The hoodie has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Originally designed for labourers who had to endure the harsh winters of 1930s New York, its warm, comfortable design has cemented its status as a casualwear essential. An icon of the modern wardrobe, it’s beloved by everyone from presidents to rappers and of course, those who still need an added layer of warmth in cold climes. Which is why, when it came to introducing our jersey collection, creating the perfect hoodie was a no-brainer.

We made it from our signature loopback cotton jersey for a start. We’re so confident in this fabric that we use it for our entire jersey range. It’s incredibly soft, and despite being 100% cotton it feels like it’s part cashmere or silk. And it’s durable. It washes incredibly well and, unlike inferior jersey, holds its shape, ensuring the garment you buy will maintain its fit throughout its life cycle.

And then there’s the detailing. We’ve got some of the most talented craftspeople in the country working in our factory, and we’ve put them to work on the hoodie. It’s got a total of seven different stitching techniques, as well as bound seams and a bar-tacked front pocket. This is a garment that’s endlessly comfortable for lounging around the home, but its luxurious detailing and impressive fabric make it useful for travelling, weekends out and even casual days in the office.

We hadn’t previously worked with jersey, and if we were going to do it it had to be done to the same level of quality and attention to detail as our outerwear. That meant sourcing a fabric that was soft and comfortable against the skin, but also durable and with a luxurious hand-feel. Andrew helped us develop a 425g loopback cotton which fit the bill perfectly. Heavier than regular jersey (which tends to be around 300g), you notice the difference as soon as you put it on.

Completing the hoodie are the large ribbed hem and cuffs, which are a subtle nod to the vintage sweatshirts of the mid-century that were fashioned in a similar way. We’ve also updated it with a series of colours new to Private White V.C. There’s oatmeal, cloud blue and pink rose, three pastel shades that instantly inject a sense of fun and energy into this classic design. You could stick to navy, ecru or grey, but if you want something a little more playful, we’ve got that covered too.

The idea wasn’t to redesign the wheel. The hoodie is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, easy and cut for comfort, with the defining features including the front kangaroo pocket and of course, the hood. For ours, we did just that while adding a few subtle twists, elevating it to a luxurious daily staple.

We made it from our signature loopback cotton jersey for a start. We’re so confident in this fabric that we use it for our entire jersey range. It’s incredibly soft, and despite being 100% cotton it feels like it’s part cashmere or silk. And it’s durable. It washes incredibly well and, unlike inferior jersey, holds its shape, ensuring the garment you buy will maintain its fit throughout its life cycle. And then there’s the detailing. We’ve got some of the most talented craftspeople in the country working in our factory, and we’ve put them to work on the hoodie. It’s got a total of seven different stitching techniques, as well as bound seams and a bar-tacked front pocket. This is a garment that’s endlessly comfortable for lounging around the home, but its luxurious detailing and impressive fabric make it useful for travelling, weekends out and even casual days in the office.

To make it the best hoodie out there, we had to source the best fabric. It wasn’t particularly easy, and it required the help of Andrew Shane, a jersey specialist who’s spent over five decades working with the distinctive cotton. We sought his expertise after we decided to repurpose a series of machines we bought to produce PPE in 2020.

Throughout that year, sections of our factory were dedicated to helping stock the NHS with uniforms and masks, but once the pandemic was over we were left with a bunch of equipment we weren’t quite sure what to do with. The answer? A cotton jersey collection of relaxed loungewear pieces, and our first port of call was Andrew.

Easy to style and endlessly comfortable, our hoodie is a year round piece and one we find ourselves turning to more often than not. If you want a versatile layer you can dress up or down, it doesn’t get much better.

Completing the hoodie are the large ribbed hem and cuffs, which are a subtle nod to the vintage sweatshirts of the mid-century that were fashioned in a similar way. We’ve also updated it with a series of colours new to Private White V.C. There’s oatmeal, cloud blue and pink rose, three pastel shades that instantly inject a sense of fun and energy into this classic design. You could stick to navy, ecru or grey, but if you want something a little more playful, we’ve got that covered too.

Like every other bit of classic sportswear, the hoodie is most well suited to casual, off-duty looks. But, thanks to its luxurious fabric and minimal design, it can be dressed up more than most. You might try a grey version, for example, with stone chinos or tailored trousers, and loafers or chukka boots.

This relaxed approach to smart casual will see you through Sunday roasts in the pub, afterwork drinks or spring BBQs. For all-out comfort, you can, of course, combine the hoodie with a matching pair of our track pants - it’s the ultimate in laid back luxury. But for the perfect middle ground, try one with a pair of tapered jeans.

An Cloud Blue hoodie paired with indigo denim is a classic combination, especially when finished with a pair of Converse high tops. It’s an ideal transitional spring look, and one that can be layered up with an overcoat or parka when the weather eventually turns.

Easy to style and endlessly comfortable, our hoodie is a year round piece and one we find ourselves turning to more often than not. If you want a versatile layer you can dress up or down, it doesn’t get much better.