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Sweatshirts and hoodies are as crucial as the T-shirt in any man’s wardrobe — especially to those of college age. Hooded sweatshirts can look sloppy and tired, but there are ways to wear them that look grown-up and presentable. In a recent GQ article, style columnist Glenn O’Brien commented on the industrial, working-class origin of the sweatshirt.
“When America still made stuff, Champion and other sportswear manufacturers turned these out in massive numbers for the working-class heroes who needed warmth while laboring in the meat lockers, icy sewers, train yards, and sandhog caissons of America. Boxers did roadwork in them, shell crews pulled oars against the tides of mighty rivers in them, daring highwaymen knocked over 7-Elevens with their added anonymity” he wrote.
As he points out, the sweatshirt is ingrained in the soul of the American man. It’s a trend that’s not going anywhere. Here are some tips on ways to rock the hoodie while still looking grown-up:
Stick to neutral colors
Sweatshirts work best in gray, black, dark brown and charcoal. Bright colors look juvenile — straight out of seventh grade. Your sweatshirt should be free of graphics and decoration. This means that “So-and-So High School Basketball” is out. Stop trying to relive your superstar high school days, and save those sweatshirts for the gym.
Plain, neutral sweatshirts without gaudy logos appear less sloppy. If it’s impossible to find one sans store logo, make sure the logo is small and not in the middle of the chest. If you absolutely must wear colors, keep them dark: navy blue, forest green and cranberry.
Keep it clean
The key to integrating a hoodie into your wardrobe in a mature way is keeping them presentable. This means ripped, dirty, baggy and sloppy sweatshirts are out. You can still be comfortable in a clean, appropriate-fitting sweatshirt.
Wear it in style
There are three main styles of sweatshirts: zip-ups, hoodies and hoodless crewnecks. Zip-ups are the most versatile of the three because they can be worn open or zipped. Wearing them open looks a little more mature and cool. I love the American Apparel men’s zip-up hoodies in black and gray. Wear one with a v-neck or basic crew neck, dark denim and some Converse and you’ve got yourself a downtown hipster look. Classic hoodies are the most manly and rugged of the different styles. They’re also the least fashion-forward. If you want to look mature and comfortable, but aren’t necessarily concerned with fashion, I would suggest a classic hoodie. To avoid falling into a sweatshirt rut, buy ones that are slub cotton, which has that worn-in look. American Eagle makes a simple one for only $30.
Crewneck sweatshirts are the preppiest of the three, and look the most dressed-up. I love crew necks in club cotton or waffled thermals.
The trick is to avoid looking like you just finished working out — or just got off the middle school bus. When wearing a sweatshirt, keep it simple and neutral. No graphics, designs or bright colors. This might sound boring, but if you want more color, try adding a bright T-shirt under a zip-up hoodie. The manliness of the sweatshirt balances out the bright color, creating the ultimate look for a laid-back day.
Bangor Daily News