The trusty hoodie has an illustrious history. First produced by Champion in the 1930s, hoodies were originally marketed to labourers working in freezing warehouses in Upstate New York. The garment has since become an icon, thanks to Rocky Balboa and Norma Kamali, who was amongst the first designers to embrace the new style.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that the term “hoodie” was first coined, and it soon picked up negative connotations, considered to be worn mainly by criminals. The cringingly out-of-touch old Etonian British Prime Minister David Cameron said in 2006: “for some, the hoodie represents all that’s wrong about youth culture in Britain today.” Meanwhile, in fashion houses, hoodies found their way onto more and more catwalks (Vetements really did it first), turning the hoodie into a wardrobe mainstay.
When it comes to choice of hoodie, it’s difficult to get things wrong. As long as it is cosy, roomy and has long sleeves, you’re onto a winner. That said, there are some varieties that trump all others. Therefore, it is my duty to dig them out for you.
From high street essentials to high-fashion takes, here’s my pick of the best hoodies for men, across the price spectrum.
ARKET
Made from raw materials, this hooded sweatshirt is cut from an organic cotton that is not genetically modified nor made with the use of chemicals and minimises water and energy usage. Given a khaki hue, this hoodie is green in every sense of the word.
£69 www.arket.com
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
Kept simple with drawstrings and McQueen logos, this zip-up hoodie is one that you’re going to want to do more than just run to Tesco in. But it looks great there too. My personal fave.
£790 www.alexandermcqueen.com
GUCCI
Said to be inspired by a starry night sky, this hoodie from Gucci features the interlocking-G “Star Burst” print in an explosion of multicoloured logos. Accompanied by a light felted cotton-jersey construction, this hoodie isn’t just a pretty face, but a pretty cosy companion too.
£790 www.gucci.com
NIKE
Sportswear meets streetwear when it comes to Nike. In a vibrant blue hue, this fleece hoodie combines all the classic elements of the hoodie silhouette but updates it in an extra-cosy construction. Cut in a relaxed silhouette and finished with a bright white embroidered Swoosh (tick) motif, you can’t go wrong when you go with athleisure.
£49.95 nike.com and amazon.co.uk
ASOS
In a chocolate-brown hue (this season’s colour) and soft teddy texture, this hoodie from Asos will be the first thing you reach for on a chilly morning. Detailed with multicoloured and vibrant embroidery at the rear panel, it channels a retro vibe that’s just begging to be enhanced with baggy blue jeans (see last week’s blog feature) and low-top white trainers (see my feature from early summer).
£40 asos.com
CARHARTT
There are few garments out there that you simply can’t go wrong with, but the grey hoodie is certainly one of them. This cosy pick from Carhartt is made from a warming cotton blend and finished with the brand’s signature logo patch at the pocket.
£49.95 carhartt.com
ADIDAS
Updated for added luxury, this velour hoodie from Adidas is here to take your athleisure to new heights. In a wine-red hue with charcoal grey panelled sleeves, pair with my jeans from last week’s issue for casual night out or the matching joggers for a gloriously co-ordinated night in.
£60 adidas.co.uk
BALENCIAGA X PLAYSTATION
Continuing its virtual venture into the gaming world, Balenciaga teamed up with PlayStation for AW21 after creating a video game as part of its collection. This hoodie is detailed with collaboration branding throughout and is a must-have when it comes to the ultimate gamer’s wardrobe.
£715 mrporter.com
