Author archives: Stuart Nimmo

10 surprising facts about hoodies

13 September 2025 Stuart Nimmo

This September as we talk a lot about a winter favourite of the Hoodie, and watch our socials for the battle of the hoodie, where we pit a few great hoodies against each other, Here’s a few. fascinating facts to get you started.

When you slip into your favourite hoodie, you’re not just embracing comfort—you’re celebrating a piece of history, culture, and innovation. At Apparel Monkey, we’re passionate about creating premium hoodies that help you express your unique style, delivering great quality and a story with every piece.

However, you’ll be surprised at some of the key moments in the history of the Hoodie. Here’s 10 surprising hoodie facts that’ll make you appreciate this everyday essential item even more.

1. Medieval monks were the original Hoodie lovers

Long before contemporary streetwear existed, medieval monks rocked hooded tunics in the 12th century! These “cowls” kept them warm during chilly prayers and symbolized humility. We know that your Hoodies create your own culture and have their own storytelling associated with them, so why not start your own Hoodie Culture?

2. Champion invented the modern hoodie… for factory workers.

The first over the head hoodie, as we know it, was created in the 1930s by Champion to protect laborers from freezing New York winters. Little did they know, they’d created a legendary functional design that would become a global fashion icon.

3. The term “Hoodie” is younger than you think

Though hoodies existed for decades, the word “hoodie” only entered the dictionary in the 1990s! It gained traction alongside hip-hop culture and skater trends, proving slang can shape fashion history.

4. Hip-Hop turned Hoodie into a cultural

Run-D.M.C., Tupac, and Aaliyah made hoodies synonymous with 80s/90s hip-hop rebellion. The cult, the styles which were developed, defined the culture of the music and made the style become a massive defining element. Creating garment merchandise was a way of spreading the brand, so it’s why you’re reading this. Apparel Monkey is here to help you create your brand.

5. High Fashion labels often immediate culture

Over the years, many leading “high fashion labels” have edged into Hoodies. Luxury brands like Balenciaga and Vetements sent $1,200 hoodies down runways, blending streetwear with haute couture.

6. The sky is the limit – and no limits on price tags!

The “Diamond Destiny” hoodie ($150,000) by Elite Model World holds the title of the priciest ever, dripping with diamonds and 24k gold. At Apparel Monkey know and understand premium hoodies; besides, we’ve seen some stunners and know how to make you achieve the look.

7. NASA’S Astronauts wear hoodies in space.

From 2019, NASA designed hoodies with Velcro patches to hold tools during spacewalks. Which just proves it’s one of the most versatile items of apparel going. Here at Apparel Monkey, we can trim your hoodies with different colour pull cords to make them more yours!

8. Hoodies can be a symbol of resistance

After Trayvon Martin’s tragic death in 2012, the Million Hoodie March sparked global activism. The hoodie became a powerful emblem of solidarity and justice. A simple item can be the cornerstone of creating great messages – just like the “Person standing in front of you” hoodies from the last few years.

9. Tech-forward and friendly hoodies…

Back in 2014, Tommy Hilfiger’s “Wearable Tech” hoodie had built-in wireless headphones. Yes, we have everyday hoodies with phone pockets, eyelet holes for cables, but the innovation at the other end of the scale takes some matching. Experiment with solar-powered heating and anti-pollution fabrics. Let us know what features you want – even if it is super soft, and we’ll match you to the right hoodies.

10. Research backs hoodies boosting your productivity.

Over the last decade, if not longer, research by academics and others has proven that comfortable clothing enhances focus and creativity. Here at Apparel Monkey, we test products, so we can give you honest feedback and tell you watch matters.

Simply put, Apparel Monkey, we know our hoodies, we have studied the history, seen the cheap ones over the years, done stunning prints where others couldn’t achieve the results, and know how to trim something to give it the edge. Above all, we have some great options, and are available to get touchy-feely with in our show room – so see the feature videos when we upload them on our social channels.

Entry Summer Softshell Jacket – a great option

18 July 2025 Stuart Nimmo

This jacket has been tested by two of us in the business. When we say we do actually get to test drive products, we really do, and ensure they are real world feedback. As we know it matters. So Matt put this jacket through its test over a few weeks. Stu has also had one and given it a slight use over the same period, but we both a concur with the comments within this review.

Review of Result 3-Layer Recycled Printable Casual Hooded Softshell R909X Size Large in Navy

After getting wet from a leaking 10+ year old jacket on my regular dog walks I decided it was time to upgrade and purchase a new summer waterproof jacket.

I have a good winter coat, but wanted one for summer, which was waterproof but not too warm to wear in the warmer months something that didn’t make me look like I had taken a shower when I took it off.

After some advice I went for the Result 3-Layer Recycled Printable Casual Hooded Softshell R909X in Navy.

