Three hundred dollars may sound like a lot for a garment as basic as a hoodie, but if the manufacturer’s claims prove accurate, this may be the last one you ever need to buy. The 100 Year Hoodie is made from industrial-strength materials specifically chosen for their potential to last longer than the person wearing them.
As Co. Design reports, the clothing item is the latest creation from the designer sportswear company Vollebak. At first glance, it resembles the same simple cotton hoodies many people have hanging in their closets. It feels like one, too: The 100 Year Hoodie is a great option for lounging around the house. But if the day brings you outside, the sweatshirt can handle almost any condition. What feels like plush cotton is actually a softer version of Kevlar, the material used in bulletproof vests and space suits. The stitches, zipper, and drawstring are all ultra-high-quality, too, to resist wear and tear.
"Some of our favorite pieces of sports gear are the ones we’ve spent half our life with," Vollebak’s product description reads. "So every piece in the 100Y range is designed to last far beyond the normal life expectancy of clothing. This is kit built to last 100 years and be passed down to the next generation."
While the fabric is engineered to maintain its form, the colors are meant to age. The 100 Year Hoodie: Raw Edition is what the material looks like in its undyed state. After just a few days in the sun, the pale yellow color matures to a deep ochre. The Granite Edition also changes color, fading from charcoal to a weathered gray the more it’s worn.
Vollebak specializes in reimagined hoodies. In 2015 it released the Baker Miller Pink hoodie, a pricey sweatshirt-straitjacket hybrid allegedly built for relaxation. At $295, the 100 Year Hoodie is also more expensive than your average piece of athletic wear. But if you plan on staying active until old age and want a hoodie that can keep up, it may be well worth the cost.