Are zip-up hoodies out of style? The real truth in 2025

Zip-up hoodies aren’t disappearing-they’re just getting smarter. If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or walking down any high street in Bristol and noticed fewer people wearing the baggy, logo-covered hoodies from 2018, you’re not imagining it. But that doesn’t mean zip-up hoodies are out of style. It means they’ve evolved.

What changed with zip-up hoodies?

Back in the early 2010s, zip-up hoodies were everywhere. Oversized, bright logos, cheap cotton blends-you could buy one for £15 at any high street chain. They were the uniform of casual Fridays and lazy Sundays. But fashion doesn’t stand still. As people started caring more about quality, fit, and sustainability, the hoodie had to grow up.

Today’s zip-up hoodies are tighter around the waist, slightly cropped or mid-thigh, and made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, or blends with spandex for movement. Brands like Uniqlo, Carhartt WIP, and even Zara now offer versions with flatlock seams, reinforced hems, and moisture-wicking liners. You won’t find a hoodie with a giant graphic of a cartoon raccoon anymore-not because they’re banned, but because people want something that looks intentional, not lazy.

Who’s still wearing them?

Ask yourself: who wears zip-up hoodies today? It’s not just teenagers. It’s 30-something teachers commuting on the bus, nurses on 12-hour shifts, freelance designers working from co-working spaces, and dads dropping kids off at school. They’re worn under lightweight jackets in autumn, layered over t-shirts in spring, and sometimes even paired with tailored trousers for a smart-casual look.

In Bristol, you’ll see them at the Saturday farmers’ market, on the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and outside independent coffee shops. The key difference? These aren’t the hoodies you bought in 2016. They’re darker, slimmer, and often neutral-toned-charcoal, olive, navy, or stone. No logos. Just clean lines and good fabric.

Why the shift happened

The rise of remote work and the slow death of formal office dress codes played a big part. People stopped needing to look ‘professional’ every day, but they didn’t want to look sloppy either. Hoodies became the middle ground: comfortable, warm, and quietly put-together.

At the same time, streetwear stopped being about loud branding. Influencers and designers moved toward minimalism. Think A.P.C., Corteiz, and even Nike’s Premium line-everything is subdued, functional, and built to last. Zip-up hoodies became part of that shift. They’re no longer a statement piece. They’re a utility item, like a good pair of jeans or a reliable watch.

What to look for in a modern zip-up hoodie

If you’re thinking about buying one, here’s what actually matters now:

• Fabric: Avoid 100% cotton unless it’s heavyweight (300g+). Look for blends with 5-10% elastane for stretch and shape retention.
• Fit: Slim or tailored, not baggy. The hem should hit at the hip or just below. Sleeves should end at the wrist bone, not cover your hands.
• Zipper: A sturdy YKK zipper is non-negotiable. Cheap zippers break after two winters.
• Details: Hidden pockets, thumbholes, and a lined hood add function without clutter.
• Color: Stick to neutrals. Black, grey, dark green, and navy go with everything. Save the bold colors for your socks.

Brands like John Lewis & Partners, & Other Stories, and even Marks & Spencer now have solid options under £60. Spend a bit more, and you get something that lasts five years instead of two.

What to avoid

Not all zip-up hoodies are created equal. Here’s what still screams ‘out of style’ in 2025:

• Logos bigger than your palm
• Fluorescent colors (neon green, hot pink)
• Baggy fit that pools at the hips
• Thin, flimsy material that wrinkles instantly
• Drawstrings that fray after one wash

If you’re still rocking a hoodie from 2019 with a giant logo on the front, you’re not being rebellious-you’re just stuck in the past. It’s not about age. It’s about attention to detail.

Can you wear a zip-up hoodie to work?

Yes-if your workplace allows it. In creative industries, tech startups, and remote-first companies, zip-up hoodies are standard. Even in more conservative offices, you can get away with one if it’s dark, fitted, and paired with chinos and clean sneakers.

I’ve seen a finance director in Bristol wear a charcoal zip-up hoodie with tailored trousers and loafers to a client meeting. No one blinked. Why? Because it looked deliberate. Not lazy. Not sloppy. Just practical.

Are zip-up hoodies dead? No. They’re just quieter now.

The hoodie didn’t die. It matured. It stopped shouting and started listening. It became something you wear because it works-not because it’s trendy.

When you see someone wearing a well-made zip-up hoodie in 2025, you don’t think, ‘Oh, they’re trying to look cool.’ You think, ‘They know what they’re doing.’ That’s the real sign of style-not following trends, but choosing what fits your life.

So no, zip-up hoodies aren’t out of style. They just stopped being a costume. Now, they’re part of the wardrobe.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your hoodie game, don’t throw yours out-just upgrade it. A good zip-up hoodie isn’t about fashion trends. It’s about finding something that fits your life, your body, and your pace. That’s the kind of style that lasts.