Akimbo Faded Black Adidas 3 Stripe Heavyweight Hoodie-1990s

One of those things that never went away is the faded black Adidas 3 Stripe heavy weight hoodie from the 90s. It’s likely you’ve seen it on old pictures or on a friend or in a thrift bin that was stolen from someone else. We’ve lived around vintage sportswear at Akimbo for years, and this hooded sweatshirt is still one of the most questions we receive about!

And here’s how it differs from today’s hoodie and how to bring it back to life for another two decades.

Well, the 1990s version feels different.The version from the 1990s feels different, after all.

Modern hoodies tend to be thin. The difference is instantly noticeable the moment you get a 90s piece. The cotton is thicker, the filling inside is thicker and the fabric has substance to it. The reason these hoodies are still wearable decades later is because of that weight. The three stripes are typically either stitched or applied so that they don’t come off after 5 washes. And then fade? But that is not a flaw. The natural appearance is of softened and greyed-black cotton and doesn’t look worn-out.

You already understand the type of aging we care about, if you have already read about Akimbo Clothing. Our own Akimbo Hoodie and Akimbo Sweatpants share the concept: heavy cotton, loose fits, and colors that are enhanced over time. The old-fashioned Adidas piece embodies just that very same attitude.

There is a proper way and an improper way to wear it, and it is unclear what it is.

This hoodie is effective due to the fact that it is simple. Simply wear it over a white basic T-shirt, allowing the bottom of the garment to be exposed slightly. That tiny layer is more important for the outfit than any accessory.

There are choices when it comes to pants. Baggy Akimbo Jeans or loose cargo pants are also on-point for keeping this 90s vibe alive. For something cleaner, a pair of straight leg denim will do. Yes, you can wear it with Akimbo Sweatpants when you’re at home or running errands. Simply keep the hues subdued and the hoodie the main attraction.

To take it up another notch, wear an Akimbo T Shirt under a white T-shirt. The graphic is textured but not noticeable. Even if the weather gets cold, an Akimbo Sweater or a light jacket over the hoodie will do the job, however, the weighty fabric does most of the job of warming up already.

Washing and Drying: The Abbreviated Edition.

There is no special care necessary for heavyweight cotton, but there is common sense.

Wash it cold. Cotton is the quickest to shrink and to fade black dye of any material. Turn hoodies inside out before loading into the machine. This protects the surface of the outside clothes and prevents the three stripes from rubbing against other clothes.

Use a mild detergent, and use sparingly. When there is too much soap, it leaves behind a film of soap that causes the fabric to be stiff. Skip bleach entirely. Avoid using a fabric softener as well. It covers the fibers and lessens the hoodie’s breathability.

Dry flat or hang. The high heat setting will shrink the body and sleeves and this is typically not reversible. If you have to use a machine, do so on the lowest setting and remove the hoodie from the machine before it becomes too wet. Place on a flat surface to dry.

Wash it less frequently than you think. Dampen with a cloth to spot clean small marks. A heavy duty hooded jacket that is washed every week will last for years before one washed every 3 or 4 wears will.

Keep folded, not hung. A weighted cotton hoodie is good at lengthening the shoulders over time. Fold and store in a drawer or shelf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does fade on an old black hoodie pose an issue?

No. Fading is nothing but a normal process for black cotton of the 90’s. It’s a part of the costume that you’re wearing. Faded fabric doesn’t thin the yarn and the faded look gives the piece character.

Will my hoodie shrink if I wash it incorrectly?

Yes. Cotton is a thermal reactive material. Original fit is retained with cold wash and air dry. It will shrink in high heat of the washer or dryer and is often irreversible.

How can I tell that it’s an actual 90’s track, and not a modern re-release?

Look at the tag, the stitching on the three stripes and the weight of the cloth. Real 90’s Adidas hoodies typically have stitched designs, and they are heavier in weight. The fade pattern is also a clue. After the era of the Victorians, fading was often fake. Vintage fading is not even because it occurred over a period of actual uses, rather than in a short time.

May I wear it with Akimbo Club clothing?

That is the point. The hoodie complements Akimbo Club basics perfectly. Combine with Akimbo Jeans or wear over an Akimbo T Shirt. This combination of retro-style sportswear and Akimbo’s contemporary designs is just the way we style ourselves.

If I don’t have a flat surface to dry it, how can I do this?

Hang on a wide padded hanger. Don’t use thin wire hangers as these will make shoulder marks. Place it in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight and allow it to air dry gradually.

Final Thoughts

The Akimbo Faded Black Adidas 3 Stripe Heavyweight Hoodie-1990s is not something that you would purchase to impress anybody. You purchase it because it is a working product. It is warm, will match nearly anything you have and improves with age. That is rare.We consider vintage sportswear as much as we consider our Akimbo Clothing line, and we’re not afraid to indulge ourselves in both. A good Akimbo Hoodie, a solid pair of Akimbo Sweatpants, a well-cut Akimbo Jeans, an Akimbo Sweater for the cooler days, an Akimbo T Shirt to layer over and the Akimbo Club basics that hold it all together. These aren’t trendy items. These are clothes that you just pull out of the closet without considering.