’s a sleeveless hoodie that can be worn when the day turns hot, and the hood part is still good protection from the tropical sun. So the hoodie is a practical all-weather wear.

The hoodie has quite a long history. It’s been around for almost a century already. But it’s only in the recent time that it has gained the stature as fashion item.

Long before it found itself to be the de facto wear at dodgy deals in dark alleys, the hoodie was the uniform of ‘champions’. Luke Sampson, in an article at www.fashionbeans.com, reports that sports apparel company Champion Products has laid claim to creating the world’s first hooded sweatshirt in the 1930s.

“The hoodie was designed to keep athletes warm and dry in miserable weather,” Sampson writes. “Since then it’s been adopted by the hip-hop culture, skaters, snowboarders, angry young adults, stag parties, university students and… the runway.”

The piece is very much associated with athleisure. It has successfully broached upscale sportswear in its various forms. While it is often associated with men, it is a favorite among women as well.

Everyone from streetwear peddling new brands – like Off White and Vetements – to more established menswear heavyweights Balenciaga and Versace have begun pushing out high-end versions of the hoodie in their collections, fanning popular interest in the piece.

Thanks to the designer overhaul, the hoodie has gone from being the ‘uniform’ of shady characters to become the item most likely to be covering the backs of well-dressed men. High-end hoodies are ideal for pairing with smarter pieces and often comes in fabrics such as lambswool, cashmere and premium cotton for a real classy wear.

But, for best results, the novice in the hoodie realm might as well take heed of a few reminders from Luke Sampson:

• Don’t dig out your old Linkin Park hoodie, you’re not an angst-ridden teenager and it’s not the 2000s anymore.

• Look for pure cotton designs for optimum quality and longevity (bonus points for brushed cotton and loopback construction).

• Pullover designs typically look smarter than zip up designs.

• Don’t chase the latest must-have hoodie if you want to get the most wear out of it. Instead, go for a timeless, versatile design in a color that complements your existing wardrobe.

• A fitted hoodie is a good way to make sure you look sharp rather than sloppy.

• If in doubt, leave the logo. Flecks or mottled weaves are a good way to add interest.

• Unless you’re on campus, university hoodies are a no-go.

• Personalized comedy hoodies are always a fail.

• Over the age of 40? A hoodie in a luxe fabric worn with tailored separates will make sure you look suitably grown up.