Are Hoodies Still in Fashion in Ireland? Your 2025 Style Guide

If you’ve spent even a week in Ireland, you already know how tricky the weather gets. Four seasons in a day is not just a line parents say—it’s legit. That’s where hoodies come in. Honestly, if you’re heading out in Dublin, Cork, or Galway without a hoodie packed, it’s a rookie mistake.

Most folks here—locals and expats—treat hoodies like wardrobe gold. Why? They’re perfect for sudden showers, surprise cold snaps, wind along the Wild Atlantic Way, or just that soft Irish drizzle that hangs in the air. Plus, you can easily layer hoodies under waterproof jackets or parkas when things get wild. So, before you toss out that old Trinity College hoodie or last year’s Fáilte Ireland swag, maybe think twice. There’s a reason you’ll spot them everywhere, from Sandymount Strand to St. Stephen’s Green.

• Hoodies and Irish Weather: Why They’re the Perfect Match
• How Hoodies Blend into Irish Culture and Events
• What’s Trending: Irish Hoodie Styles in 2025
• Where to Find the Best Hoodies in Ireland
• Smart Styling: Mixing Hoodies with Irish Staples
• When Hoodies Don’t Work: Alternatives and Tips

Hoodies and Irish Weather: Why They’re the Perfect Match

Anyone who’s spent time in Ireland knows our weather has a mind of its own. There’s a reason you see locals clutching a hoodie even when the forecast swears it’s going to be sunny. Truth is, Irish weather is more about unpredictability than seasons. You might get sun in the morning, clouds at lunch, and drizzle by dinner. That’s why a hoodie isn’t just a fashion statement here—it’s common sense.

Let’s break it down. The average temperature in Dublin hovers around 9°C (that’s about 48°F), and it rarely gets roasting or freezing. What does this mean? Layering matters. A hoodie in Ireland gives you just enough warmth for those cool, damp days without making you overheat indoors or on a packed DART ride.

• Rain-resistant layering: Hoodies go great under a raincoat or puffer jacket. Heading out along the Liffey, they keep you dry-ish and warm.
• Wind-proofing: It’s not just about rain—wind whips through Galway and along the Cliffs of Moher, and a hoodie can block most of it, especially with the hood up.
• Instant comfort: Say you’re stuck outside at a GAA match in Croke Park or waiting on a late-night bus. Zip up, pull the hood tight, and you’ve got your own cocoon of warmth.
• Breathability: Irish humidity can make heavier coats feel sticky. Hoodies, especially cotton or blended ones, breathe while offering protection.

Check this out—according to Met Éireann, Ireland gets on average 151 rainy days a year. With all that wet and wind, it’s no wonder hoodies in Ireland never went out of style.

Bottom line: if you’re living in Ireland or just visiting, a hoodie isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re a student at UCD, a tourist walking Temple Bar, or a mam on the sideline of a Sunday match in Limerick, that hoodie is your best mate against the elements.

How Hoodies Blend into Irish Culture and Events

Hoodies in Ireland aren’t just about beating the rain or keeping warm—they’re woven into daily life and nearly every event you’ll go to. At GAA matches, see entire rows of fans in county-branded hoodies, huddled together and ready for whatever the weather throws at Páirc Uí Chaoimh or Croke Park. University students practically live in hoodies branded with UCD, Trinity, or NUIG logos, and you’ll spot them from campus canteens to late-night Flannery’s queues.

When music festival season hits—think Electric Picnic, All Together Now, or Forbidden Fruit—hoodies are part of the unofficial dress code. They’re easy to pull on at a rainy campsite, double up as a pillow, and work whether you’re front-row at a stage or queueing for a chip van. Even on St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll see green hoodies mixed in among the parade crowds, with local shops like Lifestyle Sports offering themed options.

This isn’t just about comfort, it’s part of how people signal togetherness. Local hurling or rugby teams print custom hoodies for squads, coaches, and supporters. Sportswear pop-ups at community events usually move the most stock when it’s hoodie weather, and charity fundraising marathons hand out event-branded pullovers that become everyday wear for months after.

