In the ever-evolving world of streetwear, few items carry the weight and cultural cachet of the Palace hoodie. Born from the British skate brand Palace Skateboards, this garment has transcended its skatepark roots to become a staple of global fashion. Loved by hypebeasts, skaters, musicians, and fashion-forward youth alike, the Palace hoodie represents a potent mix of authenticity, design, and exclusivity.
Origins of the Brand
To understand the significance of the Palace hoodie, it’s essential to first understand Palace itself. Founded in London in 2009 by Lev Tanju, Palace Skateboards began as a skate crew called the “Palace Wayward Boys Choir.” The name “Palace” was originally a joke among the group, referring to the rundown flats they lived in — calling them palaces was ironic.
The brand quickly gained attention for its gritty yet stylish approach to both skateboarding and fashion. Drawing from British youth culture, underground music, and 90s aesthetics, Palace developed a distinct identity. It wasn’t long before the brand expanded from boards and videos into apparel — and the hoodie became one of its most iconic pieces.
What Makes the Palace Hoodie Stand Out?
At first glance, a Palace hoodies may seem like just another sweatshirt. But look closer, and you’ll find layers of thoughtful design, cultural reference, and rare craftsmanship. Palace hoodies are known for several standout features:
1. Iconic Branding
The most recognizable aspect is the Tri-Ferg logo — a triangular motif featuring three “PALACE” texts in Escher-like formation. Designed by Fergus Purcell (a.k.a. Fergadelic), this logo has become one of streetwear’s most powerful symbols. Whether it’s a small logo on the chest or a large print across the back, the Tri-Ferg is a statement.
2. Quality Construction
Palace hoodies are made with heavyweight cotton blends that provide a luxurious feel and long-lasting wear. Most feature ribbed cuffs, kangaroo pockets, and a well-structured hood that adds to the premium aesthetic.
3. Unique Designs
While some hoodies stick to minimalism, many drop with bold prints, experimental graphics, or retro-inspired colors. Palace often leans into humor, irony, and cultural references — from 80s video game graphics to spoofed corporate logos.
4. Limited Availability
One of the reasons Palace hoodies are so sought-after is their exclusivity. Drops are typically released in limited quantities, and once they’re gone, they’re rarely restocked. This scarcity fuels demand and elevates resale value.
The Cultural Impact
The Palace hoodie isn’t just a fashion piece — it’s a symbol of belonging. Streetwear culture has always been about more than just clothes; it’s about identity, rebellion, and community. Palace successfully taps into these sentiments by staying authentic to its skate roots while also courting high fashion and music culture.
Skaters wear Palace because it’s functional and born from their world. Hypebeasts chase it because of its status. Rappers and celebrities, from Drake to A$AP Rocky, have been spotted in Palace gear, adding to its mystique and cool factor.
The hoodie in particular plays a unique role: it’s comfortable, universally flattering, and easily layered — perfect for everything from skating to clubbing. Wearing a Palace hoodie signals you’re tapped into contemporary culture, whether you’re in East London or Los Angeles.
Collaborations and Hype
One of the key drivers behind Palace’s hoodie hype is its high-profile collaborations. Palace has teamed up with a diverse range of brands, from adidas and Reebok to Ralph Lauren and Gucci. These partnerships have produced limited-edition hoodies that blend Palace’s irreverent style with luxury or athletic design elements.
In 2020, for example, Palace collaborated with Moschino, launching a line that included eye-popping hoodies covered in cartoonish designs and branding mashups. These drops become instant collectibles, often selling out within minutes and reselling for several times their retail price.
The Palace x adidas collections, featuring hoodies with co-branded logos and athletic cuts, have also been especially popular. These collaborations keep the brand fresh and expand its reach into different style subcultures.
Buying and Collecting
Owning a Palace hoodie today requires strategy, timing, or a deep wallet. Palace drops new collections seasonally via its website and physical stores in London, New York, LA, and Tokyo. Items usually launch on Fridays — a day known as “Palace Drop Day” among fans.
Because items sell out fast, many buyers rely on bots, raffles, or secondary marketplaces like Grailed, StockX, and eBay. Resale prices can vary widely depending on the rarity, condition, and design of the hoodie. A basic logo hoodie might go for 1.5x its original price, while a rare collab hoodie could fetch three to five times more.
Styling the Palace Hoodie
The Palace hoodie is versatile — easily worn with cargos, jeans, joggers, or shorts. For a casual look, pair it with denim and sneakers. For a more fashion-forward outfit, try oversized styling with baggy trousers and chunky shoes. Because many Palace pieces carry loud prints, it’s often best to keep the rest of the outfit more muted to let the hoodie stand out.
That said, part of the appeal of streetwear — and Palace in particular — is its embrace of individual expression. There are no hard rules. Some fans mix Palace hoodies with luxury items like Dior sneakers, while others keep it pure with skate shoes and thrifted pants.
Palace vs. Supreme
It’s impossible to talk about Palace without mentioning Supreme, its older New York-based counterpart. The two brands share many similarities: skate roots, cult followings, exclusive drops, and iconic logos. But Palace leans more into British humor, retro references, and an anti-establishment ethos that sets it apart.
While Supreme might be the more globally recognized brand, Palace enjoys a reputation for being slightly more underground and less commercialized — at least for now. Many fashion fans prefer Palace for its lower-key (but still elite) vibe and slightly less saturated market.
Final Thoughts
The Palace hoodie is more than just a piece of clothing — it’s a cultural artifact. It represents the intersection of skateboarding, fashion, music, and youth identity. Whether you’re wearing it because you’re a skater, a fashion collector, or just someone who appreciates a well-made hoodie with an edge, Palace delivers.
With each new season, Palace continues to push boundaries and stay true to its roots. And as long as streetwear culture thrives, the Palace hoodie will remain one of its most coveted crowns.
