I’m not talking about Cole’s security blanket. He’s a bit too young to have one. I’m talking about mine.

For many, many years I have owned (and worn the hell out of) a hooded sweatshirt of some sort. Different years or phases of my life would bring about a change of hoodie, but there has always been one present. It has acted as a sort of shield against the world for me, an invisibility cloak of sorts. It allows me a hood to put over my eyes if I want a nap in the daytime, it keeps the chill away, and it hides me from anyone who’s eyes are keen on looking at thing that are interesting. If you have seen photos or videos of me made over the last say, ten months or so, you have probably seen me in it.

An example:

Click Here if you are unable to see the video.

And another. This is my typical uniform:

It’s summer now in central Oregon, warm enough that the hoodie is getting a little silly, so it’s time to retire this one forever. This time though, the notion of retiring the very concept of the “hoodie” is becoming real for me. I’m a dad now, I shouldn’t need this insulation against the world, this crutch. It is a crappy fashion accessory, and would be impossible to explain to Cole as he gets older. I want a son who has an awesome dad who faces the world head on rather than insulates himself from it.

Despite my hobo uniform, I actually do consider myself at least aware of what is fashionable. It’s time to put that to the test and start being that guy.

Today, I formally declare a moratorium on the hoodie.