• County and club hoodies show off local pride in towns across Munster, Connacht, and beyond.
• Coffee shops in Temple Bar and Galway City are packed with people throwing a hoodie over casual gear—no one blinks an eye.
• Hoodies also double as team ‘uniforms’ for youth group trips, school outings, and stag or hen parties heading into Limerick or Kilkenny.

Stats back this up. In 2024, JD Sports Ireland reported that hoodies accounted for over 35% of their clothing sales in March and April, topping even running shoes. That’s no small thing in a country obsessed with comfy, practical style.

What’s Trending: Irish Hoodie Styles in 2025

Strolling through Henry Street or grabbing a flat white around St. Patrick’s Quay, you’ll see the Irish fashion trends for hoodies are all about mixing comfort with local pride this year. Oversized fits are everywhere, especially in muted shades like sage green, navy, and that classic charcoal grey. Logos aren’t just for big players like Nike or Adidas anymore; homegrown brands such as Gym+Coffee and Fresh Cuts have seriously upped their game, mixing in Irish humour, unique prints, and even Gaeilge slogans. If you’re looking to back local, those are brands to watch.

One popular thing this year is the return of vintage college hoodies. Think bold crests from UCD, UCC, and even secondary schools—people are swapping them in shops like Nine Crows or Dublin Vintage Factory, and honestly, they sell out quick. Collaborations are hot too. Just last month, Gym+Coffee did a limited ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ drop and it sold out online in an afternoon.

For anyone keeping up with Instagram, influencers from Cork to Belfast are pairing these hoodies with tracksuit bottoms, chunky trainers, or even skirts for that "I just threw this on" vibe. It’s about showing a bit of personality—without overthinking it.

“We saw a 40% jump in hoodie sales once we launched Irish language prints,” says Niamh O’Malley from Fresh Cuts. “People want something that feels local, not just another fast fashion piece.”

If you want a real piece of Ireland, keep your eyes peeled for limited runs from small Dublin designers and Galway artists popping up at markets like Eatyard or Temple Bar. These fly off the racks because they’re different—you won’t find them in Penneys or JD Sports. Just one thing: if you see something you like, grab it, because Irish hoodie styles sell out faster than a sunny day at Dun Laoghaire Pier.

Where to Find the Best Hoodies in Ireland

If you’re after quality hoodies in Ireland, there’s no shortage of options—from local labels to the high street and small favourite shops tucked around the corner. First off, you’ll spot Irish brands making a splash: Her Sport, Gym+Coffee (famous for their Nollaig na mBan pop-up last year), and Human Collective all offer hoodies that keep up with Irish weather and style.

Main shopping streets like Grafton Street in Dublin or Patrick Street in Cork are packed with spots like JD Sports, Life Style Sports, and even Penneys, where bargains are always to be had. Don’t sleep on Avoca for some colour, or the Kilkenny Shop if you want that traditional Irish vibe with a modern twist.

"You’ll find our bestsellers are always hoodies that layer well—Irish weather demands it!" says Anna Byrne, buyer for Gym+Coffee.

If you love supporting Irish businesses, check out online platforms like Faerly for sustainable picks and The Kind for indie designs. And yes, shipping is fast, so you don’t need to wait weeks like you might with brands from across the pond.

• Avoca: Stylish and colourful, great for gifts and Irish designs.
• Gym+Coffee: Athletic, casual, loved by young professionals and gym-goers.
• Life Style Sports: Wide range—sports teams, casual, streetwear.
• Penneys: Budget-friendly, changing stock, good for teens and students.
• Human Collective: Ethical, diverse, supports social causes.
• The Kind: Independent Irish designers, unique looks.

For tourists or anyone new in town, keep an eye on local markets like Dublin Flea or Cork's Marina Market for limited-run or vintage hoodies. If you’re heading to a GAA match at Croke Park, stadium shops always have team gear with new hoodie drops ahead of the season.

