A hoodie is essentially a sweater with a hood attached to it and is currently considered a basic fashion must-have. This clothing item used to be classified as a sportswear essential but today it is one of the latest items to come out of the runways of popular designers. Needless to say, this outerwear can come with expensive price tags.



Everyone loves a good hoody and there are the people who love everything about it. Fans are usually of the younger set and makers of the sweatshirts are generally the urban clothing companies to entice and quell the thirst for this item. The first wearers of the hoodie were rappers who wanted to achieve a menacing look. Today, every urban fashionista has one and it is a fashion essential in their closet. If you're looking for a branded make, check out the designs made by BAPE or Bathing Ape, Christian Audigier and LRG. These brands are experts in bringing out individuality and style in every piece they design.

Hoodies aren't just for the men. The market has extended to include women and fashion designers have made their own feminine twist on this popular item. No longer are these styled loose and huge like what most men wear. Women's hooded sweatshirts bring out her shape and frame. To achieve a more urban look, these are best worn with a trendy pair of jeans and some stylish sneakers.

You don't need to love urban chic to wear a hoody. Other 'hoodie-heads' include skateboarders and surfers. You'll notice them wearing their preferred brand as they hang out at the beach or the skating area. For those following this lifestyle, do check out great sporting brands such as Hurley, Element and Billabong. This sweatshirt gives you a sense of style but in this case it also gives surfers protection from the cold morning waves.

University students have always been fans of the hooded sweatshirt. Every university has its own version that proudly displays the university name. For any college student, it's simply a requirement to own a hoodie of their own college or university.

It might seem that spending a huge amount of money for a hoody is not worth it. But the best ones are made from the best quality materials and carry a specially made design that is uniquely yours. These designer items are known to be durable; they can withstand hundreds of washes.

Today's hoodies don't only appeal to the younger set. Everyone is a fan of the comfortable, fashionable, and functional sweatshirt. This everyday item is a great fashion essential that you probably already have a couple of them yourself. You can find designer models that come in different sizes and styles for all ages.

There are a lot of less expensive hoodies out there. A great source is a department store that offers branded items at lower prices. The best time to shop is when the store announces a sale. Shopping online is also a great source of affordable hoodys. Try to find some at urban clothing stores online. You can't go wrong with having a couple of these in your closet.