What’s the deal with a blazer and a hoodie? I mean, come on. To some, the phrase is an oxymoron in and of itself. Two opposing apparel items should never be seen or worn together. We’re sure some fans will bemoan the gradual demise of formal, conventional menswear in favor of “athleisure” or casual clothes. We understand. Wearing a blazer with a hoodie, on the other hand, is no longer just another street trend, but a transcendent, popular outfit.
As with most new fashion trends, the more you see it, the more you accept it and, in some cases, even appreciate it. We lay down how this trend began in this episode of UNFUSED, as well as a few successful styles you can try.
The Blazer with a Hoodie History
Though a definitive origin is difficult to pinpoint, our investigation into the narrative indicates that the look’s pedigree (geographically) may be traced back to the Northeast in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Male prep schools had (and still have) severe clothing codes, such as shirt, tie, Essentials shop jacket, dress shoes, and so on, as many can recall. Students were able to cover their shirt/tie with a sweater when the temperature dropped below freezing. Many others opted for a hooded sweatshirt instead of a sweater, resulting in the trademark hooded flap effect as the hoodie rests against the blazer lapels.
Many NBA players, such as LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving, and others, attended formal sports prep schools during those years, acquired the look, and took it over to the NBA, giving it a whole new lease of life as a street style must-have. At its foundation, modern street style is about combining disparate items (for example, a formal piece with a casual/athletic garment) to create a unique, appealing look.
How to Wear a Blazer with a Hoodie (and How Not to Wear It)
Because the hoodie, has become an instantly recognizable American fashion item, the blazer/hoodie style is entirely American. What started out as a practical piece of clothing has evolved into a mainstream fashion item. That has caught the attention of most fashion brands. Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace are just a few of the more well-known design houses that now offer ultra-luxurious hoodies ($$$) as part of their core product line. A $1000 hoodie may have seemed outlandish a few years ago, but it’s now available.
Though the Gucci hoodie is a high-end item, the beauty of this outfit, in our opinion. Is matching a more affordable item (the hoodie) with a more traditional, formal piece (a blazer).
We like solid, darker-colored Essentials hoodies for this look. We also desire it to be free of excessive graphics or embroidery. Choosing a darker, more basic color scheme will give the outfit a sleeker, more official overall appearance.
The navy sweatshirt below from American Giant is a great everyday hoodie that we love. All American Giants are made in the United States, as the name implies. They’re made from a tough, workwear-inspired knit that has a robust. No-nonsense feel on the outside but is soft on the inside, making them ideal for layering all year.
One of our favorite looks is the one shown below. The black trousers are a great match for the dark sweatshirt. The speckled charcoal wool blazer is a perfect match for everything. The hoodie is also more fitting and lighter, giving the outfit the sleeker style we’re going for. Bulkier hoodies are wonderful for everyday wear, but for this style, a more tapered fit is preferred. If you’re trying to complete this look, we recommend getting a hoodie in a smaller size (XL to L).
