Drawstring in the hood of a hoodie, why and how

Short answer: The drawstring in the hood of a hoodie lets you pull the hood in around your head and close it a little against cold and wind. Many people also use it as a neat detail. Here is why the drawstring is there, how to use it and what to do if it disappears into the hood.

Why the hood has a drawstring

The drawstring lets you adjust how closely the hood sits around your head. If it is cold or windy you can pull it together, and if it is mild you can let it hang loose. It is a simple way to adapt the hoodie to the weather without changing clothes.

How to tighten it

Pull both ends of the drawstring until the hood sits the way you want. Tie a knot or a bow if you want it to stay. If there are small stoppers on the ends, they can stop the string from slipping right in. Try not to tighten so much that it presses on the cheeks.

When the drawstring is not in the way

Many people prefer a hoodie where the strings hang calmly and do not flap. Choose a length that does not hit the stomach or get in the way when you move. If the string is too long you can tie a knot in the end so it does not trail. A simple look suits almost anything.

A hoodie without a drawstring

Some hoodies have no drawstring, which gives a calmer look. The hood falls softly around the neck without being adjustable. That can be pleasant if you rarely use the hood or the string bothers you. You do lose the option of closing the hood tight when it is windy.

The hoodie in bamboo viscose

A hoodie in bamboo viscose feels soft and smooth, and many people like wearing it all day. See our bamboo hoodie for men and check whether the hood sits neatly and the string sits the way you want. The fabric is soft, but the hood can lose its shape if you pull too hard.

If the drawstring disappears into the hood

It happens to most people once. Attach a safety pin to one end of the string and feed it through the channel until it comes out the other side. Then tie a knot in both ends so it does not happen again. If the string has broken, a new one can be threaded in the same way.

Socks and layers underneath

A hoodie works best as part of a layer. Underneath you can wear a thin long sleeve top, see our long sleeve models, and on your feet good socks, for example socks for men. Then you are well dressed without the hoodie getting too warm.

Washing and caring for the hood and string

Take the string out before washing if it can be removed, or tie the ends so they do not pull in. Follow the care label and avoid high heat. Let the hoodie dry completely, especially the hood, which has several layers of fabric and can take longer. That avoids a damp smell and keeps the shape.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a hoodie have a drawstring in the hood?

The drawstring lets you pull the hood in around your head when it is cold or windy and let it hang loose when it is mild.

How do I get a drawstring out again if it has disappeared?

Attach a safety pin to the end of the string and feed it through the channel until it comes out the other side. Then tie knots in the ends.

Should I take the drawstring out before washing?

It is a good idea if it can be removed. Otherwise tie the ends so it does not slip into the channel in the wash.