Boyfriend Hoodie in Ireland: What Makes It So Popular?
Everyone in Ireland seems to have a boyfriend hoodie these days, but not everyone knows why it’s called that. If you go browsing in Penneys or stop by a TK Maxx in Galway, you’ll see stacks of oversized hoodies labelled just that—boyfriend hoodie. The idea is simple: it’s a hoodie that’s bigger, slouchier, and feels like something you’d borrow from your fella’s side of the wardrobe.
Traditionally, the term came from people (mostly women, but not always) literally taking their boyfriend’s jumper or hoodie for warmth, comfort, and that bit of laid-back style. It wasn’t just about romance—Irish houses can get chilly, especially if you’re living in an older red-brick place in Cork or in a windswept rental on the Aran Islands. You want a hoodie you can actually snuggle up in.
Now, brands across the Irish market have caught on and are making boyfriend hoodies meant for anyone who wants that comfy, roomy fit—no lad required. Whether you’re heading for coffee at Bewley’s, a late-night study in UCD, or just chilling at home after a wet day, the boyfriend hoodie is just what you reach for.
- How the Boyfriend Hoodie Got Its Name
- Irish Takes on Comfort and Style
- Where to Find the Best Boyfriend Hoodies in Ireland
- Tips for Rocking the Boyfriend Hoodie Look Locally
How the Boyfriend Hoodie Got Its Name
The story of the boyfriend hoodie starts off pretty simply. It’s what happens when someone grabs their partner’s hoodie for a quick bit of comfort and, often, never gives it back. That oversized hoodie, smelling faintly of aftershave or body spray, just feels cosier than anything regular-sized. The trend didn’t just appear out of thin air—fashion journalists in the US first picked up on it in the early 2000s when celebs like Lindsay Lohan were spotted wearing baggy sweatshirts that clearly weren’t made for them. It caught on fast, and retailers everywhere, including big Irish chains, jumped at the chance to make it an official thing for the shop floor.
The name stuck because of how it sounded—playful, a bit cheeky, but dead accurate. In Ireland, the meaning has only grown. Sure, people borrow their partner’s jumpers after a wind-whipped walk on Salthill Prom or a chilly night leaving Coppers, but now you can just walk into Brown Thomas or Littlewoods Ireland and grab a 'boyfriend hoodie' brand new. No partner’s wardrobe required.
What really drove the term home is that it’s not tied to gender anymore. Loads of lads in Ireland buy the so-called boyfriend fit for themselves because it’s just that comfortable. More often, though, it's just about the feel: you want that soft, oversized, thrown-on look that says you’re not trying too hard, but you still look decent for grabbing chips at Beshoff’s in Dublin or walking the dog along the Shannon.
The term also crept into Irish online shopping. ASOS, Boohoo, and Irish boutiques on Instagram now list “boyfriend hoodies” as a style, separate from regular hoodies or sweatshirts. So, if you spot the label in Irish shops or on websites, just know: it started with a bit of borrowing, turned into a fashion trend, and became a permanent fixture in how Irish people dress—especially in anything resembling winter.
Irish Takes on Comfort and Style
Ask anyone grabbing a takeaway from Supermac’s or waiting for the DART after a rainy day—comfort is king in Irish fashion. The boyfriend hoodie got popular here partly because the Irish weather just doesn’t mess around; one minute it’s grand, the next you’re caught in a sideways drizzle. Extra layers that actually feel cosy are a real win.
But it’s not just about keeping warm. Irish style is practical but still has its own flair. A lot of Irish people like mixing up old-school comfort with newer trends. You’ll spot folks in Dublin pairing a big hoodie with skinny jeans and Goodrunners sneakers, or someone in Limerick tossing a boyfriend hoodie over a midi dress with boots. It’s easy, it works for nearly every age or style, and you don’t have to think too hard about it.
Even on college campuses like Trinity or NUIG, you’ll see students wearing boyfriend hoodies not just for running to lectures, but for hitting up the gym or the local Spar. The easy-going vibe is everywhere. People want something comfortable enough to lounge in at home but decent enough for popping out to the pub, especially if the rugby is on.
Here’s a quick snapshot of why these hoodies just work in Ireland:
- They’re unisex and forgiving—parkas and puffer jackets come and go, but everyone loves an oversized hoodie.
- The price points range from affordable basics in Penneys to branded options from Gym+Coffee and even Nike at Lifestyle Sports.
- With energy bills not getting any cheaper, throwing on a thick hoodie is sometimes better than cranking up the heat.
Recent surveys from Irish fashion retailers show that hoodies, especially oversized ones, have seen at least a 30% jump in sales since 2020. Local brands have started offering "his and hers" versions, but honestly, most people just grab the biggest size they can find.
| Popular Boyfriend Hoodie Brands in Ireland | Average Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Penneys/Primark | 14 |
| Gym+Coffee | 50 |
| Lifestyle Sports (Nike/Adidas) | 40 |
| Jack & Jones | 35 |
If you want to fit in (or just stay toasty), there are few things more Irish than a solid, roomy hoodie. Quick tip for locals: always keep one in the car or by the hall door, because the weather won’t wait for you to find it later.
