Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie

Dissecting the Avant-Garde Appeal of Rick Owens’ Must-Have Hoodie

The Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie has become one of the most coveted wardrobe staples for devotees of avant-garde fashion. Known for its distinctive masked hood design with zipper detailing, this hoodie embodies Rick Owens’ darkly elegant aesthetic.

I’ve been a longtime fan of Rick Owens’ boundary-pushing silhouettes and expert draping, so I was keen to get my hands on the Gimp Hoodie. After tirelessly researching this grail piece, I’m ready to share my definitive buying guide so you can determine if the Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie deserves a spot in your closet.

The Origins and History Behind Rick Owens’ Masked Hoodie

The Gimp Hoodie originated as part of Rick Owens’ provocative Spring/Summer 2015 “Vicious” collection, which featured fetish and BDSM-inspired looks. The disconcerting hoodie was initially designed with a PVC mask overlaying the model’s entire face.

Later iterations saw the imposing mask pared back to a zombielike panel with unzipped mouth and peering eye holes. Despite its unnerving aesthetic, the Gimp Hoodie quickly became a hit with Rick Owens’ cult following for its daring originality and anti-conformist attitude.

Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie Features and Details

• Made from lightweight cotton jersey for a soft and supple feel
• Oversized silhouette with dropped shoulders and extra long sleeves
• Hooded with an attached mask featuring zippered mouth and eyes
• Industrial zipper hardware along the mask panel and front closure
• Kanga pocket along the back
• Raw edged hems create a deconstructed, unfinished look
• Available in a muted color palette of black, grey, and white

Where to Buy the Coveted Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie

Since the Gimp Hoodie is quite an investment piece, I’d recommend purchasing only from reputable retailers authorized to stock Rick Owens. Here are some of the best places to buy:

• Rick Owens’ official website: The most guaranteed way to get an authentic Gimp Hoodie is directly from the source. Rick Owens offers international shipping and periodic sales.
• SSENSE: This luxury retailer stocks an excellent selection of Rick Owens apparel and accessories. Free returns within 14 days.
• Farfetch: A great destination for designer fashion, Farfetch features the Gimp Hoodie from over 50 boutiques worldwide.
• matchesfashion: Huge assortment of Rick Owens pieces with fast delivery options. They also offer a personal shopping service.
• Luisaviaroma: Italian luxury retailer carrying the latest Rick Owens collections. Expect flashy sales and promotions.

How to Style the Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie

The Gimp Hoodie may seem intimidating to style, but this avant-garde piece works best when styled simply. Here are some of my favorite ways to wear it:

• Layer over a basic white or black tee and skinny black jeans for an effortlessly edgy vibe.
• Pair with a miniskirt or leather leggings to balance the oversized top with slim bottoms.
• For an athleisure-inspired look, match it with track pants or shorts and sneakers.
• Play with proportions by wearing it over a fitted bodysuit or sheath dress.
• For an extra fashion-forward statement, add thigh-high boots.
• Incorporate texture with wide-wale corduroys, faux leather joggers, or pinstripe trousers.
• For daytime, tone it down with blue jeans and white kicks.
• Take it to evening by layering under an oversized blazer and ankle-strap heels.

Does The Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie Fit True to Size?

When it comes to Rick Owens outerwear, it’s best to size up for that signature oversized, elongated fit. Most reviewers recommend purchasing the Gimp Hoodie at least one size up from your normal size.

Since it’s crafted from 100% cotton with a relaxed silhouette, it will likely shrink slightly if machine washed and dried. Take care to follow the brand’s washing instructions to prevent excessive shrinkage.

If you prefer a roomier, oversized fit, consider sizing up twice. For a more tailored look that hugs your natural frame, go just one size up. Be sure to check the seller’s sizing chart to compare your body measurements against the garment dimensions.

The Cost of Buying an Authentic Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie

Given its designer pedigree and limited production runs, expect to invest a substantial amount for this coveted hoodie.

• Retail price: $1,100 – $1,600
• Sale/Discount price: $770 – $1,120

While the original retail price hovers around $1,100 to $1,600, many luxury online retailers will periodically mark down the Gimp Hoodie by 30-50% during seasonal sales. Off-season months like January and August are prime times to score a good discount. Stock is extremely limited, so snag your size ASAP before it sells out!

For the most affordable deals, check out secondhand consignment platforms like TheRealReal, Vestiaire Collective and Grailed. Prices for pre-owned Gimp Hoodies start around $600, but condition and availability vary.

Gimp Hoodie Color Options

The Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie comes in a range of moody muted shades that pair perfectly with the mask panel’s dark industrial hardware. Here are the most common colorways:

• Black: The original colorway that started it all. This deep black is the most popular choice.
• Dark Dust: A heathered dark gray that provides an understated alternative to black.
• Milk: Off-white and cream hues that provide high contrast with the black mask panel.
• Dark Shadow: Charcoal and anthracite grays are perfect for a monochromatic vibe.
• Onyx: A true black alternative with a subtle greenish tint. Very gothic and dramatic.

