It’s a beautiful day

It’s a beautiful day

When I’m thinking casual wardrobe, a hooded sweatshirt isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.

  • By WILL MORROW For the Peninsula Clarion
  • Saturday, January 4, 2020 10:42pm
  • Life

I think I’ve outgrown hoodies.

I don’t mean that I’ve gotten too big for the sweatshirts filling a shelf in my closet — though there are a few of them that I “fill out” in a way that isn’t what it used to be.

What I mean is that I’ve reached a point in my life where, when I’m thinking casual wardrobe, a hooded sweatshirt isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.

Don’t get me wrong — I’m not going to stop wearing hoodies any time soon. It might not be possible. At last count, I have at least 10 of them, for every occasion. I’ve got hoodies with logos from work; hoodies for various sports teams; and hoodies from educational institutions I or a family member have attended. My favorite hoodie, with a logo that matches my truck, might be on its last legs as the fabric is starting to lose its elasticity. Then again, I’m starting to lose my elasticity, too.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

In any case, there’s still plenty of occasions in Kenai, Alaska, where a hoodie is perfectly appropriate, especially when paired with my fanciest Carhartts.

Maybe I’m just showing my age. The hoodie is now a staple of the teen wardrobe, and I feel like I’m dressing too young. In fact, when I was in high school, crew neck sweatshirts were all the rage, and we actually cut the hoods off of sweatshirts. I can’t tell you why we did that, but I can tell you that my parents were not thrilled about cutting up brand-new clothes. (This was back when, if you wanted ripped jeans, you did it yourself. Like I said, I might be showing my age.)

As I said, it will be a while before I’m able to rotate all those hoodies out of my wardrobe. Right now, I’m starting to look for a replacement. Initially, I thought a nice fleece quarter-zip pullover would be a good substitute. They’re nice and comfy, and maybe a little more chic than a hoodie — especially if you get one of the fancy brands.

However, the fact that I have two Labrador retrievers who regularly ride in my truck (and jump on the couch) needs to be taken into consideration. I can’t make it out of the house without getting dog hair on whatever I’m wearing, and the truck is a lost cause. I have a fleece vest at work that I’ve never taken out of the office, and it’s somehow attracted dog hair. So fleece is out.

They also make quarter-zip pullovers using “tech” fabrics, which don’t seem to attract as much dog hair. The problem there, though, is that the way those tech fabrics drape, they tend to accentuate those areas that were causing my hoodies to fill out. So no tech fabrics either.

Instead, I think I’m going to draw my inspiration from Hollywood. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers, hit the big screen a couple months ago. And with his closet full of cardigan sweaters, I think Fred Rogers was on to something.

As it turns out, the cardigan sweater originated in the mid-1800s, when the Earl of Cardigan led his troops in a knitted wool jacket — and the cardigan was born. Lord Cardigan’s reputation did not age as well as the garment; he led the disastrous charge of the light brigade at the battle of Balaclava (which also lends its name to a knit garment).

In fact, early on, cardigans were marketed as rugged and outdoorsy — the perfect replacement for a hoodie. And as a knit garment, they’re already made of animal hair, so if it attracts some dog hair, does it even matter? Besides, I’m sure I can find one to match a yellow Lab.

I’m not sure what the cardigan’s current fashion status is, but a quick google search says I can wear one with jeans and a T-shirt, or with a dress shirt for a more formal outfit. It even says I can wear one without looking like my grandfather.

Outerwear for all occasions? No wonder Mr. Rogers was always so upbeat!

I bet I can even find one that will go with Carhartts. I have just one question: which hoodie do I wear while shopping for sweaters?

Will Morrow lives in Kenai. Email him at wkmorrow@ptialaska.net.


• By WILL MORROW, For the Peninsula Clarion


More in Life

File
Minister’s Message: ‘Be still and I will fight for you’

Letting go of control and embracing faith and silence can encourage us in peace and divine trust.

"Octopus" is an acrylic painting by new co-op member Heather Mann on display at Ptarmigan Arts in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by Ptarmigan Arts
July First Friday in Homer

Homer’s galleries and public art spaces celebrate with new and ongoing exhibits.

Frank Rowley and his youngest child, Raymond, stand in knee-deep snow in front of the protective fence around the main substation for Mountain View Light & Power in Anchorage in 1948 or ’49. This photo was taken a year or two before Rowley moved to Kenai to begin supplying electrical power to the central peninsula. (Photo courtesy of the Rowley Family)
Let there be light: The electrifying Frank Rowley — Part 2

In July 1946, the soft-spoken Rowley was involved in an incident that for several consecutive days made the front page of the Anchorage Daily Times.

This nostalgic sauce is so shockingly simple, you’ll never buy a bottle again. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
America’s favorite culinary representative

The original recipe for ranch dressing was invented and perfected in Alaska, out in the bush in 1949.

Graphics show the nine finalists in three age groups for the Soldotna “I Voted” sticker design contest. (Provided by City of Soldotna)
Soldotna announces finalists for ‘I Voted’ sticker contest

Public voting will be open until July 20 to determine the winners.

Homer’s Cosmic Creature Club performs at the 2024 Concert on the Lawn at Karen Hornaday Park. (Emilie Springer/Homer News file)
July events to provide entertainment and fun on lower Kenai Peninsula

Events include the Highland Games, Concert on the Lawn, local art camps and the Ninilchik Rodeo.

Nick Varney
Unhinged Alaska: Flashback dreams and the cold sweats

When summer arrives, every personage in the known cosmos suddenly seems to remember that they have kindred living in Alaska.

”Thread of Light” is an acrylic painting done this year by Dan Coe on display through June at the Art Shop Gallery in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting
Fine art in invented spaces

Anchor Point artist showcases his skills with exhibit of acrylic paintings.

A variety of peony blooms grow vibrantly on Pioneer Avenue on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
6th annual Peony Celebration begins July 1

The festival will run in Homer through Aug. 17.

File
Minister’s Message: Freedom is not what you think

If freedom isn’t what we first think it is, what is it?

This is the Kenai Power complex. The long side of the plant faces the Frank Rowley home, seen here at the right side of the photograph. (Photo courtesy of the Rowley Family)
Let there be light: The electrifying Frank Rowley — Part 1

Frank Rowley made one of the most important steps toward modernization in the history of Kenai.