When the jacket arrived, I was impressed with the quality of the item it felt well made, wasn’t too heavy for summer use and thought it would do the job well.

The side pockets are huge and can easily fit gloves, phones and anything else you require while out. The chest pocket can easily fit a phone too.

The fit was great, I went for a large, I could move about easily and had room for a jumper underneath. The length was good too considering I wanted the jacket for wet weather, I personally don’t like short jackets. My only slight gripe would be that as the hood is permanently attached, it does make the back of the collar turn down so doesn’t fully fit to your neck, however this is not a major issue, more a personal preference.

The first time I wore the jacket was while out walking the dog on the Yorkshire coast. It was quiet a windy day with spitting rain. The jacket performed well. It kept the wind totally out which I wasn’t expecting, it thought I may let some. The rain beaded onto the jacket, and it kept me dry. The pockets were easy to get your hand into and didn’t leak which is always a good point. Overall impressed. A few days later a rainy day the jacket again did its job. This time I used the hood, which was easy to get to as it isn’t packed away it’s there just to pull over your head. It fits well, has enough weight to it so wind doesn’t blow it off, but not too heavy that you can feel it. You can also still hear the world around you, which with some hoods is difficult.

I have worn it since in wet and damp environments and continue to enjoy the jacket. During one walk in rain, the weather turns to monsoon conditions with really heavy driving rain. This tested the jacket to its limit, did it pass – sort of. Overall, the jacket keeps me protected from the elements. However, there was a little leak from the zip over my midriff and the seam on the front also leaked a little. Is this an issue? NO, I didn’t buy the jacket for these conditions, we were caught out, did the jacket fail no, it wasn’t designed for these extremes. I am still happy with the jacket and will hopefully get years of wear from it.

Summary

Would I recommend the jacket, yes. For anyone wanting a lightweight jacket that will keep the elements out. Ideal for anyone looking for a jacket to match their corporate image and branding that will stand up to most weathers. Also suitable for clubs or societies for members to travel to events. Overall I would give 4.5 out of 5

It’s all about pedigree

16 March 2025 Stuart Nimmo

If you were heading to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, you’d of researched your horses and riders thoroughly knowing where you’d place your bets.

However, placing your next print project with a commercial printer is a different game.

So, you need a game plan… What do you look for?

Awards and recognition

HAD-Print is recognised and award-winning, Mid Yorkshire Chamber doubly recognised HAD-Print in 2023 for “Member of the Year” and for the work we’ve done supporting diversity and inclusion, through the print projects we’d worked on.

This level of attainment isn’t something which is brought, it takes previous experiences to achieve this. Stuart Nimmo (HAD-Print’s lead), back in 2005 was recognised by the British Printing Industries Federation for an annual impact report, and previously in 1998 by Citizens Advise Network for a local annual report for Stratford Upon Avon CAB. He’s also created highly acclaimed manuals and training resources throughout the 2010’s.

What do others say

Interestingly most of our work comes by referral. Those who know what we do, appreciate us and recognise us accordingly. A good friend of the business Mark Evans (previously of Better Telecoms) famously said, “It’s not the story you tell, but the Story others tell of you” or as we paraphrase “What’s the Story Morning Glory”. Needless to say, Mark happily sings our praises like many others on Linkedin. Equally, our review profile on the search sites backs this up.

Education and training

In an industry which has seen significant change, this still plays a part. Stuart Nimmo (HAD-Print’s lead), had a pretty unique rounded education in the graphic arts, starting with a National Diploma in Graphic Design (Coventry Technical College). Moving on to a Higher National Diploma in Design Print Management (Northampton University), where he discovered a wider understanding of the graphic arts industry. He has also completed City & Guild Level 3 in photography (Coventry Technical College) – making his eye for detail rather refined. Stuart Nimmo also attends industry conferences like the IPIA’s and Visual Media Conference (VMC), along with Wilsons Republic events in Huddersfield. However, as a business, HAD-Print has also provided training and development to our staff, one being Stuart Boddy who has progressed in garment decoration and has attended courses on the technicalities of industrial embroidery production. The production team also attends industry events for additional learning.

Visual evidence

We are more than industry experts, we produce and have our production facility covering sheet-fed digital print for marketing collateral, books and a lot more. Large format graphics capabilities and garment print and embroidery. All of this is clearly seen in real-world photographs on social media. There is a big difference between agencies/brokers and real-world print production houses. As a producer, we have full supply chain support from paper merchants, garment wholesale distribution channels and a lot more.

Get to know us

You cannot beat meeting people face-to-face to learn more. Unpacking how we think will help you understand more about what we do. As they say, seeing is believing and a lot of people who come in to see us, always discover more. Whether it is by getting touchy-feely with samples or discovering different finishes or techniques of what we can produce.