AKIMBO “WATCH-PEEKER” DISTRESSED ZIP UP HOODIE – SUN FADED BLACK

I’ve been around clothes long enough to know when something is made properly. This hoodie is one of those pieces.

AKIMBO sent me their “WATCH-PEEKER” Distressed Zip Up Hoodie in Sun Faded Black. I’ve worn it. Wash it. Wore it again. Here’s what I actually think.

The Fabric Tells You Everything

Pick it up. That’s the first thing. It’s heavy. 450 GSM brushed cotton fleece, made in Los Angeles. Most hoodies you buy sit around 300 GSM. This one is thicker than that. Not stiff, though. Still soft inside.

The Sun Faded Black isn’t just black with a fancy name. It looks like a hoodie that’s been through a few summers. Slightly washed out. Kind of grey in places. Every piece fades a little different, so yours won’t look exactly like mine. That’s fine by me.

About AKIMBO

They’re from Salt Lake City. Started in 2019 selling vintage. Then they started making their own stuff. Smart move, honestly.

They’ve done Collab’s with Tyrrell Winston, Eric Emanuel, and LANCIA. That tells you something. You don’t get those names by making bad clothes.

If you’ve seen Akimbo hoodie, jeans, sweatpants, sweaters, or T-shirts around, now you know where they come from.

How to Wear It

Faded black goes with almost anything. That’s why I like it.

Jeans. AKIMBO jeans, regular jeans, whatever. It works.

AKIMBO sweatpants. Just keep them plain. Don’t fade on faded. Looks messy.

Underneath? A simple AKIMBO T-shirt. Zip it halfway. Let the shirt show a bit. Cold outside? Throw on a jacket or a sweater over it.

That’s it. No overthinking needed.

Washing It (Please Read This Part)

I ruined a hoodie once by drying it on high heat. I learned my lesson. Don’t make the same mistake.

Before you wash:
Zip it up all the way. Tie the strings or tuck them in. Turn it inside out.

Water temperature:
Cold. It’s always cold. Hot water shrinks cotton and messes up the fade.

Detergent:
Mild stuff. Color-safe. No bleach. Ever.

How often:
Not every week. Every five or six wears is fine. Unless it’s actually dirty. Then wash it. Obviously.

Drying:
Air dry it. That’s the safest way. Shake it out. Fix the hood shape. Lay it flat or hang it upside down. Why upside down? Because a wet hoodie is heavy and hanging it normally stretches the shoulders.

Keep it out of direct sun.

If you must use a dryer, lowest heat. Check it every few minutes.

Ironing:
Inside out. Low heat. Stay away from the zipper and any prints.

Sizing

It’s boxy. Wide shoulders, shorter body. If you wear medium, this medium will feel roomy. That’s the fit. If you want it tighter, size down. But loose looks better with this kind of fabric.

FAQs

Will it shrink?

Cold wash, air dry. Do that and it won’t shrink much. Hot dryer? Yeah, it’ll shrink.

Will the black fade more?

It’s supposed to look faded. Some change over time is normal. Cold water and shade drying slows it down.

When can I wear it?

Spring and fall, it’s perfect alone. Winter, layer it under a coat. Summer? AC only, probably.

Where to buy an AKIMBO?

AKIMBO CLUB online store. Some retail shops too.

Is every hoodie the same?

No. The wash makes each one a little different. Yours won’t match anyone else’s exactly.