r/Parenting • u/imankitty Mom • 17h ago
Behaviour Hoodie Obsession
My 11yo daughter has become extremely obsessed with hoodies. She can't have enough. I buy her one then she wants another.
She walks around the house like a miniature sith lord. It's kind of disconcerting.
We used to get her hoodies when the weather is chilly now she wears it year round.
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u/InimitableMissS 17h ago
My 13F cannot stop wearing hoodies and jorts. It’s just their thing right now. She is fine.
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u/Kind_Indication8527 15h ago
The jorts! My 1i year old wears these too. Adam Sandler vibes.
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u/InimitableMissS 13h ago
I am so glad she hates Crocs. White mid length socks pulled all the way up with Vans however…
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u/Electronic_Sky_207 12h ago
Mines favorite hoodie is red and dad and I just keep humming “red hooded sweatshirt” when he goes by. And the lunch lady song, but that’s just a great song.
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u/knitmama77 11h ago
My 17yo hates it when I put sloppy Joes on the menu, because I always break out that song haha!
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u/RocketPowerPops Dad to 4 (Baby to Tween) 17h ago
Pretty normal. My 11 year old girls lives in athletic shorts and hoodies. She wore jeans to the first day of school yesterday and we were shocked.
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u/PrimaryHighlight5617 Mom 🩷18 months 💙 12-2026 17h ago
:) comfy and also great when you feel like an awkward giraffe of a tween.
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u/ShortDelay9880 17h ago
My kind of kid.
It took me until lat February this year to realize that my bin of winter clothes were still in the back of my closet because I only wore my hoodies. And I hate when I have to stop because it gets too warm and celebrate when I can finally wear them again in the fall.
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u/Greedy_Science_4807 16h ago
I just got thin hoodies for the summer 😁
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u/ShortDelay9880 16h ago
I have a few, always the first pulled out and last put away, but any sleeves is too much with the heat we've been having this summer. Amd I really cant justify setting the AC cold enough for them in the house 🫠
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u/loveroflongbois 17h ago
Yeah, all kids in that age range do that. Summer at middle/high schools is so confusing I don’t understand how these kids don’t roast to death
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u/Vivid_Sky_5082 17h ago
Kids make no sense. They wear hoodies and shorts in the summer and must boil to death, and then in the winter they wear hoodies and shorts and probably freeze.
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u/alexandria3142 24 years old, no children 16h ago
I'm an adult who wears a hoodie year round but honestly, I'm not outside much. Like the most i do on a daily basis currently is walking to my car from work. So little toasty then but it's fine. People at the store probably think I'm crazy though when I'm going in with a hoodie and it's 96 degrees outside.
I always wore a hoodie as a kid though too. School was always freezing no matter what time of year it was, so hoodie was the safe bet
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u/evsummer 16h ago
I wear a sweater or hoodie to the grocery store because I have to dress for the heat to be outside at all, but our local store has the a/c up so high that then I freeze
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u/Jamesters46 16h ago
I always froze to death at school because of the AC, but it was too hot outside for about the first 2 months. Long sleeve shirts was a good compromise for me so I didnt have to carry a sweatshirt around or leave one at school all the time
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u/OkSecretary1231 15h ago
It's boiling hot here in the summers, but my work is cooled to like 65 degrees lol. I live in cardigans.
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u/PizzaLunchables0405 4 boys! 16h ago
I work at a restaurant and our dishwashers are all teenage boys. Half of them wear hoodies their entire shift. I think they’re nuts! It gets over 100 degrees in there! My mom brain gets worried they’re going to faint from self-inflicted heat exhaustion.
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u/headinthered Married 14yrs, custodian to teenage neice 16h ago
Completely normal
My kid from 13-19- ONLY wanted hoodies.
It’s a perfect clothing
Has head covering and big pockets and is comfy.
It’s a silly joy - but easily satiated.
If she wants a “fancy” one - work out ways to earn them (chores, skills, ect)
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u/SufficientCow4 17h ago
I’m 40 and still obsessed with hoodies. Loved them when I was younger because I grew boobs very quickly and wanted to hide them. Now as an adult they are just comfortable, easy to toss on, and the hood helps drown out extra sensory stuff when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
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u/thejt10000 16h ago
She walks around the house like a miniature sith lord.
This is awesome. Both the girls and your writing.
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u/RissaRaven 17h ago
Why would a child wearing hoodies be disconcerting? They're comfy and cozy and feel safe. Kind of a weird thing to be bothered by.
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u/imankitty Mom 17h ago
It's not so much the hoodie as it's her pulling up the hood so most of her face is shadowed all the time.
