A review of the Corazzo "Under-Hoody"

Subtle logo stitching detail on the Corazzo Under-Hoody

It's not often that I get to review premium scooter gear (OK, I'm cheap!), but I guess that there is a first time for everything. Today I'm reviewing the "Under-Hoody" from Corazzo. Corazzo is a Portland-based designer and manufacturer of high quality protective gear for scooterists. Corazzo started years ago and has never wavered in their dedication to high-quality, high-design safety gear for scooterists.

I'm a fan of multipurpose clothing and I've been coveting a Corazzo Under-Hoody for a long time. Since last year I've been saving my pennies to splurge on a "nice" piece of gear, and I choose the Under-Hoody because it seemed very useful, looked cool and it represented Corazzo's singular pursuit of quality. It's a dedicated piece of cool weather scooter gear and since I scoot year-round (when I can), I placed the order and hoped for the best.

A great "why didn't I think of that" feature of the Under-Hoody

When I was shopping I immediately liked the Under-Hoody because It looked like the perfect layering micro-sweatshirt kind of thing. It has a hood (naturally) that can be worn up (over the head) or down (around the neck). It has extra long sleeves complete with small, lined holes for one's thumbs. These too can be worn up (pulled up above the thumbs) or down (with the thumbs sticking through) depending on when you are wearing the piece.

Hood in down position - sorry for the self-model!

My order was delivered in a few days via Fed-Ex. I opened up the package and eagerly examined my new gear. The Under-Hoody is largely cotton (80%) with a little polyester and lycra thrown in for durability and fit. There is a short fleece lining that not only insulates, but looks like good quality. I tried it on and noticed that the fit was pretty good. I threw it in the wash and after drying, shrinkage was minimal, but it turned my XL into an almost perfect fit for me. Call it "L plus." My experience with Corazzo products of the past includes a hard time getting a good fit. It might not be Corazzo's fault, as I have long arms and a huge neck. I'm generally between an L or an XL and I prefer a loose fit. Years ago when I tried on some Corazzo jackets, I could never get a fit that was both comfortable around my midsection and my arms. Either they were huge or too tiny. I had almost given up on getting a good fit on their otherwise well-designed gear.

Hood in up or "ninja" position

One thing I noticed during this time - the stitching and general construction on the Under-Hoody is incredible. I looked it over carefully and I cannot find one stitch that is loose or wobbly or even a stray thread. The Under-Hoody is made in Canada and it's a high quality piece.

The only drawback that I noticed with the Under-Hoody was that when wearing the "hoody" part up, one's peripheral vision is slightly blocked. It could well be that the size that I choose (and that is a comfortable fit for me) is a tiny bit large or that my glasses stick out a bit, raising the fabric on the hood. Nonetheless, after about five minutes wearing it, I was used to it and I never thought about it again.

Corazzo is generous with the swag - pretty cool of them

I tested the Under-Hoody on a clear cold Detroit morning. The thermometer in the garage showed 15 degrees and I headed out. Although my hands were freezing, the Under-Hoody added a layer in three critical areas. The gauntlet part of my gloves sometimes creates a draft effect at my wrists. With the Under-Hoody, they were well covered by material that was perfectly positioned due to the thumb-holes. The hood part added a much-needed layer around my head and back of my neck -- I wore it "up" and it was thin enough to not tighten my helmet. The small face opening allowed the fabric to cover my mouth and chin/neck area. I got to delete my usual (and well worn) Buell fleece neck muff and my polyester balaclava without missing either of them in the frigid February-in-Detroit weather!

The Corazzo Under-Hoody is an excellent piece of gear for those of us who choose to ride our scooters in cold weather. It's functional and multi-purpose, but also represents an excellent idea brought to life perfectly. It's high quality, and although it's not an inexpensive piece of gear, it's uniquely worth it and I'll be wearing it every time I'm on the scoot until the summer comes.