Zip Up Hoodies: Trends, Styles and Brands

Zip-up hoodies are by far the most popular type of hoody for both men and women, and as such, nearly every clothing brand releases at least one or two styles every season. Men’s zip-up hoodies are fundamentally the same, but the difference is in the thickness, material, and design of the jacket. However women’s hoodies vary in sleeve length (short, long, 3/4 length, and sleeveless) and in jacket height, as some end just below the chest, meant as a kind of vest, while others end at the waist.

The simplest hoodies (for both men and women) purchased at stores such as Target, Old Navy, and Aeropostale, are typically very simple in design and the material is nearly always 100% cotton. They are usually one color and the material is very thin and meant only for slightly cooler days. More often than not, they are worn to more give a casual style than for warmth.

The newer trend in hoodies recently has been to purchase name brands, and there is a wide selection of brands that have released their own versions of the zip-up hoody. The first are the west coast brands with companies such as Billabong, Roxy, Quicksilver, O’Neill, and Hurley. These hoodies are for the casual consumer that enjoys comfort and simplicity. Typically they have been associated with the surfer look. The fashion antithesis to these brands are the east coast brands, which include Zoo York, DC, Mark Ecko, and Volcom. These styles are edgier and take bolder risks in color and design. They essentially feel the same as the west coast brands, but are typically worn by younger teens and young adults that either dress in the ‘skater’ style or enjoy darker colors.

The next are a wide range of vintage brands such as RVCA, Obey, Manchester, and Filter. These styles are simple, yet unique as each garment is hand-dyed and stone washed to achieve a faded, worn look. Usually these are most worn by young adults to older men and women as the shirts are unique and different while not being over the top and appearing too young. Another vintage style includes brands that have a lot of hardware, gems, and over the top graphics such as Sinful, Affliction, Archaic, Aqua VI, Roar, Rebel Spirit, and Ed Hardy. These brands are worn mostly by older audiences, as they are typically the only customers that can afford them.