Back then, hoodies were associated with robbers or rebellious youths who wanted some form of cover to hide identity or ‘feel cool’. Now, they have changed from the defacto uniform to a fashion staple of the well-dressed gentleman.
Long before hoodies was linked with criminality, it had been the uniform of champions. Sports apparel company Champion Products claims to have created the world’s first hooded sweatshirt in the 1930s.
The hoodie was specifically for cold weather, keeping athletes warm. Thereafter it was imbibed in hip-hop culture, skaters, snowboarders, the runway and others. The return of hoodie shows that it is game and a must-have. There are different ways to wear the hoodie and these include:
1.The hoodie can be worn as part of a layered look. Fashion expert gives tips on how to rock this look. Go for a cosy cashmere hoodie as a great layering piece to give the sharp appearance. To get this look right, wear a zip-up hoodie over a simple white crew-neck T-shirt, then add an overcoat or jacket, slim jeans and a pair of trainers.
2. For the athleisure look, pair a black hoodie with black, fitted joggers and slip on a pair of minimal leather sneakers.
3. A leather jacket and hoodie combination is one of those low octane pairings that work well in any season. Use a black leather jacket and black or indigo jeans as the base. Experiment with hoodies in different colours beneath your outerwear and combine with a pair of leather or suede boots to look smart.
4. If you’re going to wear a hoodie with a suit or blazer, you are going the daring route. A hoodie teamed with a pair of straight-leg jeans and sneakers is a tried and tested combination that works well. To sharpen up, try layering under an unstructured suit for an outfit that rips up the traditional rule book. To nail the sports-meets-suit look, try a mid-weight grey hoodie with a charcoal grey suit and substitute your normal work shoes with white lace-up sneakers.
5. A hoodie with tailored trousers, This mix=matching done the smart and casual way. You should team your hoodie with wider-leg trousers or a longer formal coat. Opt for a neutral colour hoodie, then add a pair of trousers and sports sneakers. If you want to be more adventurous, try a little pattern on the bottom half, such as pinstripes or checks.