August 2022 - Town of Broadalbin

The hoodie was “born” in 1919. Not to a cool cat who has inimitable style or someone whose flair for fashion was ahead of its time. The hoodie, much like the quintessential jeans, started out as a utilitarian part of a sweatshirt. It was designed to protect laborers and athletes from the elements.

Today, however, this utilitarian feature has become stylish and something of a symbol, especially black hoodies.

The Black Hoodie and What it Means

skater doing trick in black hoodie — Photo by Zac Ong on Unsplash

How did the hoodie go from practical wear to streetwear? You can thank high school for that switch. When athletes began lending their hooded sweatshirts to their girlfriends, suddenly the sweater usually worn on the sidelines became fashionable style beyond the football field or track.

The rise of urban and skater culture turned this high school piece of stylish sweater into a valuable prop for concealing one’s identity. A black hoodie is particularly helpful for graffiti artists to duck the authorities while they work on a wall or skaters from being identified when they crash someone’s backyard. But a black hooded pullover doesn’t just provide a low profile for illicit activities; the material and construction also protects the person, in style, during winter.

As gangsta rap came to the fore, with rappers and groups donning pared-down outfits to match the gritty undertone of the genre. Although mainstream fashion has used sweater hoodies in black and more, the police still associate the fashion piece exclusively to criminal behavior. Anyone walking the streets at night in a black hoodie becomes a suspect.

And so the storied hoodie now finds its place in a kind of resistance. Celebrities, athletes, musicians and activists have worn black hoodies to symbolize their support for people who have been persecuted and, in tragic cases, killed for “acting suspicious” in their black sweatshirt hoodies.

What are the Most Popular Hoodies?

man in nike black hoodie leaning on bar — Photo by Joes Valentine on Unsplash

Small wonder then that this seemingly casual, protective top has become a stylish piece in anyone’s wardrobe. And any brand that offers it is likely to see sales soar.

But which are the most popular hoodies?

According to Ranker.com, Nike holds the top spot as the most popular brand for hoodies. The mega sports brand is followed by Adidas, Champion, Vans and Supreme. Clearly, most people use sweatshirt hoodies for sports activities. Some may wear it while running, others may put on after a boxing training.

Other brands in the Ranker list are posh designers, like Gucci and Emporio Armani and edgy brands, like Obey and Deathwish Inc. Skater brands, such as Enjoi and Plan B also make the list for most popular providers of hoodies.

Which Brand Makes the Best Hoodies?

Whether it’s a black hoodie you want, the best brand doesn’t have to come with a high street price tag. Although it wouldn’t hurt your wardrobe to have one dressy black hoodie for clubbing if you enjoy a lot of night outs.

But if your main concerns revolve around everyday errands, running around the park, heading to the gym for weights or yoga, and just keeping cozy on those chilly days, these black brand hoodies should meet your demands.

Champion Pullover Hoodie

The all-around black hoodie every man and woman may want to have in their closet. Pull it over a pair of jeans or pajamas and you’re good to go for a fuss-free day around the house. Or a quick grocery run.

Nike Sportswear Black Hoodie

There’s a reason people go to Nike for sportswear. The black brand hoodie is a classic, blending cotton and poly, letting you get your workout done in fashion.

Carhartt Defender Hoodie

For those who do a lot of outdoor work, Carhartt’s Defender big black hoodie is a must. It’s perfect for heavy-duty work in cold weather. And it’s about $89 on Amazon.

Uniqlo Cotton Hoodie

The Uniqlo black hoodie combines cotton and poly, like Nike and Carhartt. It’s designed with a classic French terry hoodie with a V patch.

Adidas Essential Hoodie

The Essential Hoodies from Adidas features several different styles. If you’re not a fan of the pullover, the brand has full-zip hoodies. For softer feel, try out the French terry hoodies. A fleece black hoodie can go for a low of $50.

Everlane Track Hoodie

If you’re looking for 100 percent organic cotton, black sweatshirt hoodie to run in, Everlane’s hoodie works just fine. It’s custom-developed French terry construction provides a luxurious feel without the posh price at under a hundred.

Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie

Hanes’ hoodie is made from 5 percent polyester that comes from recycled plastic bottles. It’s about $30.

