Our first-ever REVERSIBLE hoodie
Ya you read that right.
Going into this year, we knew we wanted to do things we had never done before at 1987. After such an explosive year of growth, the goal wasn’t just to keep that momentum going, it was to continue raising the bar for ourselves, season after season.
That’s how the idea for our first-ever reversible hoodie came to life.
At its core, the concept is rooted in sports culture. There’s a long history of teams wearing different jerseys at home versus away, and we loved the idea of translating that into something wearable. Something that felt both nostalgic and new. A single piece that could live two lives. One hoodie, two sides. A true home–away design in the spirit of classic team colors: white and green, red and blue.
Beyond the inspiration, it also came back to value. Two hoodies in one. One piece you can style in entirely different ways depending on the day, the outfit, or the mood. The same item, worn again and again, without ever feeling repetitive.
From a materials standpoint, these hoodies are intentionally substantial. They’re plush, thick, and heavy—in the best way. Designed specifically for East Coast winters, they’re meant to keep you warm and cozy through the long, cold months. Not quite a coat replacement, but definitely something you can reach for when temperatures really drop. Just a gentle reminder: because it’s essentially two hoodies in one, they are thick.
Designing a Reversible Is a Different Game
Reversible pieces come with an entirely different level of complexity. Every decision doubles—because you’re designing for two sides, not one.
We were very intentional about making sure each side felt like its own hoodie. Different designs, different placements, different stories. We didn’t want it to feel like the same hoodie in a new color once you flipped it.
There were also dozens of small but important details to solve:
Where does the wash care tag go? (Answer: hidden inside the kangaroo pocket.)
No embroidery, so nothing feels scratchy when worn inside-out.
Extensive color-fastness testing to prevent bleed, especially with lighter and darker combinations.
Additional inserts used during washing to protect the fabric.
Reworking stitching so seams stay soft and comfortable against the skin.
It required rounds of wear testing and thoughtful problem-solving to make sure everything lined up—literally and figuratively. The challenge was figuring out how to make it feel unmistakably 1987 without relying on some of our usual design elements.
The Marketing Challenge No One Sees
What surprised us most was how many challenges came after the hoodie was designed.
Marketing a reversible piece isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Traditionally, a hero image shows one side of a product. But when there are two sides, how do you communicate that instantly—without relying solely on the word “reversible” in a title?
As we’ve learned over time, not everyone reads. Most people are making a decision based on the image alone. Sometimes they’ll read later, but first impressions are visual.
Video presented another challenge. A simple outfit-change montage doesn’t work here, because we needed to clearly show that it’s the same hoodie, not two different ones. That meant thinking carefully about transitions—lifting the hem, showing the flip—so the viewer understands what’s happening within the first few seconds.
We also had to rethink our usual approach to text overlays. We don’t often use them, but for this product, it felt necessary. Not because it’s complicated, but because attention spans are short, and we wanted to communicate the concept clearly and immediately.
How do you quickly tell someone:
“This is not two hoodies. This is one.”
It created a ripple effect across the entire team. Design, production, wear testing—and now marketing—all had to think differently. While it added complexity, it was actually really fun. It pushed us to problem-solve in new ways and approach launches with more nuance and intention than ever before.
Why This One Feels Special
This launch feels different. It reminds me of the early days of 1987—when everything felt new and exciting—but with the confidence and craftsmanship we’ve built over time.
Our team put so much care into this piece, and I truly hope you feel it when you wear it. We’re always trying to create products you want to live in—pieces you reach for again and again, season after season.
I’m so excited to see this hoodie out in the world. It’s fun, it’s thoughtful, and it represents everything we love about building this brand.
DROPPING FRIDAY FEB 20TH AT 1OAM ET.
As always, we’d love to hear what you think.
Do you love the reversible concept?
Would you want to see reversible sets or mix-and-match options in the future?
We’re just getting started—and we’re so grateful you’re here with us. 🤍
XX
Jen DeAngelis McNamara
Founder & CEO