Why Is the Hoodie so Enduringly Popular?

A hoodie has become a wardrobe essential for many of us, and there can be few men today who do not own one. No longer the preserve of sports teams, the humble hoodie is one of the greatest successes of the fashion industry.

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The hoodie – a shirt or sweatshirt with a hood – has been around for a long time, but it is only in recent years that people have been making a style statement with their hoodie. They were once part of uniforms in factories in pre-WWII USA, but since then the hoodie has become something of a global phenomenon thanks to its comfort and versatility. Today they work well because of their flexibility as the main element to your outfit or as an extra layer to add on or take off as the temperature changes. They are extremely comfortable so make an ideal travelling companion; you’ll feel cosy and comfy when you need it but still be smart enough for a smarter part of your journey.

Durability

From a practical perspective, the hoodie wears well and washes easily. They are flexible enough to wear day to day as part of a casual outfit, and they can also be dressed up or down. Wear them with a pair of smart jeans and trainers or with your gym kit for a really relaxed look. Layer them with a jacket over the top when it’s colder or a t-shirt underneath when it’s warmer, and you can wear them all year round too. You might have to leave yours behind for a very formal occasion, but trends are changing all the time!

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Style

There are hoodies that are designed to be practical only and keep you warm after you’ve been exercising. There are also hoodies that are meant to be seen and show your personality, like any other fashion piece. Lyle & Scott hoodies from specialist retailers like EJ Menswear fall into that category. There are lots of different colours and styles, so don’t be afraid to make a statement.

Once you have your hoodie, check out the suggestions from Esquire for how to style it.

With some of these ideas and reasons behind their popularity, if you don’t have a hoodie in your wardrobe already, we’re confident you will soon. And we don’t think you’ll look back!