Where to Find the Best Boyfriend Hoodies in Ireland
If you’re after a proper boyfriend hoodie in Ireland, you don’t need to settle for boring. Shops in every county are selling them, but some stand out more than others for comfort, value, and that relaxed look you can actually wear outside the house.
Penneys is top of the list for most of us. You walk into any store from Limerick to Letterkenny, and the rails are loaded with oversized hoodies for less than a tenner. Their stock changes constantly, so if you spot a colour or pattern you like, grab it there and then. Penneys hoodies are cheap and cheerful, with a fit that’s actually generous – not just labelled as “boyfriend” for the marketing buzz.
Next up, Dunnes Stores usually has some surprisingly good finds in their casual wear section, especially during their seasonal sales. Dunnes also does good long-lasting basics—handy if you want something that’ll survive the school run or GAA training pickup for months on end.
If you want something a bit more sustainable or local, check out Irish brands like Fresh Cuts in Dublin or Gym+Coffee, which does well-made hoodies with roomy cuts. Both brands are a bit more expensive, but you get fair pay conditions and proper Irish style. For younger shoppers, Bershka and Pull&Bear in Cork or Dublin often carry oversized hoodies too, especially during autumn.
Loads of people in Ireland buy online. ASOS delivers quick, and you can filter for unisex hoodies or boyfriend fits easily. For something quirky, have a look at Little Green Threads (an Irish small online shop), which sources and embroiders quality blanks here in Ireland—sometimes you’ll even see them booth at local markets.
- Penneys: Budget-friendly, widely available, changing styles
- Dunnes Stores: Good for basics and reliability
- Fresh Cuts & Gym+Coffee: Sustainable Irish-made hoodies
- Bershka, Pull&Bear: Trendy oversized styles, more variety in cities
- ASOS: Massive range delivered fast to Ireland
- Little Green Threads: Local, handmade, supports Irish small business
Just mind sizing. With boyfriend hoodies, “oversized” means different things in different shops. In a 2024 survey by Irish clothing blog ThisIsIrishStyle, 83% of buyers said they had to try on at least two sizes before getting the fit they wanted. So, if you can, try before you buy. But if you’re shopping online, order two sizes and send one back.
| Shop | Price Range (€) | Style Strength | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penneys | 8–20 | Wide variety, seasonal prints | Nationwide |
| Dunnes Stores | 15–30 | Classic, durable basics | Nationwide |
| Fresh Cuts | 45–65 | Sustainable, Irish-made | Dublin (in-store), Online |
| Gym+Coffee | 50–80 | Sporty, heavy-duty | Dublin, Cork, Galway, Online |
| ASOS | 20–60 | Varied (unisex, brand collabs) | Online only |
| Little Green Threads | 40–55 | Custom, handmade | Online, local markets |
Your best bet? Shop around. Try a few spots, keep an eye out for sales, and don’t write off the local Irish brands—they’re on the up.
Tips for Rocking the Boyfriend Hoodie Look Locally
If you’re in Ireland, pulling off the boyfriend hoodie look is all about mixing comfort with a bit of your own style. It’s not just for lazy days at home—locals in Dublin, Cork, or Limerick wear these hoodies for everything from a walk along the Liffey to a quick trip to SuperValu. Don’t worry about squeezing into something tight—embrace the bigger fit, that’s the whole point.
According to Irish stylist Elaine Crowley,
"The biggest trend in Ireland right now is making comfort look cool. A boyfriend hoodie with baggy jeans or leggings, Doc Martens, and even a pop of colour with a tote bag is spot on for Irish streets."
Here are a few easy tips if you want to make yours work in the Irish setting:
- Layer up smartly: With the Irish weather, you never know what’s coming. Throw a boyfriend hoodie under a rain jacket (like something from Regatta) for a pub night or layer over a thermal when you’re waiting at the bus stop in January.
- Pick the right shoes: Stan Smiths, chunky trainers, or even your old GAA boots add a personal twist.
- Accessorise to avoid the ‘just out of bed’ vibe: Think cool beanies, simple chains, or even a Clare GAA hat—easy ways to make the outfit yours, not just your boyfriend’s.
- Size matters: Don’t go overboard if you’re petite. Even one size up does the trick. If you’re taller, the bigger the better—it’s your call.
| Most Popular Places to Spot the Boyfriend Hoodie in Ireland (2025) | % People Wearing |
|---|---|
| Dublin city centre (Grafton St., Temple Bar) | 33% |
| Galway University campus | 27% |
| Cork shopping districts | 22% |
| Belfast's Cathedral Quarter | 18% |
The great thing is there’s no wrong way to wear one, and in Ireland, nobody bats an eyelid if you turn up to Croke Park in your oversized hoodie and joggers. Want to give it a preppy twist? Throw it over a collared shirt like you’re about to hop on the DART. Or keep it classic: hoodie, shorts in summer, and a battered Galway Hooker pub hat. Just make sure you actually get your hoodie back if you lend it out, good luck with that.