Hoodies2008 CBCJ Class ItemBy: Kasey Bozeman

History of Hoodies

• The hooded sweatshirt or “hoodie” is undoubtedly American in origin and style.

• The first hooded sweatshirt was created by Champion® in the 1930s for workers in frozen warehouses in New York.

• Today, hoodies can be seen on anyone from athletes to infants and the market for hoodies has become very diverse as a result.

Why Hoodies?

• A hoodie is basically a hooded sweatshirt commonly used for exercising, protection during cooler weather, and/or fashion.

• Hoodies come in both pull-over and zip-up styles.

• They are convenient and practical during the winter months.

Things to Consider

• The first thing to consider when buying a hoodie is its intended use. When will you wear the hoodie? What are the functional criteria that the hoodie must have to perform?

• Here are some examples of functional criteria:– Breathes– Keeps you cool or warm, as required– Allows for movement– Weather proof– Remains dry regardless of sweat or humidity– Comfortable– Cost and Value– Uses and Needs

Classes of Fibers

• Cotton – popular, can buy 100% cotton or a cotton blend (usually with polyester or nylon), comfortable, absorbent, cool, does not pill, soft, durable, and strong. One major disadvantage is that 100% cotton has a high shrinkage. Sometimes the fabric is pre-shrunk.

• Polyester – can be blended with cotton, durable, shrink resistance, wrinkle resistance, easy to care for, and does not take long amount of time to dry.

• Nylon - usually blended with cotton and helps to reinforce material.

Reminders About Fibers

• All man-made fibers are sensitive to a hot iron. This should be stated on the care label.

• Polyester typically retains the dyed color through multiple washings better than 100% cotton jeans.

• Read the care label on the inside waistband in the back of the jeans to determine the composition.

Shoulders

• Check the shoulder area seams for reinforcement.

• This reinforcement tape should be sewn into the seams.

• It will help keep the shoulders keep their shape and prevents excess strain on this area.

Seams and Hems

• The seams are generally narrow.• Inspect seams to see if there are any

loose threads and/or holes.• Ensure that the side seams are

perpendicular to the hemline at the bottom of the shirt.

• Inspect hems to see if there are any loose threads and/or holes.

Hood

• Look at the seam that connects the hood to the rest of the sweatshirt.

• Check the hood. Is it symmetrical?• Does it tie with a drawstring? If so,

inspect the string.

Zipper

• Some hoodies will have a zipper.• Zippers should be sturdy and reinforced.

Lots of stress will be placed on this area of the garment, therefore, the zipper must be strong.

• Metal zippers are more durable than nylon zippers.

• The zipper should be at least ¼ inch wide.

Sleeves

• Inspect this hem as well for loose threads and holes.

• If ribbing is used, ensure that the ribbing stretches, but then it retains its shape.

Moisture Management • Some hoodies are designed to keep the wearer

dry during activity or humid conditions—such hoodies are described as moisture-wicking. It is common for manufacturers to have their own unique name associated with their moisture-wicking technology. Some of the common names are listed below. Some are associated with a particular brand of clothing while others are used across many brands industry wide. – ClimaCool: (Adidas) allows air flow around the

garment to regulate body temperature– ClimaProof: (Adidas) keeps the wearer warm and

dry during all weather conditions– CoolMax: (DuPont) fibers are engineered to push

perspiration to the surface of the garment; used in many brand-name moisture management systems

– Dri-Fit: (Nike) water-wicking system to keep the wearer dry

– Dri-Power: (Russell) draws moisture away from the body

– PlayDry: (Reebok) moisture-wicking – PolarTec: this is a leading manufacturer of

synthetic and technology fabrics specializing in moisture-wicking, weather resistant, and insulation technologies.

Dri-Fit Technology

Care

• Most hoodies require mash wash warm or cold and tumble dry low.

• It is very rare that a hoodie requires dry-cleaning. Check the manufacture’s label.

• Hoodies with iron-on images or printed designs often require special care. Again, check the label.

Availability

• Hoodies are available usually in the fall and winter.

• Hoodies come in a variety of colors, designs, and have many different images and/or slogans printed on them.

Cost

• Most hoodies are usually inexpensive.

• Higher-quality typically cost more money.

• Check the quality of the fabric, construction, and require care to ensure you are buying a durable hoodie worth the purchase price.

General Reminders

• Read the scenario. Decide what is or is not important.

• Check the care label – composition and care instructions.

• Check the sale tag – style, design, special features, and price.

• Inspect the garment – seams, hems, neckline, shoulders, sleeves, and hood.