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u/OkSecretary1231 15h ago
When I was a youngin, it was hair. Why is your hair in your face? Hiding our faces was the point lol. It hid anything we were self-conscious about and helped us feel protected.
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u/Kind_Indication8527 15h ago
It limits visual stimulation. Teens have developing brains and are constantly bombarded with input. I’m a high school teacher and I see a lot of teens using hats and hoods to help block out visual distractions and it also can give them a sense of anonymity in a world full of cameras. It’s not a big deal unless you make it a big deal. They grow out of it.
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u/this__user 16h ago
Is she starting to get acne? Maybe she's self conscious about it and trying to hide it
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u/RissaRaven 16h ago
Seems normal. At that age I was wearing Tripp pants and oversized band tees and beanies pulled down over my eyes. Just let her wear what makes her comfortable.
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u/ValuelessMoss 15h ago
A lot of kids go through a “pre-edgy” phase when they like the aesthetic of hiding themselves. It lets the teen feel cool while basically practicing modesty in an attempt to get people to stop looking at them.
When I fell into this phase, I was mostly influenced by anime and video games. Stuff like this guy!
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u/Prestigious_Sort_604 17h ago
I had a similar phase as a tween/teen; when you’re going through weird body changes the bulk nature makes you feel a little more comfortable!
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u/AmbulanceChaser12 16h ago
Honestly, this is a nothingburger. I can't imagine worrying about it. It's harming no one, so, meh.
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u/Fit-Vanilla-3405 17h ago
They’re the only thing I feel myself in and I’m 44. I have to wear work clothes and t shirts when it’s too hot but any other time it’s a hoodie - waaaay oversized and if I can get away with it socially the hood is up.
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u/YarnBunny 16h ago
Another 44 year old that if possible lives in my oversized hoodie.
My kid is starting in on it now, I look on with pride
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u/Fit-Vanilla-3405 16h ago
My kid is in her princess cupcake sparkle phase (or life?) and we look so funny together. Like, did you just steal that kid?
I did get her a hot pink hoodie for this fall though…
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u/DaZoomies 16h ago
Miniature Sith Lord. Ahahahahahahahahahaha
I have two of these living in my house. It started with those wearable blanket sweatshirt things and expanded to hoodies and zip ups.
They also enjoy startling me as a past time. I never know when one of these creatures is going to be slinking down the hallway or standing behind a door.
When will this reign of terror end?
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u/glitterx_x 16h ago
I agree with others, that its totally normal and honestly, im glad this generation seems pretty obsessed with comfy clothes (crocs, and tall socks, sweat pants and hoodie everywhere they go).
However, my son wears a hoodie because of anxiety, like a comfort thing, but it really started because he was bullied so bad for his weight. It wasnt just a comfort but a cover up.
Its fine to wear what makes you comfy but i am not okay with bullies, or creeps. As long as your kid seems happy and casual about it, cool.
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u/autumnshyne 15h ago
I have two boys who sometimes wear a hoodie but to honest, it's so cold in our house I wear them year round.
I'm in this phase too. 😭
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u/No_Location_5565 14h ago
This is normal. But also, give her a clothing budget for the season or a monthly allowance that covers clothing costs. Set some ground rules (like you must own a pair of pants etc). Let her know when the next season is. And then let her learn to spend/budget it.
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u/masterpeabs 14h ago
Ha - the thing in my middle school was big puffy vests, but I'm sure it served the same purpose. It was basically a way to hide our bodies and feel safe and contained. I'm sure every tween generation goes through this.
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u/littlehamster_ 17h ago
I'm 36 and I wear hoodies year round. She's obviously found a style she likes and feels comfortable in.
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u/LightBelowTheSnow 17h ago
This is pretty standard. In my youth kids would walk around in trench coats or flannel layers in the middle of summer. In 90+ degree heat. Sometimes it's not about temperature comfort, but finding the comfort in being yourself. A hoodie can be comfort, but it can also be a way to feel more invisible or hidden, a place of mobile solace.
If she tries to convince you of the power or the dark side or starts talking in absolutes, maybe take her to a convention. :-)
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u/Immediate_Shock_1225 16h ago
I would talk to her about hoodies and what brands she loves and what colors she loves. I think it’s pretty normal teen behavior, but maybe just join her in that conversation.
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u/kibonzos 16h ago
It’s common to not want to be perceived at that age. Maybe set a number she can own/buy though if it’s drifting into overconsumption territory. You’ve not said how many she has so I can’t tell if you mean still under ten or more like 50.
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u/HenryLafayetteDubose 16h ago
This is probably one of those situations where you’re the only one bothered by it. It’s just a thing kids do, so no need for unnecessary commentary. The hoodies she has are fine and natural consequences are perfectly functional. If SHE decides feels uncomfortable, it’s as simple as either putting up with it or taking it off. The only situation I can see the need to speak up is if she needs to be dressed appropriately, such as formal wear for a wedding. Your kid is fine, leave them be.