Horizon Studios Travel Hoodie

Finally, if you can spare the cash, spring for the Horizon Studios black hoodie. It’s designed for travelers who can splurge on a pullover with a hood that’s got a cushioning and a fold out mask. The temperature-regulating fabric is also made from organic material: coffee charcoal and jade. Not only that, this black hoodie also fights odor and overheating. With all of these features, expect to pay close to two hundred.

Is a Sweater and a Hoodie the Same Thing?

black man with glasses in black hoodie pullover — Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

A sweater and a hoodie are both reliable for keeping you warm when temperatures drop. But they are not the same thing. The most obvious difference is that a hoodie comes with a hood whereas a sweater doesn’t. So a hoodie can be a sweater but a sweater can’t be a hoodie.

But these tops also have other differences.

Sweater

It’s usually a pullover
It has different neckline options: crew, cowl, v-neck or turtleneck
Typically made from wool or wool blends

Hoodie

Usually from cotton and fleece
They have no waist
Design generally features kangaroo pockets

Choosing an All Black Hoodie

Whether you go with a casual, cheap black hoodie depends on what you’ll need it for. If you’re the athletic type, you may want to spend a bit more to get more use out of this hooded sweatshirt. And if you live in a cooler place, get black hoodies that will keep you as warm and all cozy as possible.

A black suit is synonymous with power and authority. It’s the go-to choice for important business meetings and formal occasions. But you can also wear a black suit for casual occasions if you style it appropriately.

Most men and women have a black suit in their wardrobe. It’s versatile, classic and always looks good. But just because it’s a staple doesn’t mean it has to be boring. With the proper styling, a black suit can be sleek, stylish and even sexy.

Is a Black Suit Too Formal?

Wearing a black suit is suitable for special occasions, but it’s not the only type of attire you should own. A black suit should not be your go-to, all-purpose ensemble.

Consider other options for what to wear depending on the event.

Formal Events

For example, a funeral is an occasion where black suits would be appropriate to wear. If you’re interviewing for a job, a black suit conveys respect and professionalism. Graduations are another time when a black suit is an excellent choice.

On the other hand, there are occasions when a black suit may be too formal.

For example, if you’re going to a cocktail party in the spring or summer, you may want to consider wearing something lighter in color. If the dress code for an event is listed as “business casual,” a black suit would be too stuffy.

In general, it is best to err on the side of caution and dress slightly more formally than required rather than being underdressed. If you are unsure whether black suits are appropriate, you can always ask the host of the event or your boss ahead of time.

When in doubt, remember that a black suit is always better than jeans and a t-shirt.

Who Can Wear a Black Suit?

man adjusting black suit sleeve — Photo by Alvin Mahmudov on Unsplash

Black suits are associated with formal and professional settings. As a result, they’re often seen as being too serious for casual events. But this doesn’t mean you can’t wear black suits for more relaxed occasions.

But black was once often associated with death, sadness and mystery. Many ancient cultures consider black as the color of wisdom and mystery of God. This association was based on the absence of light at night, which was thought to be beyond human comprehension.

Chic and Slimming

On the other hand, black is considered chic, slimming and always in style in the fashion world. A black suit is perfect for an important business meeting or formal event. But you can wear a black suit for a date, a night out with friends, or any other occasion when you want to look your best.

Confidence and Authority

And with power dressing for men becoming popular, the black suit is an excellent choice for conveying confidence and authority. For some people, power dressing focuses on wearing expensive designer labels.

But power dressing is about more than just what you wear on the outside. It’s about how you carry yourself and present yourself to the world.

A black suit conveys confidence, power, and authority. It shows that you know the rules and are not afraid to bend them to your will. A black suit is an excellent choice if you want to dress for success.

Is a Black Suit Suitable for Weddings?

Black was once considered an inappropriate color to wear to weddings as it was associated with mourning. Black is now seen as a sleek, modern and classy option for both men and women.

If you’re wondering whether or not you can wear a black suit to a wedding, the answer is yes – as long as it adheres to the dress code. Grooms who look dashing on their wedding day wear their best black suits.

Dress Code

Men can wear black suits for formal, semi-formal, or informal weddings. The key is ensuring your black suit is appropriate for specific dress codes.

For example, if the dress code is a black tie, you’ll want to wear a traditional black tuxedo with all the bells and whistles. On the other hand, if it says cocktail attire, then you can get away with a black suit that’s less formal.

