Hoodies
The hoodie is one of the few pieces that has shaped sport, streetwear, art & everyday style in equal measure. What started out in warehouses and on sports fields is now one of the most comfortable staples in a man’s wardrobe.
At JACK & JONES, you’ll find men’s hoodies in different fits, colours & materials. Here’s what makes a good hoodie, the main types to know & how to find the one that works for you.
From warehouse to mainstream – a short history of the hoodie
The hoodie has a surprisingly clear history. Developed for workers in cold warehouses in the 1930s, picked up by skaters and the hip-hop scene in the 1970s, then established as a streetwear classic in the 1990s.
Today, everyone wears one. From students heading to lectures to fashion directors sitting front row at Fashion Week. The hoodie is a democratic piece – there are no rules about who gets to wear it.
That is also why it has stayed relevant for almost a century.
Three details that define a good hoodie
It is often the small details that decide whether a hoodie is simply a trend piece or your next favourite. Three things make the difference:
- The fabric: soft, but not too thin. Cotton-blend sweat fabric with a brushed inside is the standard.
- The hood: big enough to actually fit over your head, with a drawstring for adjustment.
- The construction: clean seams & sturdy ribbed cuffs at the sleeves and hem.
The way it sits on the shoulders matters too. A hoodie should follow your shoulders rather than extend far beyond them, unless you are deliberately going for an oversized cut.
Pullover hoodie or zip hoodie: the small but important difference
Hoodies can be worn in many different ways, and their construction varies just as much. Whether you want an easy throw-on layer or maximum flexibility for layering, it is worth looking closely at the basic shape. There are two main types:
- Pullover hoodie – pulled over the head, usually with a kangaroo pocket.
- Zip hoodie – with a front zip, giving you more flexibility when layering.
Fits range from slim to oversized. If you wear your hoodie as part of a layered outfit, pay attention to the fit: too loose can make layering impractical, while too tight can take away the comfort. If you like comparing similar styles, take a look at our sweatshirts too.
Our hoodies at JACK & JONES
At JACK & JONES, hoodies come in a wide range of colours. Basics such as black, grey, navy & white are reliable choices, while subtle prints & logos are also part of the range. Materials are mainly cotton blends, often with brushed insides for extra warmth. If you want to explore more, full sweatshirt range shows just how many options sit between a T-shirt and a winter jacket.
The hoodie as a layering powerhouse
The hoodie is made for layering. Wear it under a jacket, style it over a T-shirt, or put it under a blazer for a smart-casual look.
A zip hoodie under knitwear can work especially well – the hood shows at the neckline and gives the outfit more structure.
You can also wear an open shirt over a hoodie, a move that has long been part of streetwear styling.
Three hoodie looks from weekend to smart casual
A hoodie is easy to style in different ways. For a classic casual look, wear one with jeans and sneakers – a straightforward option for the weekend. For a streetwear look, combine an oversized hoodie with cargo trousers, chunky sneakers & a cap for a city-ready, skater-inspired feel. For smart casual, wear a slimmer hoodie under a blazer with dark trousers and loafers or clean sneakers for a modern, relaxed finish.
Fit & length – two things to check before you buy
Fit matters. The hem should reach past the hips and the sleeves should finish at the wrist. If you mainly use a hoodie for layering, choose a regular fit. If you mostly wear it on its own, you can comfortably go a little looser.
Browse the range and find yours. The right hoodie is the one you reach for automatically when you are deciding what to wear.
How to keep your hoodie in good shape wash after wash
Cotton-blend hoodies can handle regular wear well. A 30-degree standard wash is usually enough, and darker styles are best turned inside out. A tumble dryer can be used, but it may affect the shape of the hood. If you want to keep your hoodie looking its best, dry it flat, much like you would a knitted jumper.
One useful tip: close the zip before washing a zip hoodie. It helps protect the fabric and keeps the zip from catching on other garments.
The hoodie: a democratic piece with no rules
The hoodie is one of the few garments with a genuine subculture history. From skaters in the 1980s to tech CEOs today, it appears everywhere. That makes it one of the most democratic pieces in a man’s wardrobe. Few other tops have crossed so many social and style boundaries.
If streetwear is your thing, two hoodies can cover a lot: one in a basic colour for everyday wear and one with a print or statement colour when you want something more noticeable. Pairing one with cargo trousers or baggy jeans is a classic.
Ready all year – from spring to autumn
The hoodie works far beyond winter. In spring, it is an easy light layer. In summer, it comes out for cooler evenings. In autumn, it works on its own, and in winter it slots neatly under jackets. Layer smartly and one hoodie can work through a wide range of temperatures: under a light jacket between seasons, under a padded jacket in winter, or by itself on mild autumn days.
That makes a hoodie useful for almost the whole year, unlike many seasonal pieces. It is why hoodies often sit right next to T-shirts and sweatshirts in the wardrobe instead of being packed away with winter clothes. If space is limited, two or three hoodies can easily cover the year. It is a practical approach: a compact rotation that still gives you plenty of options.
