I have a favorite hoodie that I’ve had for while and its elbows are worn out so much that they have started to have small holes in them.
I looked for a replacement, but I don’t like the latest crop of hoodies.
Do you guys have any ideas on how to handle the problem? Is there a non-dork way of covering up the worn out elbows, or should I just say goodbye to this hoodie?
EDIT: I’m a guy, if that changes your answer
Iron on patches? My husband just got some at WalMart for his favorite pair of jeans. They’re in the craft/sewing section. If you put them on the inside of the hoodie they won’t be really “visible”.
Get a Sharpie and color your elbows black. No one will see the holes in your hoodie.
You could do the elbow pads the way it’s done on blazers.
Alternately, you could also use iron-on patches - as in embroidered patches - if you’re into bands or artists or manufacturers that sell patches of this type.
For both of these you would have to patch it normally with thread the way you would any other hole first, but extra stuff I mentioned on the outside would cover up your repair and make it look better.
Or you could just patch it normally, and decide not to care if anyone notices the bit of stitching and raw edge you can see from the outside.
Just find some fabric that’s the same color (or as close as you can get) and sew them on. If you can’t sew find a friend who does.
I think iron-on patches would be dorky. If these are black hoodies, for instance, I’d find some similar material or buy a cheap black sweatshirt, cut out patches in roughly the same shape as the professorial tweet jacket elbow pads, and sew them on with black thread.
If these hoodies are green or blue or other colors that might be hard to match, it might be a little trickier to do it this way.
I’d patch on the inside with similar fabric. You can get a product called Stitch Witchery that is essentially heat fusible tape. (OK, it’s not sticky, but it comes in a roll.) Put the tape between the patch and the inside of the sleeve and follow the directions for ironing.
The problem with iron-on patches is that they tend to be pretty stiff. I think you’ll get a much less dorky result by patching on the inside.
sew leather patches on the elbows and you can look like a teacher.
Sew tweed patches on them to confuse teachers.
(I do want to get a leather jacket with tweed elbow patches some day)
Cut the arms off and wear it with long-sleeved t-shirts.
In what way do you not like new hoodies? Has the style changed? Or do you have a specific pattern or graphic on yours? I’m asking because you can get a basic hoodie at Walmart for about $10.
Is patching clothes really considered dorky these days? I know I’m not 100% up on fashion trends, but I thought patches were supposed to be cool. I know that I just purchased two nice sweaters that started out with intentional patches on the elbows (I’m female, btw). Since elbow patches were created for precisely the circumstance you’re experiencing, I think you should go for it. You can go for iron-ons on the inside, or iron or sewn on patches on the outside. An alterations place can probably even do it for you for a few dollars.
A quick google brings up plenty of men’s hoodies with elbow patches, including this $580 cashmere one. :eek:
Or tattoos! 
Yes, if it doesn’t look intentional. Particularly with something like a hoodie, which is supposed to be cheap.
And making a fashion statement with a hoodie (like in your link) can seem kinda hipsterish.