Hoodies & sweatshirts are a nice alternative for those looking for warmth and comfort. There are literally hundreds of different designs and styles out there, so there’s something to suit everyone.
Making statements in casual elegance with hoodies & sweatshirts
Hoodies & sweatshirts are a nice alternative for those looking for warmth and comfort. There are literally hundreds of different designs and styles out there, so there’s something to suit everyone. You may have a hoodie with a full zipper, or one that zips half way up, and that goes for sweatshirts as well. In general, the same rules and styles apply to both, though of course the defining feature of the hoodie is the hood.
Other than that, hoodies & sweatshirts may have one pocket or two, and these garments are often outsized, so as to be comfortable. This means that finding a hoodie or sweatshirt that fits just right might be quite a challenge.
Advent of the Hoodie
The hoodie first came into vogue in the 1990s, and were a strong part of the skateboarding scene of the times. Skateboarding hoodies are loose, yet still quite fitting, unlike urban hoodies, which fall about the body in loose drapes.
These styles are still in vogue, and very popular with urban males. It goes without saying that most people wear hoodies and sweatshirts for comfort and style, which means they’re worn slightly loose, but not too oversized. Band hoodies are becoming very popular, as are college hoodies.
Be careful what you buy
While some sweatshirt and hoodies are considered unisex, I wouldn’t recommend that you buy one. These are loose fitting articles of clothing, which means that the differences between men’s and women’s garments here is crucial. Hoodies that are meant for men have a much looser fit, and while some women like this, it’s more a matter of preference and body proportions.
A lot of women would be quite lost in a male hoodie. In this case, it’s more a question of going with what looks and feels right. Some women like wearing male-styled hoodies, and they look good in them. Some women don’t.
Men’s and Women’s hoodies
Men’s hoodies also tend to be simpler, darker, and the logos tend to be less glaring. Women’s hoodies tend to be more outspoken, and are usually outfitted with a lot of decorations and hardware. They might have large and eye-catching designs or slogans. Hoodies that are meant for women tend to be a lot more form-fitting and figure-hugging, and this suits a lot of women much better than the loose fit of a men’s hoodie. And of course, women’s hoodies are often in bright, light colors – light pinks, greens and blues, or even neon shades.
Choosing the right shades
To choose the right shade of hoodie for your skin type, look at the shade of skin at your wrist and inner elbow. If there are reddish, peach or yellowish tones, this would be defined as a warm complexion. This goes best with bright colors such as yellows and reds. Greens also suit a warm complexion, as do purples. Complexions that are defined by bluish or pinkish tones are cool complexions, and are suited by colors such as blues and pinks. Orange works with cool complexions as well.
Comfort and Style…
Yes, hoodies are the ultimate in comfort, but choose the right apparel, and you can make a statement of style. Don’t wear a hoodie with torn jeans, or jeans in a baggy style – a hoodie is ‘laid-back’ enough – pair it with ill-fitting jeans, and you look like a slob.
Instead, choose a stylish, form-fitting pair of jeans, and a slick pair of shoes (no sneakers) or even boots, for a look of studied, casual elegance.