I recently purchased the “VANS Full-Patched Back” hooded sweatshirt in brown and was not disappointed. It’s a solid, well-made hoodie.
✶ OVERALL DESIGN ✶
Normally, I’m not a big fan of graphics on the reverse of my hoodies, but this one just feels complete with the graphic on the back and a small graphic on the front left breast. I am definitely about contrast when I wear anything and the light brown colouring of both graphics flow well with the dark brown colour of the garment. (A+)
✶ OVERALL COMFORT ✶
When I am buying a hoodie, one of the first things I look for is what blend of fabrics the garment is made of. If you buy something that is 100% cotton, regardless if it says “pre-shrunk cotton”, you’re going to get some shrinking and tightening of the fibres over time which will require you to stretch it when it comes out of the washer or dryer, if you like to tumble it (ONLY AFTER hang-drying it) to remove excess lint and debris. If you buy something that is 100% polyester, or predominantly made up of polyester, you’re going to be sacrificing comfort and softness, which is the reason that you’re likely buying a hooded sweatshirt in the first place. (This excludes “polar fleece blended polyester” that you find in a “fleece button-up” shirt, a “sherpa-lined jacket / sweater”, or the “fleece pyjamas” you wear in winter) The write-up indicates that the garment is a 60 / 40 blend of cotton and polyester, but it feels like there is either: more cotton in the make up of the hoodie than the indicated 60% OR, the cotton is not a superior cotton. After checking the garment tags on the hoodie I purchased, I only realized then that I had already cut the tags off. They’re large and somewhat annoying, even though they’re located on the bottom left inside along the seam. Usually, with a nice blend of 60 / 40 cotton to polyester, you get a nice stretch but this hoodie lacks a great deal of that, which is why I question the cotton quantity and / or cotton quality. It is quite possible that some people may not even notice this particular discretion, I am a hoodie junkie and it may just be something I’m slightly more tuned in to than others. The overall comfort of this hoodie is pretty good, regardless, and like I said earlier, you’re not going to be disappointed. (B+)
✶ OVERALL SATISFACTION ✶
The hoodie is pretty much true to size. I’m 6’1 / 225lbs. I tend to buy my shirts and hoodies in XXL or 2XL so I’m always looking to see how much stretch the garment is has. The hood is generous and should fit you well no matter the size of your dome. It is definitely a comfortable, good quality hoodie and will look fabulous when you put it on. The retail price point of $65.00 CDN is pretty good, as well. And, if you’re fortunate enough to find it on sale or for less, GET IT. So whether you’re a bigger dude like myself, or you’re wearing a smaller size, you won’t have ANY disappointments in this très sweet VANS hoodie! (a solid: 87 / 100)
