A hoodie is a popular piece of clothing. It has a hood, long sleeves, and a front pocket. But should it be spelled “hoodie” or “hoody”? Many people are unsure. Both spellings appear in writing, but one is more common.
The difference comes from regional spelling variations. Some dictionaries list “hoodie” as the standard form. Others accept “hoody” as an alternative. Brands, media, and personal preferences also play a role.
This article explains the correct spelling, origins, and usage of both words. It also covers plural forms and examples. By the end, you will know which spelling to use and why it matters.
What is a “Hoodie” or “Hoody”?
A hoodie or hoody is a casual sweatshirt or jacket with a hood. It is made from soft fabric, often cotton or fleece. Most hoodies have long sleeves and a front pocket. Some come with zippers, while others are pullover style.
Hoodies are worn for warmth, comfort, and style. They are popular among people of all ages. Athletes, students, and workers wear them daily. Many brands sell hoodies with logos or designs.
This type of clothing is common in sports, street fashion, and casual wear. It is often paired with jeans, sweatpants, or shorts. The hood provides protection from wind, rain, and cold weather.
“Hoodie” or “Hoody”: Which Spelling is Correct?
The words “hoodie” and “hoody” mean the same thing. Both refer to a sweatshirt with a hood. But the spelling is different. Some people prefer one form over the other. The correct choice depends on common usage, location, and writing style.
In most cases, “hoodie” is the standard spelling. It appears in dictionaries, fashion brands, and online stores. Many English-speaking countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, use “hoodie” more often.
However, “hoody” is also correct in some contexts. It is an alternative spelling, mainly used in informal writing. Some brands and publications prefer “hoody” for style or branding. Both spellings are valid, but “hoodie” is more widely recognized.
“Hoodie”
“Hoodie” is the most common spelling in modern English. It is found in major dictionaries, including the Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, and Cambridge Dictionary. It is also used in fashion catalogs, retail websites, and advertisements.
Most clothing brands and e-commerce stores sell hoodies, not hoodys. A simple search online shows that “hoodie” has more results than “hoody”. This suggests that people search for “hoodie” more often when shopping or reading about fashion.
Since “hoodie” is the preferred spelling in formal writing and marketing, it is the better choice for most situations.
“Hoody”
“Hoody” is less common, but it still appears in some English texts. It is mainly used in British English and certain brand names. Some people use “hoody” as a short, casual version of “hoodie.”
Some clothing companies use “hoody” in their product names. For example, a brand might sell a “zip-up hoody” instead of a “zip-up hoodie.” This is often done for style or marketing. However, most people still recognize “hoodie” as the standard form.
While “hoody” is not incorrect, it is used less frequently. If you are writing for a broad audience, “hoodie” is the safer choice.
Origins of “Hoodie” and “Hoody”
The word “hoodie” comes from the word “hood.” A hood is a fabric covering attached to the back of a jacket or sweatshirt. It protects the head from cold, wind, and rain.
Hooded clothing has existed for centuries. Medieval monks wore hooded robes. Workers in 14th-century Europe also wore hoods to stay warm. The modern hoodie, however, became popular in the 20th century.
In the 1930s, sportswear companies in the United States created hooded sweatshirts for workers and athletes. The brand Champion was one of the first to sell them. Over time, hoodies became part of casual fashion, sportswear, and streetwear.
The spelling difference between “hoodie” and “hoody” likely developed later. As the garment gained popularity, different regions and brands used different spellings. However, “hoodie” became the most recognized form in dictionaries and fashion.
“Hoodie” vs. “Hoody” in Modern English
The spelling “hoodie” is more popular in modern English. It is the preferred form in fashion, online stores, and media. Most brands, retailers, and dictionaries use “hoodie” as the standard spelling. It appears in advertisements, product descriptions, and social media posts.
“Hoody” is used less often. Some people and companies prefer this spelling for style or branding. It is sometimes seen in British English, but it is not as common as “hoodie.” A few clothing brands sell “zip-up hoodys” or “cotton hoodys,” but most listings use “hoodie.”
