When fashion meets function
Hoodie has become a style necessity
DAYNA STEINFELD VOLUNTEER STAFF
It is an obvious fact that there is no official uniform for University of Manitoba students. Yet, the unofficial student uniform is easily declared. An essential part of this informal uniform is the hooded sweatshirt, more casually referred to as the hoodie. Perhaps this is a generalization, but by taking one look around your average lecture theatre, it is undeniable that the hoodie beats out other wardrobe choices by a large majority.
The hoodie is, in many ways, functional. Indeed, the smart prairie-dweller understands the necessity of layering, and thus the hoodie plays an important role in protection from the elements. Not only does the hoodie often serve as the top layer in a layered outfit, but in coming complete with a hood, the hoodie also provides the option for ear coverage. The hoodie also allows the wearer to declare their mood. For example, a slouchy, worn-out hoodie tells that general public, “proceed with caution! I am hung over and grumpy,” allowing the wearer to fend off annoying happy people without ever saying a word. A U of M hoodie allows the wearer to show off their school with pride, while those of us who are nostalgic and reminiscent of high school wear a “Grad of [insert high school here]” hoodie.
More often than not, we let our hoodies do the talking for us. Our personalities are plastered across our chests — the splashy writing and logos instantly declaring who we are and how we feel. The logo also acts as a clever marketing technique, as the wearer is immediately transformed into a walking advertisement.
While the hoodie’s functionality is undeniable, stores and designers STAFFeverywhere have embraced this favourite clothing item as a fashion statement. The popularity of the hoodie morphed the clothing item into a cultural icon of the Gen-Y set. In gaining iconic status, the hoodie captured the attention of clothing designers. Hoodies are no longer simple fleece-lined layering mechanisms. Today’s stylish sweatshirt may have a fur-lined hood, elaborate embroidery, or stylish appliqués. The female version may be the fitted ski-bunny variety, while the male version is usually designed to emphasize broad shoulders and are more suited for outdoor activities.
The statement made through wearing a hoodie has moved beyond silent declarations of hangovers to a statement of status and style. Even high fashion has made room for the hoodie — it is now possible to purchase a Gucci or Armani hoodie. In fact, the hoodie is now prominently featured in outfits deemed to be “put-together” and stylish. Designers are featuring fitted blazers with hooded sweatshirts sewn in. It is not uncommon to see a fashionable male celebrity outfitted in a designer suit-jacket with a hoodie underneath. The hoodie has become the ultimate expression of casual chic.
The hoodie is, ultimately, fabulously multi-purpose. In providing both fashion and function, it is little wonder that the hoodie has become a necessary item in the average university student’s wardrobe. The hoodie has reached the rank of fashion fixture, right up there along with blue jeans. The hoodie is the fashion icon of our generation. In the style equation of fashion plus function, the hoodie is the perfect solution.
