(How Much Is) That Hoodie in the Window?
Function and form meet personality, F1, and dadcore
If you’re a Gen Xer like me, you can remember a sea of students in Champion sweatshirts roaming the halls of your public high school. Those solid color crewnecks with the stylized C stitched on were all the rage. In part due to the retro factor, they still are in certain circles.
By my sophomore year of college, Winter 1994 in Boston, the hoodie was the logical progression given the colder temperatures four hours northeast of North Jersey. My favorite was a white, mid-weight Mossimo job—the collection has grown since, big time. I live in jeans and graphic t-shirts, basically, and the hoodie is my self-proclaimed signature article of clothing…that alone should tell you something about this dad. Kidding aside, outside of a stretch before the pandemic when I thought, stupidly so, that full neck coverage was more critical than head coverage, the hoodie has been my go-to. Maybe you feel the same way.
The pullover with the kangaroo pocket and the zip-up with the split pockets are classics. Plenty of other types exist, some of which borrow a design feature to expand the product portfolio, like the tunic hoodie. You’ve got loads of materials, including dry fit for the sleeveless hoodies worn during NBA warmups. From thick to thin, depending on season—I have a burgundy, fleece-lined beauty that’s amazing for walking in Arctic conditions, with near-complete neck coverage. And don’t get me started on the art and science of drawstrings, with their aglets or knots.
It was in the High Middle Ages that hooded garments became more prevalent, think monks with cowls on their robes. Flash forward to the 1970s, and the generally utilitarian-until-now hoodie took steps in new directions thanks to hip-hop music, culture, and fashion. This is hardly a history lesson, though. Rather, it’s appreciation for evolution in general—technology, toilet paper, or, yes, apparel. You’re at the band’s merch booth or perusing an online form for your son’s or daughter’s club team: The hoodie is often the showstopper. Top shelf. No doubt the dads who’ve read this far know what I’m talking about.
Comfort and convenience are hallmarks of the hoodie. More important, however, is the pride you display in whatever you like or love. It can leave an indelible impression even if the message on the fabric isn’t understood by all. My current darling is a dark blue, semi-athletic pullover with, in yellow, “Senna” emblazoned on it and his logo above that. Super cozy, with an ample hood and a nicely cut kangaroo pocket. Many people have no clue it’s in honor of iconic Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, nor would they guess that, for the three-plus decades following his on-track death, sales of his gear have helped fund education for children in Brazil.
Expression with purpose. That’s a statement.
His driving style was timeless. Hoodies are, too. And in the future, will they not be as ubiquitous as they already are? Seriously, tell me different. Meander around an AAU basketball tournament, on the sidewalks of New York City, or in the halls of your public high school. The latter is where a lot of trends are set, like with the Champion sweatshirt, but the hoodie is no longer a trend, hasn’t been for a while—it’s part of life and, perhaps, it’s also part of who you are.