Hoodies on teenage boys - fashion statement or more???

[Junglemum]

Nothing better than snuggling down in a big hoodie. I am a hoodie addict. I thought as my younger years passed i'd grow out of it, but i never seem to.

I am in a gang though, me n my sista's hangin talkin about boobs, babies and lack of sleep usually.

[Bathsheba]

As a regular train catcher there is something pretty intimidating about a group of young males getting on board with hoods all up and covering their heads. It often spells trouble. Usually it means you'll soon be smelling the distinctive scent of parmanent marker as they graffiti like p!ssing tom cats all over the inside of the train.

Not all hoodie wearers are trouble. But clothing is a language. Teen boys often use hoods to convey the power of concealment. The practical value of hiding your features from CCTV is part of the reasoning behind it.

When my boys are old enough i'll speak to them about the language of clothing and hopefully they will decide not to talk this talk.

[anney]

Bath I think you have described it well. I also catch the train regularly and sometimes I have sat behind someone slumped in a seat in a hoodie and thought they looked intimidating but then they have thrown back the hood and been a "normal" looking teenager. And worn by a group many types of clothing can convey a message. I guess having just come out of his teens, this is probably what my nephew is alluding to.

[*TripleJ*]

every jumper i wear is a hoodie i dont think i have one without one but i agree with bath that they can use it in that way but most of the time most ppl are just wearing them to keep warm at least everyone i know

[Rouge]

I have to say I hate the stereotype that alludes to teenagers.

I walk up to what would outwardly appear to be the "scariest" looking teens and crack jokes and start a conversation, first they are shocked I think that I'm not having a go at them and I have NEVER had a bad experience they have always been so unbelievably lovely to me and some have even offered help with things.

I guess it's no different than automatically assuming all elderly people are grumpy, it just isn't so. Cliche's are just that. I think quite honestly we are the ones that feed those stereotypes when we could break it by not making assumptions based on clothing or appearance.

[Lulu]

Hoodies are very practical when it comes to CCTV. Balaclavas really give you away when you are standing behind someone at the atm.

[*TripleJ*]

Hoodies are very practical when it comes to CCTV. Balaclavas really give you away when you are standing behind someone at the atm.

[Rouge]

Great not only do I have to worry about DS doing a Trike-By but hold ups too? Sheesh.

[Lulu]

lol - I was serious. I think 100% of crimestoppers videos/CCTV have people in hoodies.

[Rouge]

LOL I don't doubt it. But I hate stereotypes still. Not every hoodie wearer is going to hold up a sevs, or tag a train. Some people just like the comfort and warmth

And on that note...

Here's a ferret for your entertainment.

YouTube - Best PS3 ever!

[MummaSue]

Not every hoodie wearer is going to hold up a sevs, or tag a train. Some people just like the comfort and warmth [/url]

I agree. DH usually wears a hoodie AND a baseball cap. He's often gone to pay for petrol and been asked to take his cap off. He's no thug, nor criminal, in fact quite the opposite, very quiet and shy.

[littlelara]

I have to laugh when I see people driving their cars with their hoods on. I just think it's funny.

[Bathsheba]

I understand the risk of stereo types but it's hard to ignore experience. I love wearing the hood up on my duffle coat too on a cold day... But what does it say when you see a group of sauntering lads get into your carriage on a warm sunny day, generally after a stint of smoking in between the carriages while the train is in motion? It simply spells trouble. It's damn annoying when you are judged by your clothing unfairly but it's also sometimes an accurate indicator. Like Lulu said: see a person enter a bank wearing a black balaclava and you'd be crazy if you didnt high-tail it the hell outta there! If I have the choice between getting in a carriage filled with little old ladies or one filled with hoodie (up) wearing teen boys I know from experience which would be the better option.

[Lulu]

Great not only do I have to worry about DS doing a Trike-By but hold ups too? Sheesh.

I'd only worry if the hoodie was imbued with a bag-snatching curse, however I think it's far more likely he'll be hanging out with Ange's crew talking about BOOBS.