The hoodie is often looked down on as a lazy piece of clothing. You throw it on without thought and an elder wags their finger and says you can’t wear it to church. But a simple hoodie is a versatile piece of clothing. It can be sportswear, streetwear, or loungewear, but is also considered so casual that no one would think anything of you chopping and changing it any way you like. You can add your own personality to a hoodie or express your own personality in the hoodie you buy. You can style it up and use it to make an otherwise out-there outfit a bit more casual or lean into the casual nature of it.
Still, lost? Take a look at our tips on how to look your best in your favourite hoodie.
Think about your colour palette
What colour you go for with your hoodie will determine the vibe of the rest of your outfit. If you’re looking for a timeless Paris fashion week look, you should stick to neutrals, sharp heels or white trainers and some straight jeans. Add a pop of colour for a little something different, like a pastel blue or a forest green, like these Gildan hoodies, but don’t go extreme. But if you’re looking to stand out in streetwear, you can go wild with patterns and in-your-face neon colours.
Remember balance
The first thing to remember about styling is balance. Now, rules are made to be broken, and the hoodie is no different, so if you want to wear double denim, go for it. But we are seeing a resurgence in the ’90s cycle shorts and baggy sweatshirt that Diana was known for on her days off. Hoodies are all part of that mix too. If you want to go overly baggy on top, a stylist would tell you to go tight on the bottom to balance things out. That doesn’t have to be as extreme as cycle shorts. You can pair it with a nice pair of straight-leg jeans or a skirt.
Or not. Billie Eilish got through most of her career looking great in double baggy streetwear.
Cut it up
The great thing about a hoodie is that it can look really good in the worse condition it’s in. They’re like ripped jeans. Frayed linings or a jagged rim can look really stylish.
So, don’t panic when we say, if you want a hoodie that’s a little less baggy but still comfy, consider cutting the bottom off. Where you stop will determine whether you want a cropped hoodie, which is gaining popularity, or just a hoodie that meets your jeans rather than your knees. This will also give you a little balance in your outfit and show off your waist.
Take the sleeves off, cut the hood off, and show a little shoulder. Pull it apart the way you would your jeans to give it a bit of an edge.
Iron on glue is your friend
Have you ever been in the fabric store, saw a print you love, but remembered you have no sewing skills whatsoever? Welcome to Iron on glue. A square of the fabric on the front or back of your hoodie will give it a little unique twist for a hoodie that no one else has.
