If there is one hoodie everyone should own, it is a black one. It goes with everything, hides the odd mark, looks sharp under street lights and makes any graphic pop. RankHero estimates "black hoodie" gets around 18,100 searches a month in the UK (RankHero), so you are not alone in wondering how to wear it best.
Why black works
Black is slimming, timeless and easy to pair. It also gives artwork the strongest possible contrast, which is why a black graphic hoodie reads clearly across a room. That idea sits at the heart of our Nouveau Noir 2075 collection: the new black, transmitted from 2075.
Outfit 1: All black everything
The sharpest way to wear a black hoodie is head to toe in black.
- Black graphic hoodie
- Black straight jeans
- Black leather belt
- Black Chelsea boots or black leather trainers
The trick with all black is texture. Mix the soft fleece of the hoodie with the denim, the leather of the belt and a matte or polished shoe so the outfit does not look flat.
Outfit 2: Black and indigo
- Black hoodie
- Dark indigo jeans
- Black or dark brown belt
- White leather trainers
The indigo softens the look and makes it a little more daytime.
Outfit 3: Black and white
- Black hoodie with white or light artwork
- Grey or black jeans
- Black belt
- White trainers
Echo the colour of the graphic in your trainers. It ties the outfit together.
Outfit 4: Smart-casual black
- Black hoodie
- Black slim or straight jeans
- Black leather belt
- Wool overcoat in camel or charcoal
- Chelsea boots
This is the high-low look that works for a late table or drinks.
Outfit 5: Black hoodie with a red accent
Red was one of the standout colours in London street style this year, according to British Vogue (British Vogue). Add one red piece, such as a cap, a bag or a pair of trainers, to a black hoodie and black jeans.
For women
A black hoodie works brilliantly with high-waisted straight jeans and a belt, with the front of the hoodie half-tucked to show the waist. Add ankle boots and gold jewellery for evening. Our women's organic hoodies in Nouveau Noir, such as the Glamour Rain and Divine Reverence designs, have the same comfortable unisex-style fit as the rest of the collection.
Inside Nouveau Noir 2075
Nouveau Noir 2075 is our black collection: futuristic graphics for those who live in black and command the room without saying a word.
The fabric
The organic hoodies in the collection are 85% organic cotton and 15% recycled polyester, with ribbing of 97% organic cotton and 3% elastane, a brushed fleece inside, a double-layered hood and flat drawcords with metal eyelets.
The designs
Each design has its own idea. A few examples:
- Trauma Bonding Hoodie – Noir: also available in white in Blanc Éclat.
- UHNWI Hoodie: the wealth mindset.
- Escape Matrix Hoodie: Vazzari's code for disruption.
The price and sizes
£125 at the time of writing, sizes XS to 5XL. Every piece is made to order.
Black hoodie care
Black fades with heat and harsh detergent. Wash inside out at 30°C or below with dark colours, use a colour-care detergent and dry away from direct sun. WRAP's research notes that washing at lower temperatures can mean clothes look less washed out for longer (WRAP).
Shoes with a black hoodie
- Black leather trainers: sleek and modern.
- White leather trainers: fresh contrast.
- Chelsea boots: smarter.
- Retro trainers: relaxed and sporty.
What not to do
- Do not mix lots of different faded blacks; keep the blacks similar in depth, or deliberately contrast with denim.
- Do not let the hoodie get washed out; care for it well.
- Do not skip the belt; it is what makes the outfit look finished.
Building a black capsule wardrobe
Black is the easiest colour to build a wardrobe around, because everything matches. A simple black capsule could be:
- One black graphic hoodie with a strong design
- One plain black tee and one graphic tee
- Black straight jeans and dark indigo straight jeans
- A black leather belt
- Black Chelsea boots and white leather trainers
- A wool overcoat in black, charcoal or camel
With those pieces you can dress for a late table, a club, a date or a weekend without thinking twice. Add colour through one accessory at a time, such as a red cap or a coloured watch strap, and the outfit changes completely.
Black hoodie for every occasion
Work from home or the office
A black hoodie under a blazer with dark jeans and a belt is acceptable in many relaxed offices.
Travel
Black hides marks, and a hoodie doubles as a pillow on long journeys.
FAQ
What goes with a black hoodie?
Almost everything. Black, grey or dark indigo jeans with a leather belt are the strongest pairings.
Is an all-black outfit a good idea?
Yes, if you mix textures: fleece, denim, leather. It is one of the sharpest looks there is.
What shoes go with a black hoodie?
Black or white leather trainers, Chelsea boots or retro trainers.
How do I stop a black hoodie fading?
Wash inside out, cold, with darks, using a colour-care detergent, and air dry away from direct sun.
What size are Nouveau Noir hoodies?
XS to 5XL, with a comfortable unisex fit. Check the measurements on each product page.
Sources
- RankHero, "black hoodie" keyword data: rankhero.com
- British Vogue, London Fashion Week AW26 street-style trends: vogue.co.uk
- WRAP, Valuing Our Clothes: wrap.ngo (PDF)