Online search data also shows that “hoodie” is the dominant spelling. When people look for hooded sweatshirts, they type “hoodie” more often than “hoody.” This makes “hoodie” the better choice for writing, marketing, and online shopping. If you want to reach more readers, “hoodie” is the safest spelling to use.
What Is the Correct Plural of “Hoodie” and “Hoody”?
The plural of “hoodie” and “hoody” follows standard English pluralization rules. Even though these words have different spellings, their plural form remains the same:
- “Hoodie” → “Hoodies”
- “Hoody” → “Hoodies”
Why Does “Hoody” Change to “Hoodies”?
In English, when a word ends in “-y” after a consonant, the “-y” changes to “-ies” in the plural form. This is the same rule used for:
- Baby → Babies
- City → Cities
- Hoody → Hoodies
However, if a word ends in “-y” after a vowel, simply adding “-s” forms the plural. Since “hoodie” ends in “-ie”, it follows this pattern:
- Toy → Toys
- Monkey → Monkeys
- Hoodie → Hoodies
Pluralization Rule Summary:
| Word Ending | Pluralization Rule | Example |
| Vowel + Consonant (-ie) | Add “-s” | Hoodie → Hoodies |
| Consonant + “y” (-y) | Change “y” to “i” and add “-es” | Hoody → Hoodies |
No matter which spelling you use, “hoodies” is always the correct plural form. Whether you are writing, shopping, or discussing clothing, this rule ensures proper usage.
Usage Examples of “Hoodie,” “Hoody,” and “Hoodies”
To use “hoodie,” “hoody,” and “hoodies” correctly, it is important to know their proper spelling and grammar. The following examples show each word in different contexts.
Sentences with “Hoodie”
- I forgot my hoodie at school, and now I feel cold.
- She bought a new hoodie with her favorite band’s logo on it.
- The black hoodie matched perfectly with his jeans and sneakers.
- He pulled up his hoodie when the wind started to blow.
- This hoodie is made from soft cotton and feels warm in winter.
Sentences with “Hoody”
- His red hoody was covered in paint after art class.
- She prefers wearing a hoody instead of a jacket on chilly mornings.
- The brand’s new collection features a zip-up hoody in multiple colors.
- He wore a thick hoody while hiking in the mountains.
- My cousin gifted me a customized hoody with my initials on it.
Sentences with “Hoodies”
- The store has a sale on hoodies this weekend.
- We packed our hoodies because the weather forecast said it might get cold.
- He owns over ten hoodies, but he always wears the same one.
- The basketball team designed custom hoodies with their logo on the back.
- Many universities sell hoodies with their school name printed on the front.
Each sentence uses the word in a clear and natural way. Whether you choose “hoodie” or “hoody,” the meaning remains the same. But remember, “hoodies” is always the correct plural form.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The choice between “hoodie” and “hoody” depends on the context, audience, and preferred spelling rules. While both forms are correct, one is used more widely than the other.
Standard English Usage
“Hoodie” is the more common and accepted spelling in dictionaries, books, and academic writing. It appears in major English dictionaries, including Oxford, Merriam-Webster, and Cambridge. Schools, newspapers, and online articles also prefer “hoodie.” If you are writing in a formal setting or for a broad audience, “hoodie” is the best choice.
Regional Differences
In American, British, Canadian, and Australian English, “hoodie” is the standard spelling. “Hoody” is mainly found in British informal writing and some brand names. However, even in the UK, “hoodie” is still the dominant form. If you are writing for an international audience, using “hoodie” ensures clarity.
Spelling in Everyday Writing
In casual conversations, social media, and informal messages, some people use “hoody.” However, this spelling is less common. Since most people recognize “hoodie” first, it avoids confusion. If your goal is clear and consistent writing, stick to “hoodie.”
Conclusion
The words “hoodie” and “hoody” refer to the same type of clothing. However, “hoodie” is the most widely used and accepted spelling. It appears in dictionaries, books, and formal writing. In contrast, “hoody” is a less common alternative, mostly found in informal settings or brand names.
Both spellings are correct, but “hoodie” is the better choice for clear and standard communication. It is recognized in all major English-speaking countries and avoids confusion.
If you are writing an article, school paper, or formal text, use “hoodie.” It ensures accuracy, readability, and consistency in English writing.