The hoodie dress and when it works

Short answer: A hoodie dress is a long hooded sweatshirt that reaches below the thigh. It is mostly worn at home, and with leggings when you go out, and it is warmer than a t-shirt dress because the fabric is thicker.

What a hoodie dress is

A hoodie dress is a hooded top lengthened to dress length. It usually has a hood, long sleeves and front pockets. The cut is loose, so it is easy to move in and quick to put on. See the range of bamboo hoodie dresses.

At home and out

At home the dress can be worn alone as soft, warm loungewear. When you go out, it works best with leggings or slim trousers underneath, so your legs stay covered and warm. The loose top and narrow leg give a calm balance. See bamboo leggings for women.

The weight of the fabric

Classic sweatshirt fabric can feel heavy and clammy when you spend many hours indoors. Bamboo viscose makes the dress lighter, so it does not get too warm in a heated living room. It still gives enough warmth for cool mornings and evenings. See more sweatwear.

The hood

The hood is made of double fabric, which is why it is the last part of the dress to dry. Hang the dress with the hood pulled out so air can reach both layers. Otherwise the hood can stay damp long after the rest is dry.

The pockets

Pockets mean the dress gets worn more, because your phone, keys and hands have somewhere to go. Avoid carrying heavy things in them all day, though. Over time the weight can pull the fabric out of shape, so the dress hangs unevenly at the front.

For days at home

Together with a pair of thick socks, the hoodie dress is many people's most worn loungewear. It is warm enough for the sofa, tidy enough to answer the door and quick to pull on in the morning. If you prefer a shorter style, see bamboo hoodies for women.

As an extra layer

On cool days the dress can be the outer layer over a thin top or a long sleeved shirt. You can then take a layer off if it gets warm during the day. That makes the dress useful from early spring to late autumn.

Choosing a colour

A hoodie dress in a dark or neutral colour is easiest to combine with the leggings and shoes you already own. Light colours look fresh but show food and coffee stains sooner. Choose the colour you will wear most often rather than the one that looks best in a photo.

Washing

Wash the dress at 40 degrees inside out so the surface does not pill. Use a mild detergent without fabric softener, and let it air dry instead of using the tumble dryer. That way it keeps its shape and softness for longer. Read more in the washing guide.

Size

A hoodie dress is designed with a loose cut, so take your usual size. If you size up, the armholes become deep, the shoulders droop and the hood gets heavy and pulls backwards. If you are unsure between two sizes, the size guide can help.

Frequently asked questions

Can the hoodie dress be worn outside?

Yes, with leggings or slim trousers underneath. The loose top and narrow leg give a calm balance, and your legs stay warm on cool days when you are out.

Which size should I choose?

Take your usual size, because the dress is already cut loose. Going up a size gives deep armholes and a heavy hood that pulls the whole dress backwards.