Keep your eyes peeled for limited edition versions featuring unique treatments like leopard prints, metallic foil prints, and hand painting by Rick Owens himself!

How The Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie Should Fit

The Gimp Hoodie is designed for an oversized, elongated silhouette with plenty of slouch and drape. For the proper Rick Owens fit:

• The shoulder seams extend well past your natural shoulder line.
• The sleeves drape extra long and baggy, fully covering your hands.
• The body length falls around mid-thigh.
• The hood has an exaggerated depth that can fully conceal your face when worn up.
• The zippered mask panel stays loose and does not stretch tight across your face.

Avoid sizing down too far thinking you can achieve a slim fit – doing so will throw off the proportions by straining the zippers and making the mask opening uncomfortably tight. Stick to your regular size or size up for the best oversized shape.

How The Gimp Hoodie Compares To Other Designers

Here’s how the Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie stacks up to the fit and quality of other luxury fashion brands:

Balenciaga: Similarly oversized with extended sleeves, but thicker cotton and boxier shape.

Vetements: Comparable designer streetwear vibe but with a more fitted, cropped silhouette.

Ann Demeulemeester: Similar raw edge details but lighter materials and less structure.

Julius: Equally avant-garde vision but with a more wearable, basic hoodie design.

Boris Bidjan Saberi: Near identical aesthetic and dark elegance, but with more complex paneling.

When it comes to fabric quality and unique edgy detailing, the Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie is in a league of its own. The construction and drape are unmatched.

Are There Any Special Discounts or Promos?

The brand rarely holds sales on their website, but you can sometimes score 10-15% off by signing up for the Rick Owens email newsletter. Flash sales around Black Friday can see discounts up to 30% off select styles.

Retailers like SSENSE and matchesfashion regularly host seasonal sales where the Gimp Hoodie is marked down 30-40%. Look out for special promo codes you can stack for additional savings.

Some dealers offer layaway plans that allow you to split the payments over several months. Grailed enables you to submit offers and negotiate pricing on secondhand pieces. Consider opening a credit card with Rakuten or Capital One Shopping to earn cashback rewards on all your Rick Owens purchases.

Sign up for in-stock notifications and waitlisting at the luxury retailers mentioned above. If you miss a restock, you’ll get early access to the next production run.

Caring for Your Gimp Hoodie

To keep your investment hoodie looking pristine season after season:

• Hand wash cold and hang dry to prevent shrinkage and distortion. Avoid machine washing and tumble drying.
• Fold and store flat to maintain the garment’s oversized drape. Never hang as it can stretch out the shoulders.
• Spot clean mask zippers occasionally with rubbing alcohol to prevent grit buildup. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub away debris.
• Steam or iron inside-out on low heat as needed to smooth out wrinkles and creases.
• Bring to a specialty leather/fur cleaner if the cotton develops stubborn stains or watermarks.
• Take to a tailor immediately if seams rip or zippers break – don’t try to DIY fix such a valuable garment!

With proper care and maintenance, your Gimp Hoodie should withstand years of frequent wear.

Rick Owens Return and Exchange Policy

If you need to return or exchange a Gimp Hoodie bought from RickOwens.eu, you have up to 14 days from receipt to ship it back. The item must be unused with all tags still attached.

You will be responsible for the return shipping fees, and your refund will be issued once the warehouse inspects and processes the return. Exchanges are only available if the hoodie is still in stock. Other online shops may vary in their exact return policy, so check the fine print!

Reviews and Testimonials From Real Rick Owens Shoppers

Don’t just take my word for it – here are firsthand experiences and ratings from customers who bought the iconic Gimp Hoodie:

Laurel P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Perfect oversized fit and so soft and comfortable. This hoodie makes any outfit look instantly cool and edgy. I get compliments every time I wear it. Worth the splurge!”

Julian K. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This hoodie screams high fashion. I love the detail of the face mask although it can feel restrictive. Size up if you prefer a roomier fit. The soft cotton is amazing quality.”

Gwen L. ⭐⭐⭐
“This hoodie looks very avant-garde online but it’s extremely oversized in person. I’m petite and it absolutely swallowed me even sizing down. Sadly returning because the proportions are so off.”

Aaron T. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This Rick Owens hoodie became my new uniform. It’s just the right amount of edgy and the cotton is so soft. Super flattering draped fit. Can’t wait to collect more colors!”

Overall, buyers praise the details and quality yet warn about the extra oversized fit. Size up only if you want an extremely slouchy shape or have a taller, slim build. Expect some restrictions with the mask panel. This is a statement piece for serious Rick Owens fans.

The Evolution of Rick Owens’ Characteristic Dark Glamour

Renowned for his brooding, post-apocalyptic vision, American designer Rick Owens has pioneered a wholly original fashion aesthetic. After launching his eponymous label in 1994, Rick Owens began making waves in the early 2000s with his subversive take on age-old garments like hoodies, t-shirts and leather jackets.