Here’s an at-a-glance comparison to make your hoodie hunt easier:

Always check for student discounts, especially at Life Style Sports and Penneys. Loads of these places also dish out charity collabs or special local collections—worth looking out for if you want something you won’t see on everyone else in Temple Bar or Eyre Square.

Smart Styling: Mixing Hoodies with Irish Staples

Hoodies are everywhere in Ireland, but you don’t want to look like you’ve just rolled out of bed or only dressed for the gym. There’s a knack to making them fit right in with classic Irish style, whether you’re in the city or venturing out west. Let’s get practical on how to mix hoodies in Ireland with your regular staples and actually look sharp.

First off, jeans and hoodies are basically best mates. Throw on a pair of dark skinny jeans and a neutral hoodie—you instantly have a look that goes from Galway cafés to catching the LUAS in Dublin. If you want to keep it even more Irish, try pairing your hoodie with O’Neill’s GAA trackies. It’s literally what you’ll see all over local parks and sports grounds.

Layering is huge because of the weather. For lads, slap a crisp collared shirt under your hoodie and you’ve got a smart-casual vibe—great for grabbing pints at The Long Hall or heading to a not-too-formal work meet. Women in Ireland often layer hoodies under denim jackets or trench coats, and it works well even for those windy days in Howth or while shopping on Grafton Street.

• Streetwear Ireland trend: Oversized hoodies over cycling shorts or leggings, especially for quick errand runs or gym sessions.
• Business-casual: Fitted zip-up hoodies under a blazer for a creative office look.
• Festival style: Colourful graphic hoodies tucked into high-waisted shorts—for those Bray or Electric Picnic weekends.
• Outdoor-ready: Hoodie with a rain jacket and hiking boots, ideal for a walk up Slieve Donard or along the Cliffs of Moher.

Here’s a quick look at hoodie pairings spotted around Ireland in 2024, based on a local survey by Brown Thomas:

And here’s a solid tip: local brands like Gym+Coffee and Human Collective make hoodies designed for Irish weather clothing, with extra thickness and water-repellent finishes. Don’t just grab any hoodie—pick one that suits what you actually do and where you go in Ireland. Whether you’re off to college in Maynooth, queuing for coffee in Belfast, or hiking the Wicklow Way, a hoodie can work. You just need to style it with a bit of thought.

When Hoodies Don’t Work: Alternatives and Tips

Even though hoodies in Ireland are basically a uniform for so many, they definitely don’t fit every moment. There are times when a hoodie is going to look out of place—think job interviews, weddings, or even a swanky meal at Chapter One or The Shelbourne. Depending on the crowd or the dress code, showing up in your favourite O’Neills hoodie could make you stand out for all the wrong reasons.

Here’s a quick list of moments when hoodies just don’t work and what you can do instead:

• Formal Events: Opt for a smart jumper or blazer. A crisp Aran sweater (honestly, they never go out of style) looks classic and works well for family get-togethers or Christmas parties.
• Professional Settings: When meeting clients or heading to the office, a button-up shirt under a knit or a heavier cardigan feels right. You’ll still be warm, but look a bit more pulled together.
• Dinner or Nights Out: Swap the hoodie for a fitted overshirt or a light jacket. Black wool coats are always in style in Cork and Dublin, especially when paired with dark jeans.
• Outdoor Sports: Hoodies are fine as a layer, but if you’re up Croagh Patrick or hiking in Wicklow, a technical jacket will dry faster and keep out the wind.

Just in case you’re thinking it’s only about looks, the material matters a lot too. There’s a big jump in comfort when you go for a merino wool knit versus polyester. Streetwear Ireland shops like Fresh Cuts and independent spots in Temple Bar stock good-looking sweatshirts and pullovers that fit in no matter the occasion.

"It’s always worth checking the dress code for Irish restaurants or local pubs—what flies in Galway might not work in Ballsbridge," says Sara O’Leary, a stylist for RTÉ’s Today Show.

So sure, hoodies in Ireland are everywhere, but it pays to have a couple of proper alternatives ready to go. Shop local where you can, mix up the textures, and you’ll always look set for wherever the day takes you.