Why Do Kids Wear Hoodies in the Summer

It is because children find a sense of security, relaxation, and comfort in their bodies and minds. This attire protects them from bugs, sunburn, UV radiation, and any social judgment and gives a warm feeling; it is quite stylish and appropriate for any occasion at any time and season.

Recently, something has changed! My school-going son is hardly taking off his hoodie, even in the hot temperature! When asked, he replied, it’s warm. At first, I thought he was suffering from internal fever, but that wasn’t it. I googled it, and boom! There is more to it. 

There are many reasons why kids wear hoodies in the summer, and I found some really convenient as well as concerning reasons, some of which also worried me. 

I believe you should know the reasons as well. So, let’s not keep you waiting.  

Why Do Kids Wear Hoodies in the Summer? 

I asked my child, as well as some other children around my area, who wear hoodies regardless of the weather and season. Here is what I summarized as to why kids wear hoodies in the summer. 

Comfort and Coziness 

I remember one of my classmates at high school, who couldn’t stand the cold. Even in the summer, he would wear a hoodie. One day, I asked him the reason, and he replied that it offers warmth to the whole body. The hoodie has a heat-capture capability. From the head to the waist, even the wrist, the hoodie nicely covers up the body. The coziness, the fabric, the size, everything offers a sense of comfort for children who are naturally warm-lovers. 

Coping with Anxiety 

Children who are naturally shy or introverted often feel anxious or some other terrible feeling whenever they are exposed to the outside world or engage with people. This situation tends to create some kind of mental vibrations, which they either can never cope with or take time to get adjusted to. Hoodie works as a shield or safeguard for them to avoid or get over the situation as they offer them a feeling of protection. 

Body Image and Insecurities 

Some people in society judge people’s body shape; they are too thin, too fat, too short, etc. And there are people sensitive to these remarks; children aren’t different from that. Making such negative comments raises insecurity among them (which is very wrong). That’s why they tend to hide their body image by wearing an oversized hoodie. The hoodie works as a disguise, hiding their body and face, and thus, they can avoid people recognizing them. 

Camouflaging the Appearance of Flaws 

Children who have physical flaws, social anxiety, or psychological issues seek relief by wearing hoodies. This piece of clothing, though, doesn’t help to get rid of the problem children face. However, it can work as a camouflage and help them become less visible to people’s eyes. 

Protection From Climate Change 

Hoodies offer some health benefits, according to the children who wear hoodies in summer. For example: 

• Protection from bug biting: Many bugs and mosquitoes bite in summer, and having the habit of wearing hoodies helps them from this, even if they are in the jungle. 
• Protection from ultraviolet radiation:  Some hoodies have UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), which blocks cancer-causing UV radiation from entering the human body. 
• Prevents sunburn effect: Hoodies that are made for summer are generally lightweight, and portable. They help children not get sunburns or any type of heating effect. 
• Saves from rain or wind: Wearing a hoodie helps children from any sudden environmental change effects like a strong wind that blows dust or rain. Children who suffer from dust allergies benefit from using hoodies. 

Easy Wardrobe Solution 

Nowadays, hoodies are one of the easiest wardrobe solutions for both boys and girls. It goes well with almost anything. And what’s more convenient is you don’t have to follow any dress code or it. You don’t find what to wear—get your hoodie, it’s raining—get your hoodie, need to go outside— wear a hoodie; an appropriate piece of clothing for any time. Also, the outfit is simple-looking but versatile. If you are not buying designer hoodies, then a hoodie is less costly compared to other outfits on the market. 

Emotional Support 

Hoodie offers emotional support to people who are disheartening, or suffering from depression or bullying. The large bag-like clothing offers a hugging or cover-like feeling, assuring a sense of solace for the user. They can hide in the clothing, as it works as a security shelter for their suffering. Also, some people (teens and tweens are included) are protective of their privacy or love to stay in incognito mode; they don’t like to interact much more than necessary. A hoodie is the perfect outfit for emotional support. 

Miscellaneous Reasons 

Here are some more reasons why children wear hoodies during summer. 

• More pockets

Children have many things to carry, and they naturally love the cloth set that has several pockets; actually, the more, the better. Hoodies tend to serve that purpose really well. They have several pockets both inside and outside. If not, they have large pockets that are capable of taking many things. Quite convenient, isn’t it? 

• Clothing versatility 

As mentioned earlier, a hoodie is an advantageous piece of clothing that can be worn with anything. So, you can bring versatility to your clothing by wearing it with any clothing you want, even on any occasion. There is nothing ‘mismatching’ or ‘doesn’t fit’ with a hoodie. This is also a time and cost-efficient wardrobe for teenagers. 

• Hides sweating 

Children who sweat a lot wear a hoodie to hide the sweaty clothing by wearing a hoodie on top of their old clothing. 

• An attire of style 

Apart from warmth and a sense of comfort, a hoodie is stylish clothing. It has variations in fabric, colour, style, and comfort. Hooded sweatshirts can be worn on any occasion, any season and by anyone. So, children wear it as it makes them look cool. 

• Avoid judgemental people 

Teenagers who are often criticized or body-shamed said hoodies are a shield that gives them a sense of security. According to them, by wearing a hoodie, they can avoid people’s eyes and comments that are indicated towards their body, or attitude. 

Concern Regarding Children Wearing Hoodies 

Apart from comfort, there are several reasons teenagers wear hoodies, which has created concern for the guardians. Here are some scenarios. 

