A Sophisticated Hoodie? My Review of Mission Workshop’s Grandmaster Hoodie

I’m a pretty basic guy when it comes to my wardrobe. I want stuff that looks good and is multi-functional. This is partly because I live in a small apartment without a ton of closet space. It’s also because I hate to shop for clothes and simply want a few go-to items that I can grab and rely on day in and day out.

My multi-purpose rule especially kicks into gear when it comes to the clothes I wear to work. I’m self-employed, so I can dress casual; I usually wear a fitted T-shirt, a nice pair of jeans, and comfortable sneakers to round things out.

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It’s the outerwear that can be an issue. If it’s not frigid and snowy out, I’m not one for a bulky coat, preferring a comfortable hoodie instead. Because I cycle around town when the roads are clear, this helps keep me warm, gives me a way to protect my head from the wind and rain, and is light enough that I’m not drenched in sweat by the time I arrive at the gym or at the bar with my buddies.

Goodbye, Old Friend

My old go-to hoodie just wasn’t appropriate, though. I bought it many years ago when I lived in a much milder climate, and the years had not been kind to it either.

If I was going to ditch my beloved hoodie for something new, Hoodie 2.0 needed to be something special. I started looking into Mission Workshop, a clothing company that designs and manufactures bags and apparel with the cycling lifestyle in mind. I liked the look of their Grandmaster hoodie and ordered one to give it a try.

The New Hoodie Arrives…

The Grandmaster arrived just a few days before the fall weather in Montreal got cold enough to require an extra layer. Excited to see how it worked out, I zipped on the new hoodie.

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The first thing I noticed was that the Grandmaster looked a lot more sleek (and definitely more comfortable) than my old one. I pulled the hood over my head and zipped up the front. It was comfortable but not overly tight. The feel of the Grandmaster was light, and I wondered if it would be enough to keep the wind off during my next ride to the gym.

Snug and Stylish

It turns out that there was no need to worry about warmth. It’s made from Power Stretch Pro® material that’s strangely thick, yet also breathable. This is a hoodie that will do double-duty as outerwear or an extra layer under a bigger coat. I was perfectly warm all the way to the gym, but I never got overheated. It started to sprinkle a bit just before I arrived and I was delighted to discover that the drops simply rolled right off of the water-resistant Grandmaster.

I arrived comfortable and ready to lift some weights. It’s got a truly high-quality feel about it, so I have a feeling that it’s one that will last for a really long time. Sorry, Old Hoodie. We shared many a fun time together, but I think you’ve been replaced.

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Chad

Chad is the co-founder of Unfinished Man, a leading men's lifestyle site. He provides straightforward advice on fashion, tech, and relationships based on his own experiences and product tests. Chad's relaxed flair makes him the site's accessible expert for savvy young professionals seeking trustworthy recommendations on living well.

20 comments on “A Sophisticated Hoodie? My Review of Mission Workshop’s Grandmaster Hoodie”

  1. Looks pretty sweet, been waiting to pick this up since I saw it drop. Not sure I can justify $255 on a hoodie right now, but with Christmas coming up we’ll see how much my wife really loves me. 😉

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  2. Nice quality in these hoodies, definitely last a life time. I always like durable fabric and materials in my clothing. This way I can wear it for many years without being worn out.

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  3. I am impressed by this hoodie–especially the details such as the breast pocket and the tailored lines. It’s nice that it is Canadian made, too.

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  4. Very nice hoodie. What I love about it is that you’re not a walking advertisement for any particular company. I also love that it’s Canada made and it has a zipper.

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  5. Dang, that’s a nice hoodie, though I don’t know if I can justify the $255. They do say you get what you pay for so one would hope that this hoodie would last a long time.

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  6. I think water resistant would be a great feature as I go hiking and camping regularly. This would make a great, “get up in the morning in your tent and put on a hoodie” hoodie, lol.

    Reply

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