Entry #2. Hoodies That "Hoodie"

    There's nothing worse than a hoodie that doesn't fit the way you want it to. There have been too many times in the past when I've bought a hoodie, and I ended up hating the way it looked and fit on me. Through a lot of trial and error, I've been able to figure out what qualities make a hoodie "hoodie". My credentials are that I (1) own a lot of hoodies, (2) have friends who love wearing said hoodies, and (3) even had my high school art teacher ask me where I buy my hoodies.

    The two most important things I look for in a hoodie are its drop shoulder and boxy fit. What is a drop shoulder? A drop shoulder is where the shoulder seams sit lower than your actual shoulder. It creates a relaxed and comfortable fit. When the seams line up exactly with your shoulders, the underarm area can feel tighter and less flexible. Boxy-fit hoodies also enhance the overall comfort of the hoodie. There's more room to move in and breathe. The square body shape also pairs well with different outfits, making it easier to style than fitted hoodies.

    Some other qualities that aren't as important but that I still look for in a hoodie are a tighter waistband and a big hood. When folded in, the tighter waistband creates a more fitted, scrunched look at the bottom; it creates a cozier-looking shape. Big hoods are not only stylish, but also practical. It doesn't feel tight or squished when you wear it over your head. There's also more coverage against the wind, sun, or rain.

    My favorite places to buy hoodies from are Abercrombie & Fitch and Brandy Melville. Abercrombie's hoodies are of amazing quality. They are incredibly soft and don't pill. There have been times I had to wash their hoodies multiple times in a row, and it came out the same as before. They offer a wide variety of colors and sizes to choose from. The sizing is true to size as well. Brandy Melville's hoodies are great quality as well, but they aren't as soft in comparison to Abercrombie's. Since Brandy's hoodies are 85% cotton (Abercrombie at 70%), they feel a little "rougher", but they are just as comfortable to wear. Their hoodies don't pill as well. The downside of Brandy, however, is that their clothing is made only for women and is not size-inclusive. Their clothing can only fit up to mid-sized people, men included. On the positive side, their hoodies are good basics that can easily be styled with any outfit.

    With so many hoodies out there in the world, it's hard to know which one will be the right one for you. If you're on a hunt for a good hoodie, I hope I helped you in your search. And if you're someone who prefers fitted hoodies, there are plenty of great options out there for you too-- I just can't tell you which ones!