Tips for Styling Black Suits for a Wedding

Here are some tips on how to style a black suit for a wedding:

If the wedding is formal or semi-formal, pair your black suit with a white dress shirt and a black tie.
If the wedding is informal, you can ditch the tie and go for a more relaxed look.
For an extra touch of class, add a stylish but understated watch.
Enamel, plain silver, or gold cuff links can complete the look.

If you are unsure, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. So go for a more formal look if you don’t know what to wear to a wedding.

Can You Wear an All Black Suit to a Job Interview?

man in black suit at meeting — Photo by Cottonbro on Pexels

A job interview allows you to make a good impression on your potential employer. You want to show that you’re professional, competent, and confident. So what do you wear? You need to use the right colors to demonstrate your professionalism and confidence. One fundamental rule of thumb is not to be remembered for your clothing choice; you want the interviewer to focus on your skills, not your style.

Solid Colors

Wearing solid colors is an excellent way to ensure that your clothes won’t distract the interviewer. Solid navy, dark gray, and black suits are professional without being overly flashy. Small patterns, like thin pinstripes, are also okay. The key is selecting a small pattern that looks like a solid across the room.

Overall, you want to wear something that makes you look competent and confident. A black suit is a great option for a job interview. It shows that you’re professional and takes the focus off of your clothing. With the right accessories, you can create a stylish and professional look.

What Shoe Color Works with Black Suits?

A black suit works well with many shoe colors, but black is the best option. Black Oxfords or Derbys can be worn in various suits, including grey, brown and navy.

The darker and simpler the shoe, the better it looks with a black suit. Brown shoes can be worn with a black suit, but avoid wearing them with navy suits.

What Shirt Color Works with a Black Suit?

A classic black suit is best paired with a white or light blue shirt. A dark blue shirt creates the best look for a slim-fit black suit.

However, you can wear these colors together in various combinations, so don’t worry about which color goes well with your outfit. With the right accessories, any shirt color can work well with a black suit.

So, what shirt color should you wear with your black suit? It depends on the look you’re going for. Opt for a white or light blue shirt if you want a classic and timeless look.

Wear a dark blue shirt to make more of a statement. And if you’re feeling daring, try out a different color altogether. You can make any shirt work with your black suit with the right accessories.

Is it Worth Buying an All Black Suit?

A black suit is a considerable investment for many people. Understandably, you might wonder if buying one is worth the money. After all, you can always rent a suit for a special occasion.

Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:

How often will you wear it? Buying a black suit makes sense if you have several formal events on your calendar. You will get your money’s worth out of it and always have it on hand when needed.
Are you looking for a versatile style? A black suit is timeless, and there are endless ways to style it with different accessories. Investing in a black suit is smart if you want a garment that will last you for years.
Do you have a unique body type? If you’ve had trouble finding the right fit due to your build, buying a suit allows you to get it tailored to your specific measurements.

3 Ways to Wear Black Suits

woman sitting on floor in all black suit — Photo by Danik Prihodko on Pexels

Wearing a black suit is easy- you must know how to style it. Here are a few ways to wear a black suit:

1. The Black and White

Black and white is a classic combination that can never go wrong. To get this look, focus on the fit of your suit since not all black suits are created equal. You should make sure it is neither too tight nor too loose. For a timeless look, pair your black suit with classic accessories like a pocket square and tie bar.

Opt for a half-spread collar shirt and team it with a traditional wider knot for a foolproof look. You can also wear a pair of minimalist black sneakers if the occasion calls for it.

2. The All Black Ensemble

Whether you’re hitting the town for a night out or dressing up for a formal occasion, an all-black ensemble is always a good idea. It looks sleek and hides potential shadows on your torso, giving you a slimming effect.

But it would help if you showed the difference between the elements in your outfit. If you’re wearing a black jacket and black shirt, ensure a good contrast in texture.

If you need to wear a tie, you should wear a black one.

3. The Casual Black Suits

The best thing about a black suit is you can wear it on many occasions. If you’re going for a more casual look, ditch the tie and undo a couple of buttons on your shirt. You can also roll up the sleeves for a relaxed vibe.

Wearing a black suit with sneakers is a great way to add a streetwear edge to your outfit. Make sure they’re clean and simple- no need for anything too flashy.

Hopefully, these tips have inspired you to experiment with black suits. The proper styling can be versatile and stylish, perfect for any occasion.

Black Hoodies: What are the Best Brands?