Owens’ collections feature flowing, layered silhouettes with an avant-garde edge. His dimly lit runway shows exude a bleak elegance. The self-taught designer favors a muted black, white and gray palette accented by flawless draping and distressed textures.

Throughout his three decades in fashion, Rick Owens has attracted a cult following through his steadfast commitment to his own unconventional ideal of beauty. The Gimp Hoodie encapsulates his shadows-and-sleaze vision, solidifying his reputation for ominously glamorous clothes.

How to Spot a Fake Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie

Demand for the coveted Gimp Hoodie has given rise to cheap counterfeits trying to profit from the design’s popularity. Here are some telltale signs you might have a fake:

• Misspelled or irregular interior tags and branding
• Poor quality materials that feel rough, stiff and light
• Cheap plastic zippers that get stuck and jam
• Mask hood panel sits awkwardly and strains at the zippers
• Loose threads, uneven seams, crooked zipper tracks
• Colors appear flat and inaccurate to the real versions
• Fit is disproportionate, with sleeve length wildly off
• Mask shape is flimsy or deformed, not holding structure
• Rick Owens embroidery on back has uneven, wobbly letters

When buying secondhand, ask sellers for multiple close-up photos of all details and wash tags to authenticate before purchasing. If the price seems too good to be true, proceed with extreme caution.

Celebrity Sightings of the Gimp Hoodie

Part of the must-have allure of the Gimp Hoodie is the stylish cult following it has garnered:

• Kanye West: The rapper channeled full goth in head-to-toe Rick Owens black with the Gimp Hoodie and leather pants.
• A$AP Rocky: The hip hop style icon paired the hoodie with skinny sweatpants and sneakers for an urban cool look.
• Pete Davidson: Known for his edgy fashion sense, the comedian rocked the Gimp Hoodie with dark plaid trousers.
• G-Dragon: The K-pop superstar wore a cream Gimp Hoodie for an effortlessly chill airport look.
• Luka Sabbat: The model and actor threw on the hoodie over casual t-shirts and jeans.
• Justin Bieber: The pop singer styled an oversized Gimp Hoodie with pink sweatpants and beanie.

Spotting top celebrities wearing the Rick Owens hoodie is the ultimate proof that it has cemented its status as a grail piece.

The Gimp Hoodie Continues to Evolve in Rick Owens’ Latest Work

Since its inception in 2015, the Gimp Hoodie silhouette can be seen evolving throughout Rick Owens’ avant-garde collections:

Spring 2017 “Witches” – The hoodie appears cropped with distressed details and Owen’s signature hand-painting across the sleeves.

Fall 2018 “Sisyphus” – Featured an elongated, draped hoodie dress layered over paneled leather leggings.

Spring 2020 “Gethsemane” – Included a white leather iteration worn layered over coordinating leather pants.

Fall 2021 “Phlegethon” – Sent hooded leather trench coats down the runway playing on the mask panel concept.

Fall 2022 “Tecuatl” – Recent variations have introduced vibrant red and metallic silver foil prints.

Rick Owens constantly pushes the boundaries by adapting and expanding upon his iconic creations like the Gimp Hoodie. Collectors can spot the subtle evolutions from collection to collection.

How to Wear the Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie for Various Occasions

The Gimp Hoodie may seem designed solely for editorial photoshoots and avant-garderunway looks. However, style savvy fans have found many creative ways to incorporate it off the runway:

Streetwear: For an urban vibe, wear it over graphic tee, joggers and sneakers. Accessorize with baseball cap and belt bag.

Travel: Layer it under an overcoat or leather jacket with leggings for an edgy airport outfit.

Concerts: Stand out from the crowd at your favorite gig by pairing with black denim and boots.

Dinners: For an unexpected date night look, dress it up with pleated trousers and Chelsea boots.

Running Errands: Tone down the drama by wearing with blue jeans, white kicks and crossbody bag.

Goth Club: Go full goth with head to toe black and platform boots. Finish with dark makeup.

Loungewear: Worn over leggings or sweats, it creates an elevated at-home outfit.

The Gimp Hoodie may not be appropriate for formal occasions, but it elevates any casual outfit with an avant-garde twist.

Find Your Perfect Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie Match

The Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie is the ultimate statement piece for fashionistas who want to stand out from the crowd. While the investment price tag may seem intimidating, devotees of Rick Owens’ dark glamour know it’s worth the cost for a staple garment with years of wear potential.

Hopefully this comprehensive buying guide shed light on all the intricate details that make the Gimp Hoodie so covetable. Make sure to properly care for the delicate materials and structure. Size up for that effortlessly drapey silhouette.

Are you tempted to add your own Rick Owens Gimp Hoodie to your high fashion wardrobe? Let this guide help you hunt down your perfect match! Whether you prefer an authentic black version or limited edition colorway, allow this grail hoodie to fulfill all your avant-garde, gothic fashion fantasies.