• Students hide earbuds, cellphones, and food inside the hoodie and are inattentive to the class. As a result, many schools banned hoodie-wearing.
• Many students are vindictive or gang members. By wearing hoodies they hide their identity and create violence and sometimes these situations can’t be comprehensible through CCTV. 
• Teenagers may hide weapons, drugs or similar items inside their clothing and wear hoodies to hide that. 
• Teenagers who are bullied or victims of family abuse wear hoodies to hide away their physical scars. 

So, not every hoodie-wearing teenager is a culprit or victim. But even so, if you find your child is behaving unusually or something feels off about them, please hear them out, be compassionate, and be there for them. 

Also, there is nothing wrong with teenagers wearing a hoodie, they have their clothing preferences. 

Why Do Teens Wear Hoodies in the Summer?

Like kids, teens also wear hoodies in the summer, and it’s very common among them. I was talking to my sister about my son wearing hoodies in the summer, and she told me that the same is happening with her 16-year-old daughter as well. I learned some reasons why my niece is wearing hoodies and want to share them with you. Here are more details on why teens wear hoodies in the summer.

Comfortable and Cozy

Teens prefer comfort over everything. They choose to wear hoodies in the summer because hoodies provide a soft and relaxed feel, which they enjoy wearing all year round, even in warmer weather.

Style and Confidence

Hoodies are a popular fashion choice among teens. They often feel stylish and confident wearing them, as hoodies are a go-to wardrobe staple.

Protection from Sun or Bugs

Some teens prefer wearing hoodies to protect themselves from sunburn, especially if they spend a lot of time outside. Hoodies can also help to protect teens from bugs during summer activities.

Personal Style

Teens love to wear hoodies to express their individuality. Hoodies come in many colors and designs. Hence, for many teens, it’s less about the weather and more about showcasing their style through bold designs, logos, or colors.

Staying Warm

Air-conditioned places like schools, malls, or movie theaters can feel cold. So, teens prefer to wear hoodies in those particular places. Wearing a hoodie gives teens the option to stay warm when they go indoors.

Is It Okay to Wear Hoodies in the Summer? 

Yes, it is okay to wear hoodies in the summer. I saw many girls like full-sleeve dresses even in the hot weather. Also, hoodies are stylish and can be worn on any occasion, any season, anywhere. 

However, if the clothing is about children, my recommendation is to pay heed to their needs along with your judgment. 

They like to wear hoodies. All right, buy them the ones with good fabric that is lightweight, comfortable, and easily washable. 

How to Pair Outfits with a Hoodie? 

• For boys, you can have them wear a hoodie with jeans or shorts. 
• For girls, you can have them wear a hoodie with floral or tutu skirts, shorts or full pants. 

How do you choose the right hoodie for summer? 

I let my child wear a hoodie as he has grown fond of it. But I make sure to choose the hoodie by considering some factors. 

Fabric material & weight: Made of breathable fabrics (such as cotton-poly blend, moisture-wicking) and easily carriable for the child. If the fabric is a stretchy one, that’s good. Also, it is lightweight making it carriable for the child, and easily washable. 

Hoodie design: Also, I take note of the color, and design. For example, I avoid dark colors, especially black, because they absorb more heat. A big no for summer. 

Functional features: The hood isn’t too big, blocks vision, has a zipper system to provide extra layers and pockets are large enough for hands. Also, it has a fine finish and no loose string or unstitched parts. 

Hoodie size: As my child wears a hoodie almost anywhere, from school to the playground in the afternoon, I have a backup hoodie for that. I made sure the size was the right fit according to his height. 

Eco-friendly: I want to take part in the greater good of the earth. So, my prime focus is always on eco-friendly products if I have the option. Some brands offer organic, eco-friendly clothing items, including hoodies. 

Budget: As I am buying for children, I have to buy more than one piece, and I can’t afford to buy all pricey or designer hoodies. I stick to moderate-ranged prices. 

While wearing a hoodie, I make sure he is 

• Wearing a tank underneath to absorb sweat
• Staying hydrated by drinking water or juice 
• Using sunscreen on the exposed skin  

Why Should Hoodies Be Allowed in Schools? 

Many schools banned wearing hoodies. Even so, many teachers oppose these, and parents and children also support schools allowing students to wear hoodies. 

Reason 1: Wearing hoodies offers children a sense of safety and security. 

So, it can be allowed in schools. If the school authority is concerned about what children bring in their hoodie pockets, they should check it. 

Reason 2: It enhances children’s attention by offering auditory support. 

A hoodie covers the head and ear, and thus, it helps reduce surrounding sounds. Though it depends on the fabric, it absorbs the sounds, minimizing the noise around and helping focus on the primary one. 

Reason 3: It saves the school uniforms from dust or marks. 

Many parents support their children wearing hoodies in schools for this reason. Most children’s school uniforms are white, and that is why they get dirty quickly. Wearing a hoodie as the top layer for the school uniform will save it from getting dirt, mud, or other marks. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Conclusion 

So, now we know why kids wear hoodies in the summer. After learning the reasons, I do not force them to take off their hoodie just because it is extremely hot today. He feels comfortable, it makes him look cool and stylish, it protects him from bug biting and sun, and I am okay with it. What I decided to do is to buy him summer-convenient fabric hoodies. I hope you will do what you find suitable as well.