'Are You Okay' Hoodie

THE ARE YOU OKAY? HOODIE

For the question we don't ask enough. <3

Growing up, I was constantly asked how I was. How are you?

"I'm fine."

"I'm good."

"I'm okay." I was never okay. And that was usually the end of it.

But over time, “I'm fine” became more than just an answer. It became something I carried.

I'm fine.
I got it.
I'll figure it out.
I can handle it myself.

I got really good at carrying everything on my own because I had convinced myself that I was fine.

And maybe that's why the question always felt so different to me because nobody was really asking me if I was okay.

There's a difference.

“How are you?” can be answered without actually telling the truth.

“Are you okay?” makes you stop.

It makes you think about it.

It makes you wonder if you actually are.

I remember sitting in my community college class, supposed to be paying attention, but instead I kept designing this over and over again.

I don't even remember what class it was, I just remember that I couldn't stop making it.

The question was already sitting somewhere in my head.

Are you okay?

And eventually, it became a hoodie.

THE DETAILS:

• 50/50 poly/cotton blend

• Smooth, pill-resistant fabric

• Double-lined hood with grommets and matching drawcord

• Ribbed cuffs

• Cover-seamed waistband

• Are You Okay? artwork

Made with a soft, smooth fabric and a structured hood designed for everyday comfort.

The question sits at the center of the piece because sometimes the simplest questions are the ones we need to hear the most.

THE MEANING:

I think we're really good at asking people how they are without actually making space for the answer.

We ask out of habit. We ask because it's polite. We ask because it's what you're supposed to say when you see someone. And most of the time, “I'm fine” is enough.

But what happens when “I'm fine” becomes your automatic response to everything?

When you're hurting, but still say you're fine. When you're overwhelmed, but still say you've got it.

When you need help, but convince yourself you should be able to handle it yourself.

That's what this hoodie is about.

Not just asking someone how their day is but actually asking them if they're okay and being willing to stay long enough to hear the answer. Because sometimes people don't need you to fix anything.

Sometimes they just need someone to notice. Someone to ask again. Someone to mean it. Someone to actually listen when they do respond. 

And maybe that's something we owe ourselves, too.

To stop saying “I'm fine” long enough to ask ourselves if we actually are.

So check in on your people. Ask the question again. And maybe, every once in a while, ask yourself too.

Are you okay?

DONTDIE.