There was a time, along with balaclavas, swag bags and black-and-white striped tops, when a hoodie was something that would instantly mark you out as a would-be robber and all-round wrongful. This simple sportswear staple can be a great way to get passers-by to look at the other side of town. But now, it’s different.
HOW TO WEAR A HOODIE
AS A PART OF A LAYERED LOOK
While we are showcasing the power of the juice wrld merch and its versatility, it is not about being bold. The hoodie is surprisingly easy to wear when worn as part of a layered look. This look is easy to achieve: Wear a zip-up jacket over a white crew-neck T, and then add a jacket or jacket, slim jeans, and box-fresh trainers.
AS A PART OF AN ATLEISURE LOOK
You can be certain that comfort and coolness will go hand in hand. Athleisure is a great example of this. Thanks to the clever menswear designers, there’s no risk of you looking lazy for getting out of your workout gear. For the ultimate athleisure look, pair a black hoodie and black fitted joggers with black sneakers. You’re done.
UNDER A LEATHER JACKET
If you’re not sold by the high-low mix (it’s not for everyone), then its okay to stick to more familiar territory. Combining a leather jacket with a hoodie is a low-octane pairing that works well season after season.
Reiss head of menswear golf wang design, Alex Field, says: “Hoodies have dramatically improved in terms of quality and fit. Men are now looking for casual, well-made, well-fitting clothes that can be worn in a variety of situations. You can wear it to the gym, or for a casual look off-duty.
To spice up the look, you can experiment with different hoodies underneath your outerwear. You can also use a black leather jacket with black or indigo denim jeans as the base.
TAILORING
You will immediately be recognized as a Club Menswear card-carrying member if you wear a hoodie and a suit with a blazer or suit. This high-low combination is worth a try.
As Giles Farnham, head of River Island’s Style Studio, points out: “Sure, a hoodie teamed with a pair of straight-leg jeans and sneakers is a tried and tested combination that just works. Layering underneath an unstructured suit is a great way to make your outfit more modern.
To nail the sports-meets-suit look, try a mid-weight grey hoodie with a charcoal grey suit and choose white lace-up sneakers in place of your normal work shoes.
TAILORED TROUSERS
For a slightly less committed way to mix smart and casual, a hoodie worn with a pair of smart trousers is your best bet. It’s an easy way not to get into the troubled territory of the overgrown teenager.
Head of menswear design at ASOS, Nick Eely, says: “We’re seeing a real move towards ‘high-low’ dressing, so team your hoodie with wider-leg trousers or a longer formal coat.”
This look is easy to achieve. Start with a neutral-coloured hoodie and then add a pair of trousers and sports luxe sneakers. You can add a bit of pattern to the bottom, such as pinstripes and checks if you are feeling bold.