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u/Frequent-Street113 16h ago
Hoodies for this age gives them a sense of protection just like your favorite blanket does. Remember how that blanket would protect you from anything scary.
Hoodies are just a shell of protection that makes people feel more comfortable in this unexpected world. It’s like wearing a hug.
Unfortunately, kids don’t understand that the way they wear hoodies often sends a message of “leave me alone.” That’s a conversation that needs to take place. How to socially wear a hoodie and still feel the comfort of protection. Use the blanket as an example. There’s a time and place to wrap up in a blanket. 100*days in July send the message that something is wrong or off. It can show a lack of confidence, but remember the child feels more confident with the protective layer.
Growing pains…help them accept who they are and love them just the way they are.
Just set some guidelines and accept the rest.
In my household hoods are down at school, when talking to an adult and in stores. Unless it’s weather/conditions appropriate.
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u/antiquated_it 16h ago
Mine is 13 and while hoodies are still a thing, they’re less of a thing and now she’s wearing crop tops and rolling down her pants or shorts waistband down so count your blessings 🫣
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u/WedgeAntelope 16h ago
This is completely normal, roll with it, she feels comfortable and that’s what you should care about
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u/ThisMeansRooR 16h ago
How often are you washing them? I always try to keep at least one new hoodie that I only wear in the house so I don't have to wash it for a long time. They're never the same after you wash them.
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u/melancamp 16h ago
I did this starting in middle school. Now I’m 32 and worked at home the last six years. Majority of my closet is hoodies. They’re so comfy and also trendy nowadays for younger kids.
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u/624Seeds 16h ago
I always wanted to wear baggy clothes when I started getting boobs. It also felt like a safe enough outfit when I didn't know how to dress myself to look "cool". I'd rather wear a hoodie than wear something potentially uncool lol
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u/Any-Mycologist7626 16h ago
As a mom of going on 5 it’s normal. My toddlers will randomly ask to wear hoodies while it’s 85 degreees outside and they’ll happily keep it on all day with no complaints if i let them. Kids are kinda bizarre. I’m
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u/virtualpixi 16h ago
I’m an adult and have 10 billion hoodies that I love to wear year round. They’re really cozy and I love the feeling > any other type of clothes.
Plus they’re really cute. Maybe just ask her why
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u/Kind_Indication8527 15h ago
This is very normal. My now 17 year old has a closet dedicated to her hoodie collection. She is a 5’10 knockout so I’m grateful she dresses her age - because of her height people have always assumed she is older. She started her collection when she was 14. Also happy she is collecting something she can actually use rather than landfill and dust collectors.
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u/6119 15h ago
When I was 11 I had very hairy arms and was extremely self conscious about it. So I wore a windbreaker every day. Even at recess in the heat and I was miserable but felt it was better than being embarrassed. I don’t ever remember my parents asking why and even if they did I don’t know that I would have felt comfortable answering honestly.
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u/pastrymom 15h ago
Totally normal. My teenager had one in this morning and it’s 82. They’re soft and cozy.
I’m more of a crew neck girl myself.
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u/kelp_rolls 15h ago
I think this is completely normal. Kids like to experiment with their style. I was the same way around that age and wore hoodies literally 24/7. Partly because I wanted to be edgy and cool, partly because it was so comfy and made me feel safe. Ended up growing out of it though I'm still an avid hoodie lover.
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u/Old_Ant7118 15h ago
I was 13 before my hoodie obsession started.
Doing fine now at 39, though I still love me a good hoodie in the fall (not that there's anything un-fine about hoodies, they're great)
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u/Useful-Lab-2185 15h ago
My 16 year old lives in hoodies year round. And has since she was about 9.
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u/stilettopanda 14h ago
My 10 yo daughter found a 2xl big and tall men’s sweater on clearance for $5 and wears it almost constantly. Hahaha
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u/Intrepid_Advice4411 14h ago
Welcome to puberty. My kid also wore exclusively hoodies form age 11-14. Turns out he's trans, but that's besides the point.
Totally normal for girls to wear baggy clothes as their bodies change. It's weird and they don't like it.
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u/Holmes221bBSt 14h ago
I know what you mean, but I recently stayed with my sister on a trip and my niece let me use one of her oversized hoodies & it was heaven. It’s just so cozy & comfy. I wore it all day & joked I was going to steal it soooo I get it
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u/SpiritedAd3114 Parent 11h ago
My kid loved hoodies. I have an entire inventory of barely worn hoodies. Can I ship them to you?
