As the leaves turn golden and the evenings grow cooler, students across Oxford begin preparing for the new academic year. One staple that never goes out of style and offers both comfort and pride is the classic college hoodie. More than just a layer against the autumn chill, an Oxford college hoodie is a symbol of belonging, tradition, and student life at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Whether you’re a fresher excited to represent your new college, a returning student seeking warmth for those late-night library sessions, or an alum looking to reconnect with cherished memories, a hoodie is the perfect addition to your wardrobe. The Varsity Shop offers college hoodies for mostly all 39 colleges.
Autumn in Oxford is a season of contrasts, crisp morning walks along the Cherwell, bustling afternoons in lecture halls, and cosy evenings tucked away in college libraries. A hoodie is the perfect transitional piece of clothing to carry you through it all.
The hoodie may feel like a modern wardrobe essential, but its roots go back nearly a century. Originating in the 1930s in the United States, the first hooded sweatshirts were designed by Champion as practical workwear for labourers braving cold warehouses. Over time, athletes, particularly runners and boxers, adopted them for training warmth.
By the 1970s and 1980s, the hoodie became part of popular culture, embraced by students, musicians, and artists as a symbol of youth identity and casual style. Today, hoodies are worn worldwide from fashion runways to university campuses and have firmly established themselves as the ultimate blend of comfort and self-expression.
At Oxford, the hoodie has taken on a special role as a piece of college clothing that not only keeps students warm but also proudly represents their academic community. When you put on your Oxford hoodie, you’re wearing both a global fashion classic and a personal emblem of belonging.
Every Oxford student knows that college pride runs deep. From debating over rowing victories to singing college anthems at formal dinners, each college has its own history and culture. Wearing an Oxford college hoodie is one of the simplest ways to display that spirit every day.
At The Varsity Shop, you can choose from hoodies representing all Oxford colleges, each emblazoned with the official crest. Whether you’re from Balliol, Magdalen, St. John’s, or any other college, you’ll find your identity proudly displayed on a Oxford Navy Blue hoodie.
Hoodies aren’t just about practicality, they’re part of the college clothing tradition that connects Oxford students and alumni across generations. Many alumni proudly keep their hoodies long after graduation, wearing them at reunions, sporting events, or simply around the house as a reminder of their Oxford days.
They also make thoughtful gifts for friends, family, or future students. For parents of new undergraduates, gifting an Oxford hoodie is a meaningful way to celebrate the start of their academic journey. For graduates, it’s a keepsake that never loses its significance.
The Individual Classic College Hoodie has become one of The Varsity Shop’s best-loved items – and for good reason:
We offer hoodies for nearly all of the following colleges.
Balliol College, Blackfriars, Brasenose College, Christ Church, Corpus Christi College, Exeter College, Green Templeton College, Harris Manchester College, Herford College, Jesus College, Keble College, Kellogg College, Lady Margaret Hall, Linacre College, Lincoln College, Magdalen College, Mansfield College, Merton College, New College, Nuffield College, Oriel College, Pembroke College, Queen’s College, Regent’s Park College, Reuben College, Somerville College, St Anne’s College, St Antony’s College, St Catherine’s College, St Cross College, St Edmund Hall, St Hilda’s College, St Hugh’s College, St John’s College, St Peter’s College, St Stephens College, Trinity College, University College, Wadham College, Wolfson College and Worcester College
An Oxford hoodie isn’t just for campus life, it’s versatile enough for every setting:
Students often find that their college hoodie becomes more than just clothing, it becomes part of their Oxford experience. For alumni, slipping on a hoodie years after graduation can spark vivid memories of tutorials, hall dinners, and late-night conversations in quads.
In this way, an Oxford college hoodie is both a practical garment and a treasured keepsake.
As the new term begins, don’t miss out on the chance to combine warmth, comfort, and tradition in one essential item. Whether you’re a student settling into college life or an alumnus reliving fond memories, The Varsity Shop’s college hoodies are the perfect choice for autumn.
Explore your college’s collection today with our Shop by College tool.
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