Behind The Design:

The Making Of The
Utility Fleece

Converse's innovative 2-in-1
modular layering system.

Chris was tasked with creating the next signature Converse clothing item. The result is Utility Fleece, a 2 in 1 layering system that starts with the hoodie + modular outerwear to create your design—encompassing Converse's ethos of utility, expression, and freedom of movement.

"As a Californian moving to the east coast, I found myself both over and under layered in the colder months. It's incredibly challenging to go from the cold to a warm train or room, and I wanted to take off one item instead of multiple layers."

— Chris, on the initial concept.

Q: What makes Utility Fleece unique?

A: Many 2-in-1 systems feature outerwear zipping into other outerwear. We wanted to make a premium hoodie, an everyday staple you can wear from season to season, our system's base

Q: How did you achieve this?

A: We challenged the norm by adding an overt second 2-way zipper to the hoodie’s center front facing outwards, allowing you to zip on any of the jackets we created with ease.

"You put on your Utility Fleece hoodie and layer up with the right outerwear to fit your weather conditions."

— Chris, on the versatility of the system.

Q: Tell us more about the Jackets.

A: Traditionally, 2-in-1’s are already picked out combos leaving little room for self-expression. We developed jackets like the reversible sherpa utility jacket for mid-layer comfort with style and the padded utility jacket with Primaloft fill for warmth. You put on your Utility Fleece hoodie and layer up with the right outerwear to fit your weather conditions. We also added thoughtful interior pocketing on all of our jackets so that when your jacket is zipped onto the hoodie the pockets are all easily accessible via the 2-way zippers.

Multiple colors let you style it your way.

Utility Fleece offers low tech, high function styles with endless options. You can go tonal, try color-blocked or be unique with a color clash. There's a color and a style for everyone – In any kind of weather.

— Chris, on styling Utility Fleece.