When I was living on the West Coast, one of my close friends was a religious devotee of Alternative Apparel hoodies. I never really understood it until the brand opened its boutique in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. My friend was stocking up on some new zip hoodies, so I decided to tag along and see what the fervor was about.

The hoodie designs are dead simple. They feature a one-way zipper, front hand pockets, raglan sleeves and a tonal drawstring. But the fabric is what makes these hoodies special. It’s a cotton-poly French terry that is ridiculously soft. Alternative Apparel even claims the material is resistant to pilling.

Though I didn’t pick up a hoodie that day, I couldn’t stop thinking about how good the fabric felt. So when I got my next paycheck, I picked one up for myself and it quickly became my go-to layer for lazy weekend mornings, casual afternoons and chilly evenings on the beach. If you want to try one of these hoodies out for yourself, you don’t have to wait until you get paid because Nordstrom Rack is having a great sale — you can pick one up for just $23.

Franchise Zip-Up Hoodie (Black) by Alternative Apparel $54 $23

Franchise Zip-Up Hoodie (Navy) by Alternative Apparel $54 $23

Franchise Zip-Up Hoodie (Green) by Alternative Apparel $54 $30

Franchise Zip-Up Hoodie (Coal) by Alternative Apparel $54 $30

Franchise Zip-Up Hoodie (Maroon) by Alternative Apparel $54 $30
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