A good hoodie is one of the most useful pieces of kit a martial artist can own. It keeps you warm on the way to class, helps you warm up on cold evenings and keeps the chill off while you cool down. We offer several hoodies, and students often ask which one to choose. This article compares our three core Wing Chun hoodies so you can pick the right one.
The three hoodies at a glance
- Unisex heavy blend zip hoodie: an adult zip-up, easy on and off.
- Wing Chun Halesowen Hoodie (No Zip): an adult pullover with no metal zip, safer for partner work.
- Wing Chun heavy blend hoodie: a kids’ uniform pullover with no drawcords.
The unisex heavy blend zip hoodie
The Wing Chun Unisex heavy blend zip hoodie is a classic zip-up.
Key features
- Cotton and polyester blend fleece, soft inside and out.
- Sturdy metal zip.
- Front pouch pockets.
- Hood with colour-matched drawcord.
- Regular fit.
Best for
Arriving and leaving, especially if you like to layer and adjust quickly. The zip makes it easy to take on and off without disturbing your hair or glasses.
Things to know
Because of the metal zip, take it off before partner drills or chi sau. Zips can catch, scratch or dig in during close-range work.
The Wing Chun Halesowen Hoodie (No Zip)
The Wing Chun Halesowen Hoodie (No Zip) is a unisex pullover designed with training in mind.
Key features
- Smooth, zip-free front, with no metal to snag.
- Soft inner fleece.
- Double-lined hood.
- Kangaroo pouch pocket.
- Relaxed unisex fit for freedom of movement.
Best for
Warming up and cooling down on cold nights. Because there’s no zip, it’s the safer and more comfortable choice if you keep a layer on for the early part of class. It’s also a great everyday hoodie.
The Wing Chun heavy blend hoodie (kids)
The Wing Chun Halesowen kids’ club hoodie is a children’s uniform pullover.
Key features
- Soft, durable midweight fleece for warmth in cooler weather.
- Pullover design that’s easy for children to put on and take off.
- No drawcords, for child safety.
- Double-lined hood and front pouch pocket.
- Ribbed cuffs and hem with a little stretch.
Best for
Children arriving at and leaving class, especially in winter. It pairs neatly with the kids’ uniform T-shirt for a consistent club look.
How to choose
- Buying for a child? Choose the kids’ heavy blend hoodie.
- Want a layer you can keep on while warming up? Choose the zip-free pullover.
- Want the easiest on-and-off? Choose the zip hoodie, and remember to take it off for partner work.
- Want something with artwork? Look at the Ink Wash Pagoda & Plum Blossom Hoodie in our TrackAndTrainStudio range. It runs small, so order one size up.
Why a hoodie matters for martial artists
It’s easy to think of a hoodie as just casual wear, but for evening training it does a real job. Arriving cold and going straight into stance work isn’t ideal. A warm layer helps your muscles and joints loosen up during the warm-up, and putting it back on straight after class stops you cooling too quickly on the way home. On winter nights, that can make the difference between feeling stiff the next morning and feeling fine.
Hoodies and training safety
Whichever hoodie you choose, a few rules apply in class:
- Remove any hoodie with a zip before partner work.
- Tuck away or remove loose drawcords for close-range drills.
- Take layers off once you’re warm, so you don’t overheat.
- Put a layer back on straight after class to avoid getting cold.
Sizing
The zip hoodie has a regular fit, and the zip-free pullover a relaxed fit. Order your usual size unless you want extra room for layering. For children, allow a little room to grow without making the hoodie so big that sleeves cover the hands. The Ladies Official Hoodie and the Ink Wash hoodie both run small, so go up a size.
Care
- Wash inside out, following the care label.
- Close zips before washing to protect other garments.
- Avoid tumble drying where possible to reduce pilling and keep the shape.
- Store folded rather than hung, to avoid stretched shoulders.
Stay warm, train well
All our hoodies are available in our online shop. Much of our clothing is made to order, so allow a little extra time before the cold nights arrive. If you’d like help choosing, ask us at the centre or get in touch on 07821 126 685.
Sifu Alan Bagley, Wing Chun Halesowen
Want more Wing Chun in your inbox?
Join the list for training tips and the occasional offer.
We’ll only email you what you’ve agreed to. Read our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.