The Hoodie Alternative: Eddie Bauer Sueded Jersey Button Mock – $59.50
I have no intention on picking a fight with the hoodie wearing masses. But allow me to ask a few questions:
1. When was the last time you actually put the hood, on your hoodie, over your head?
2. If it’s not for your head, what’s it for?
3. Is it fair to say that the accepted term for the garment is solid proof that it’s intended to be mainly worn by kids? (i.e. – Little Bobby was cold when he woke up, so he put on his hoodie before he went to the potty)
I myself own a hoodie/hooded sweatshirt. It’s a big fat bulky thing I bought for an exorbitant amount of money from the bookstore at my Alma Mater. It’s nice for the fall. Warm, with that big pocket in the front for my hands if it’s cold out.
But it doesn’t look good.
These do. An in person fitting showed that unlike my hooded sweatshirt, the sides aren’t bulky. There’s some room, but I’m not swimming in it. Also, the collar is thick and high for those colder days, and the fabric is ridiculously soft. A bit on the expensive side and still nothing but casual, these are a huge upgrade thanks to a look that’s measurably more grown up than your standard “hoodie.”
As much as I love Dappered, I have to politely refute this post.
1.) I put the hood over my head often… when it rains.
2.) Hoodies have a certain masculine look IMO (albeit targeted towards
a younger demographic).
Granted, they aren’t very dapper. But with the right fit and hue, I think hoodies have a time and place in my wardrobe. They’re perfect for cold and rainy days, or dressing down and lounging around the apartment.
http://www.webxmes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/michael-kors-derby-hoodie.jpg <- Best example I could find online of a decent hoodie ensemble
This is not saying the Eddie Bauer mocks aren't nice (I really like them actually), just defending a garment close to my heart.
@Joe: Touche… that is a great looking hoodie. But when it comes to using the hood on the hoodie when it rains, I gotta reference SVP and Ryen (yes, Ryen with an “e”) from ESPN Radio right over here. I’m like SVP. When it’s raining, I’m almost glad I get to use this thing…
Gonna have to throw my man Joe (dappered) some support on this one. While I agree that that hoodie you linked isn’t bad, I think the majority of them have a very limited place in a stylish man’s wardrobe. Yea, its fine for lounging around the house on a cold day, or maybe wearing to a sports bar with your friends to catch the game, but there are always other choices that not only look better (by at least 10x) but also may make more sense functionally (using an umbrella like joe mentioned above covers your whole body, instead of laying a wet rag on your head and getting pneumonia).
In terms of the items Joe linked in the article, they look great. I actually have 2 pairs of similar (as well as similarly priced) items from J.Crew, but the ones I have are shawl-collared. That may sound odd to some, but I think it really looks nice in reality. They are extremely soft fabric, not too chunky, and great for when I’m wanting to be warm but not look too overdressed with a cardigan or v-neck. The only problem is damn mother nature refuses to drop the temperature below 70 so I haven’t gotten to wear them too much; doesn’t she realize fall is here?!