Introduction into the Construction and Production of Hoodies

Is your hoodie hoodie-ing? That tongue-twister has been on the lips of a few TikTokers for months now. This question might have started off with @jigglyjulia, or Julia Huynh showing off her “hoodie that is hoodie-ing”, but consumers and designers are taking notice. In this guide, we break down what the design choices are for creating a hoodie that is hoodie-ing and what goes into making a quality hoodie.

The Fabric: Cotton, Wool and Polyester

When it comes to the fabric the hoodie is made with, you have a few different options with different outcomes. Mostly this comes down to the intended purpose of the hoodie, like relaxed versus athletic.

For example, the most common material, cotton, offers breathability and softness. Different techniques produce varied textures, like terry cloth for absorption or soft fleeced insides. However, drawbacks include loss of shape or fading over time. It’s an all-rounder of a material that will not keep you too hot but keep the chill away. On the other hand, fleece provides lightweight insulation and wicks away moisture. It is soft to the touch but does not breathe as well as cotton, known to keep you warm in cold temperatures. Even more so, wool will provide warmth even when wet and naturally resists odours.

Despite being considered less comfy than other options, polyester is a good fabric option since it stands up well to washing without shrinking. It is quick-drying and retains less odour. Additionally, it can be more lightweight and cooler for warmer temperatures. If you’re looking for cheap hoodies, polyester is the way to go as it’s much more affordable. Wordans offer renowned brands, which means it’s a great combo of high quality and low prices.

Mixing fabrics combines their strengths, like polyester with cotton or rayon. Poly-cotton blends are popular, and the addition of spandex adds stretch recovery. Just remember to look at the label to know proper care.

The Fit: Relaxed versus Athletic

Well, Julia seems to think that what makes a hoodie that is hoodying all comes down to the fit. She expresses that she wants a hoodie to engulf her and feel cosy, which we would posit most women’s hoodie makers seem to forget. This isn’t like a t-shirt where a more fitted version for women could be popular: the point is to look like you’ve stolen your boyfriend’s clothes. And it seems like a lot of people agree.

A hoodie that is hoodying is supposed to be opposed to the athletic look. The point is to look “relaxed”. A hoody-ing hoodie has a boxy, straight, or slightly oversized cut, thicker fleece or cotton materials have more bulk and bulkiness, and longer hem and cuffs add proportions for layering or comfort and a priority on softness and warmth more than athletic performance.

One sticking point for Julia is the arms. She wants to be able to feel her inside arm against her waist while wearing the hoodie, i.e. she wants very baggy arms – and it’s hard to tell the exact fit from certain photos online.

Alternatively, some people like the athletic look. It’s more trim and narrow in cut, especially in the shoulders, sleeves and torso, it has raglan sleeves for more range of motion and it features stretch fabrics like spandex blends that conform tightly to allow freedom of movement. In this instance, you’re looking for something you would wear in the gym, rather than in the house or shopping mall. Stylistically, they might be cropped so they won’t hang below the waistline and are made of lightweight fabrics that wick moisture and provide cooling airflow.

The Extras: Zips, Pockets and The Hood

But hoodies come in all shapes and sizes, and their features can get pretty innovative. Adjusters like drawstrings and toggles are pretty standard, but have you ever had a hoodie with thumbholes? Too many of us are guilty of gnawing a hole in the stitching of our hoodie arms for a thumb to poke through. It’s oddly comfy but it might ruin your favourite hoodie. Instead, look for hoodies that have a gap already stitched in, and importantly, hemmed. They offer an extra layer of warmth and protection against cold by sealing the gap between the sleeve and the hand.

And then there are the hoodies without hoodies. Can it even be called a hoodie then? Well, we argue it can if it has a removable hood. Some athletic hoodies offer the option to detach the hood, converting it into more of a jacket. This allows adapting the garment for warmer weather or activities where the hood may interfere.

Hoodies strictly made for the purpose of aiding athletic performance might have performance features. Technical athletic hoodies integrate moisture-wicking fabrics and venting in heat-releasing areas like underarms. Reflective trim and other visibility aids also up safety for nighttime workouts.