Hood Design

The design of the hood makes a big difference on how it performs during various activities or water sports.

On some garments the hood can be folded away into the collar when not required, useful on windy days or for swimming. This is more versatile and may give the garment a nice elegant style.

If you wear glasses, a non-cotton ball cap (baseball cap) under your hood keeps the rain off your face. Put the cap on, then pull the hood up over it and pull the strings tight. Even though most rainwear has a vestigial bill on the hood to protect your face, your glasses will still get spattered without that cap.

Simple hoods have one seam on top.

Two seams make for a better fit.

Hoods for sun protection

Clear vision is very important out on the road when you go cycling or enjoy a walk in the rain. Hooded cycling garments have windows on each side to shield you from rain, yet give you a reasonable chance to see what's coming.

This hood is too large and may cover your face or flop around. Big air pockets can form underwater.

Hood with side windows

Hoods with a stiff bill reduce rain drops hitting your face.