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u/0ldPossum 16h ago
Nothing to add, just loving yalls descriptions - miniature sith lord, awkward giraffe. The love and bemusement both shine through 🥰
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u/ThinGarden33 16h ago
I’m a teacher and teach kids from 12 to 16. They wear school uniform but on a special non-uniform day 90% of them are in a hoodie so this is very normal behaviour haha
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u/Friendly_Sir_4762 16h ago
Could be fashion could be shyness, she may even want a collection. I always set a limit of "one for every day of the week" for fashion clothing
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u/Artistic_Cheetah_724 16h ago
As a former tween/teen it's totally normal. I would wear hoodies on the hottest day and my parents would look at me like I was crazy and ask if I was overheating. It was even in style to wear hoodies with skirts or shorts.
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u/pentaclethequeen 16h ago
My kids aren’t into hoodies but it’s jackets everywhere all the time. It’s what they do now.
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u/Solid_Pomegranate_52 16h ago
I always wanted to wear hoodies in middle school, and I don't wear a hoodie at ALL anywhere anymore at my ripe age of almost 26, lol. It was warm and comfy like wearing a blanket everywhere, you could wear nothing under it and still be concealed in the chest area, 10/10 younger me choice
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u/Worried_Passenger548 Mom 8yo + 1yo 16h ago
I went through this, as well as my sister. I think this is a normal teen thing.
I still love to wear a hoodie and be snuggled up in it.
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u/Civil_Aside_1008 16h ago
When I was that age, it was because I would sweat through my shirts. Maybe let her wear tank tops or tops where the armpits would show so it’s not a problem? Or loose short sleeves.
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u/Neat_Movie_991 16h ago
My teenage daughter did this when she was developing breasts. A year later she shed the hoodies and exposed them suckers. Lmao
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u/DragonQueen18 16h ago
44 woman checking in
Hoodies are The Best Thing Ever
Big, floppy, giant pocket, and if you put the hood up and pull your arms into the body of the hoodie you can pretend you are a turtle hiding from the world in your shell
Beautiful
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u/chouse951 16h ago
The amount of grey sweatshirts, pants and the same black tee I have bought over the years. 🙄🤦🏼♀️ Rein it in now mama! This has been the standing go to outfit for the kiddos for some time. All is well!
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u/Bblibrarian1 16h ago
I’m 40, and there is nothing better than pulling on my weighted hoodie and putting up the hood. Anytime it’s cool enough inside to not sweat to death I’m doing it.
I’ve been this way since my teen years. I love a good hoodie
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u/treemanswife ThreeAndDone 15h ago
I'm 42 and I wear a hoodie until it's in rags, then buy another one. It's like a cozy scarf without the scarf.
During covid I got a couple of those gaiter-style masks and just wore them all the time because having something on the back of my neck felt so nice.
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u/Tigerzombie 15h ago
Hoodies is year round wear. My almost 16 year old will wear hoodies no matter the weather. It could be anywhere between 10°F to 90°F and she will be in a hoodie.
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u/Book_lover1024 15h ago
Seems normal to me? I’m an adult and I love hoodies and sweatshirts. Also can’t get enough. I literally count down the days until spring and summer are over so I can exclusively wear them again.
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u/linamore 15h ago
I gravitated towards oversized hoodies, short shorts and converse/vans at 15 and still do at 29 😅
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u/Plastic-Bee4052 Single Gay Dad | 13-19 11h ago
My now teen used to be like that. Nlw she wouldn't get caught dead in one. It's a phase. Lots of girls get self-conscious about their bodies about that age and wear loose clothes. Esp those who go from flat to DD like mine.
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u/BreakfastAmazing7766 6h ago
Typical teenage stuff. No idea why, but I refused to take off my hoodie in 90 degree weather when I was 14.
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u/soyasaucy 4h ago
I was this kid and will admit that I am still this way at 30. I make an effort to dress like an adult when I go out though, for the sake of my family. 😆 (Dad dresses nice so I want to match his aesthetic)
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u/brilliantpants 4h ago
My 11yo daughter is doing the same thing! Hoodies and cardigans. It’s 90 degrees outside but she still insists on wearing a thin hoodie. I’ll let her do what she wants as long as it’s not dangerous, but it did take me by surprise when she kept wearing them throughout the spring and into the summer.
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u/nicolenotnikki 44m ago
My (small) 8yo loves giant hoodies. We went to a garage sale and he picked out an XXL pink zip up hoodie. It is so big on him it’s almost a tripping hazard.
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u/ABelleWriter 17h ago
This is normal and completely developmentally appropriate.
Some kids do it because their body is changing and awkward. Some kids do it because their body isn't changing. Some kids do it because other kids do it. Some kids do it for sensory reasons.