The Palace Hoodie Streetwear’s Most Unapologetically British Icon

The Palace Hoodie: Streetwear’s Most Unapologetically British Icon

In the ever-evolving world of streetwear, some pieces transcend trends and become true cultural icons. One such piece is the Palace hoodie—a staple of modern urban fashion, born from skateboarding, built on British irreverence, and elevated through global hype. With its bold graphics, clever branding, and raw authenticity, the Palace hoodie is more than just clothing—it's a symbol of youth identity and street credibility.

Origins: How Palace Skateboards Set the Tone

To understand the Palace hoodie, one must understand the brand behind it. Palace Skateboards was founded in 2009 by Lev Tanju, a skater from South London who sought to capture the energy of British skate culture and infuse it into fashion. Originally a tight-knit crew called the "Palace Wayward Boys Choir," Tanju’s vision was to create clothing that spoke to skaters, creatives, and rebels alike.

The name “Palace” was ironic. It referred to the run-down flats the crew lived in—places far from luxurious. But this humor and honesty would come to define the brand. Palace quickly separated itself from American streetwear giants like Supreme by embracing lo-fi aesthetics, old-school British references, and a self-aware tone.

From its earliest drops, the hoodie became a core piece in Palace’s collections—comfortable, iconic, and always a little cheeky.

The Signature Style of the Palace Hoodie

Palace hoodies stand out not only because of what they represent but also because of how they’re designed. They combine form and function with creativity and humor—something few other brands manage consistently.

1. The Tri-Ferg Logo

The Tri-Ferg, designed by artist Fergus Purcell, is perhaps Palace’s most recognizable symbol. It's a Penrose triangle made from the word “PALACE” repeated along each side, forming a three-dimensional illusion. It’s clever, geometric, and versatile—appearing on the chest, back, sleeves, and sometimes hidden within detailed prints.

The logo alone carries status. Whether large on the back or subtly stitched on the front, it’s an instant identifier in the streetwear community.

2. Heavyweight Comfort

Palace doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality. Hoodies are typically constructed from heavyweight cotton, offering warmth, durability, and structure. They feature thick ribbed cuffs, adjustable drawstrings, and double stitching. The fit ranges from oversized to boxy depending on the collection, but always with skaters in mind—allowing for movement, layering, and everyday wear.

3. Playful, Bold Graphics

Palace is known for its sense of humor. Hoodies often feature pop culture parodies, retro sports branding, or obscure references to 90s tech, UK garage, or cult films. Some graphics are subtle, while others are loud and brash. But all of them feel distinctively Palace—cool, clever, and never taking themselves too seriously.

Drop Culture and Hype: Why Palace Hoodies Sell Out Fast

Like many major streetwear labels, Palace follows a seasonal drop model, releasing collections in limited quantities. New drops typically happen on Fridays, both online and in select flagship stores (London, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo). Items often sell out within minutes—especially hoodies.

This strategy creates exclusivity and fuels demand. Limited availability makes each hoodie feel special, and for many fans, owning one becomes a point of pride. Some are bought to wear. Others are bought to resell—with Palace hoodies often fetching 1.5 to 3 times their original retail price on platforms like Grailed, StockX, and Depop.

This scarcity-driven model isn't new, but Palace executes it with flair, humor, and consistency—earning loyalty from a global audience.

Celebrity Influence and Cultural Reach

Palace’s rise from niche skate brand to global fashion player can be partly credited to its cultural relevance. It has gained the approval of celebrities across music, sport, and art. Artists like Drake, A$AP Rocky, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, and Skepta have all worn Palace hoodies—often unprompted, giving the brand organic hype.

In the UK, Palace has become synonymous with grime culture, garage revival, and working-class pride. It has captured the attitude of London youth without ever pandering to mainstream fashion. Palace doesn’t chase trends—it sets them, and the hoodie has been the perfect canvas for that confidence.

Noteworthy Collaborations

Another major factor in the hoodie’s legendary status is Palace’s high-profile collaborations, which often include exclusive hoodie designs.

Palace x adidas

The brand’s longest-standing partnership, blending sport and skate seamlessly. The hoodies are minimalist yet technical, and often feature co-branded logos and premium materials.

Palace x Ralph Lauren

This 2018 collaboration stunned the fashion world. Hoodies combined Polo heritage with Palace irreverence—featuring embroidered logos, equestrian motifs, and vintage Americana with a skate twist.

Palace x Gucci Vault

In 2022, Palace entered the luxury world via Gucci Vault. The collab produced surreal, logo-heavy hoodies with loud prints, bridging the gap between skatewear and high fashion.

Palace x Arc'teryx

Palace’s dive into the outdoor world brought technical hoodies made from weatherproof materials—popular with both streetwear fans and hiking enthusiasts.

Each collaboration brings a fresh dimension to the Palace hoodie, expanding its cultural relevance and pushing the boundaries of what streetwear can be.

How to Style a Palace Hoodie

One of the Palace hoodie’s best qualities is its versatility. Whether you’re skating, traveling, going out, or just lounging, the hoodie adapts to your vibe.

• Skate Aesthetic: Pair a graphic Palace hoodie with baggy jeans, Vans or Nike SBs, and a beanie.

• Street Luxe: Style a minimal Tri-Ferg hoodie under a trench coat with tailored pants and designer sneakers.

• Retro Raver: Go loud—bold prints, Palace track pants, and throwback kicks for 90s nostalgia.

• Clean & Casual: A grey or black hoodie with fitted jeans and clean white sneakers is timeless and effortless.

The Palace hoodie allows for individuality—it can be a statement piece or a layering essential depending on the look.

Palace vs. Supreme: The Constant Comparison

Palace and Supreme are often compared, and understandably so. Both brands began in skateboarding, built their reputations on limited drops, and helped define 2010s streetwear.

But where Supreme leans into New York grit, punk rebellion, and bold political statements, Palace embraces British humor, nostalgia, and cultural absurdity. Supreme might shock you; Palace might make you laugh. Both are iconic, but Palace has carved out a tone all its own—refusing to follow trends or take itself too seriously.

Conclusion: More Than a Hoodie

The Palace hoodie is more than just streetwear. It's a symbol of a generation that values authenticity, community, and creativity. It represents a brand that started with a group of friends skating in South London and grew into a global fashion leader—without ever forgetting its roots.

Whether you wear it to skate, stunt, or stay cozy, the Palace hoodie is a statement. It tells the world you know what’s happening—not because you're trying too hard, but because you genuinely get it.

It’s British. It’s bold. It’s Palace.