UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s notorious advice that people should all ‘hug a hoodie’ has been much publicised and discussed. After the London riots it has come under scrutiny again. Hoodies, certainly on the list of older generation, have evolved a variety of negative connotations. Many teenagers, however, do not understand why this should be so.

For many totally law-abiding teenagers, the humble hoodie is really a warm, comfortable clothing choice and nothing more. Personalised hoodies have become especially popular amonst the younger generation, being a smart way showing your support for a club, team, group or cause. Plenty of youngsters get hooded sweatshirts composed as a keepsake from old schools, or fun group holidays. Hoodies are generally used in an effort to remember positive experiences. Nasa Hoodies So why do hoodie-wearers have such a bad reputation?

One possibility is that, although the the greater part of youngsters wear hoodies, the only ones who make it in to the media are those that are up to no good. This may lead older people to assume that it’s young thugs and criminals alone who wear hoodies. This could mean that all hoodies, even friendly personalised hoodies, get unfairly judged and maligned.

Exposure to perfectly nice youngsters who wear personalised hoodies, or hoodies in general, could help the older generations to realise that the image of the dangerous, out-of-control youngsters in hoodies, isn’t the norm.

Another element which can make people cautious with hoodie wearers, whether they wear personalised hoodies or otherwise, is the physical shape and design of hoodies and promotional hoodies. You will no doubt have seen signs in shop windows which read: ‘NO HOODS IN STORE’. The fact that hoodies have an, eponymous, hood may appear obvious but it is something which can make people nervous because it obscures the faces of wearers.

The images in the media of faceless gangs of youths in hoodies, even yet in personalised hoodies, can look particularly menacing, due to the fact their faces are hidden. When you are unable to see the faces of large groups it can seem scary due to the insufficient human connection. Mostly, however, this prejudice against the humble hoodie is really a media construct, mixed with slightly bit of class snobbery and concern with the young…an unpleasant cocktail once you think about it.

Why not show that personalised hoodies are simply as fun, lovable, stylish and friendly as the next item of clothing. Since personalised hoodies are fully customisable you can spread any message you prefer with them. Use personalised hoodies to show school pride, university affiliation and club membership.