Ordinary is fine; freedom is fine.
Actually, the “Hurricane Top” combines the best of both worlds: a sweatshirt and a rugby shirt. Since the brand’s founder was a river guide, he came up with the idea of blending the comfort of a sweatshirt with the functionality of a rugby shirt, and that’s how this piece came to be.
In 1986, in addition to the outdoor scene, the brand made its debut in the Japanese fashion scene after a certain select shop in Harajuku began carrying it. Fueled by the American casual fashion boom, it gained widespread popularity.
…But that was a long time ago. It’s now 2026. While the name “HelloWear” remains the same, the product has been updated to keep pace with the times. Let’s take a look at these five styling options to see what it’s really capable of.
“Hurricane Top” has the appeal of being "ordinary." That ordinariness comes from its familiar, basic fabric and its simple, boxy silhouette. It looks good on anyone, and it pairs well with just about anything.
A look featuring a navy “Hurricane Top” styled with a blue color palette. The high-quality snap buttons from PRYM allow you to adjust how open the top is depending on what you’re wearing underneath. Unbutton the top two buttons, layer a tie-dye T-shirt and a denim shirt underneath, and top it off with a pair of Bartolo shoes. It exudes a ’90s vibe, yet it strangely fits the current mood.
A simple "Hurricane Top" that embraces a touch of individuality. This is exactly the kind of thing I end up wearing every day.
This eye-catching yellow is perfect for early fall. “HelloWear” has several distinctive features, and one of them is that the colors are piece-dyed*. The colors are vibrant, and the lineup includes a total of nine shades. Incidentally, the size range is remarkably wide, from XXS to XXL. In other words, you can choose freely without worrying about your body type or personal style. *White and H/Gray are not piece-dyed.
Getting back to styling, since the “Hurricane Top” has an open neckline, you can even layer a hoodie underneath it. Even then, it doesn’t look bulky. If you tie your bandana like this—with a strong ’80s vibe—it’ll give your overalls look a sharp, polished finish.
"HelloWear" is recommended for women—in fact, we especially want women to wear it. The hoodie style features a large hood attached directly to the "Hurricane Top," giving it a more casual look. It’s durable enough to withstand wind and rain, and was reportedly described in the catalog at the time as "A Super Soft and Cozy Lid."
I went with a striking red. The reason it doesn’t look too over-the-top even when pairing a brightly colored down jacket with a daypack is surely because the balance is just right. I matched a striped T-shirt with shorts in the same color and added a Birkenstock Boston to give the look a light, airy feel.
And as you may have noticed, the label on this “HelloWear” series is different from the usual one. We’ve reproduced a rare woven label that was used for only a short time when the Hurricane Top was first introduced. If you look closely, the booby bird looks surprisingly lifelike.
The cardigan-style top is a design derived from the Hurricane Top and features a collar with full snaps. When worn like a shirt, it instantly becomes much more versatile.
Create a simple layered look with an undershirt in the same color and material. Since gray has a sweatshirt-like vibe, pairing it with patchwork denim and hiking boots creates a great American casual style. That said, a masculine look can sometimes feel heavy, so use accessories and a headband to add a touch of lightness, and a Native American-inspired bag to express your individuality.
Going back to what I mentioned at the beginning, the “Hurricane Top” is an ordinary piece of clothing—but it’s also a garment that embraces “freedom.” This look really brings that feeling to life. An aloha shirt, brimming with that eternal summer vibe, exudes a subtle, alluring charm when worn as an undershirt. Add to that the fresh option of leather pants. Precisely because the design is roomy in both length and width, a pair of slightly tapered pants works well. Pairing a “Hurricane Top” in a bold color with pants that add nuance through their fabric—that’s another way to wear it.
Once you’ve got your hands on “HelloWear,” rummage through your closet and try figuring out what works best for you while playing around with different combinations. That’s just how ordinary and free-spirited these clothes are—and they’re open to everyone.
