Walk through any Irish college campus or summer festival, and you’ll spot them instantly: thick, colourful, striped hoodies that look like they’re made for lounging and late-night chats. Most people here don’t call them just “stoner hoodies”—they get called Baja hoodies, Mexican hoodies, or the classic “drug rug” moniker, which you’ll hear from Limerick to Letterkenny.

These hoodies have carved out a spot in Ireland’s alternative scene. While the tie-dye T-shirt crowd has its own reputation, there’s real history (and a lot of comfort) stitched into every Baja hoodie. People first notice how warm and roomy they are, perfect for chill Irish evenings or beach bonfires down at Inchydoney.

If you’re thinking about picking one up or just want to blend into a session at Electric Picnic, knowing what to call them—and where to grab a decent one—is half the battle. There’s more to these hoodies than meets the eye: local names, origins, shopping tips, and even a bit about their modern Irish twist. Ready to stop guessing and start wearing? Let’s get straight to what counts.

• What Are Stoner Hoodies Called in Ireland?
• Roots of the Trend: A Bit of Irish and Global History
• Where to Find Stoner Hoodies Across Ireland
• How Irish Youth Make the Style Their Own
• Care, Wear, and Staying Authentic: Tips and Tricks

What Are Stoner Hoodies Called in Ireland?

Ask someone in Dublin or Cork about those thick, woven hoodies that keep popping up at gigs and outdoor markets, and you’ll rarely hear just “stoner hoodie.” Around Ireland, locals have a few names for them. The most common are Baja hoodie, Mexican hoodie, and now and again, you’ll hear “drug rug”—a name popular with students and skaters from Galway to Belfast. Some folks also call them hemp hoodies, although real hemp versions are rare enough these days.

These hoodies have no connection to actual drugs; the nickname sticks thanks to the laid-back, alternative vibe they give off. Irish students at Trinity or UCD might throw one on for a cold lecture hall, while surfers in Donegal like them for their warmth after a chilly dip. You’ll spot them anywhere relaxed style is welcome, from Electric Picnic to weekend stalls at the Temple Bar Markets.

Here’s a quick look at how these names break down across major Irish cities:

If you spot a stall at a music festival or a second-hand rack in Rathmines, odds are you’ll hear the seller just calling it “Baja.” If you’re shopping online on Irish platforms like Adverts.ie, use “Baja hoodie” in your search—this pulls up the most results, especially if you’re hoping for something genuine and not just a high street knock-off.

So, if you’re chatting with locals or browsing in vintage stores, you know what terms to drop so you don’t sound lost. The name may change from town to town, but the relaxed, iconic look is recognised all over the country.

Roots of the Trend: A Bit of Irish and Global History

The story of the stoner hoodie goes way beyond Irish borders. These hoodies—more properly called Baja hoodies—originate from Mexico and the Baja California region. Local artisans first made them using recycled fibres, often a blend of cotton, acrylic, and even old t-shirt scraps. They called them "jerga" and designed them to be hardy for workers dealing with chilly mornings and cool coastal winds.

By the 1970s and '80s, American surfers and backpackers brought Baja hoodies back from road trips down the Mexican coast. Because they looked so different—bright stripes, woven texture, deep hoods—they caught on fast in surf and skate scenes. The "drug rug" nickname started around this time, linking the hoodie to laid-back, counterculture lifestyles and the cannabis movement.

So how did they end up in Ireland? Two words: travel and music. Irish bands like The Frames and festival regulars brought these hoodies onto the local scene in the '90s and early 2000s. People spotted them at Glastonbury, at Electric Picnic, and all over surf spots like Lahinch. Irish students studying or working in the US or Canada would bring a Baja hoodie home as a keepsake for late-night gaffs or Donegal beach parties.

Over time, Irish teens, surfers, and anyone chasing a bit of bohemian energy picked up on the style. Shops in Cork, Dublin, and Galway started to stock up, and handmade versions even popped up at the flea markets in The Bernard Shaw and at the Temple Bar markets.

So the trend stuck, thanks to its comfort, its sturdy build (handy for our four-seasons-in-a-day weather), and its association with freedom and fun. Now, you’ll find people wearing them for everything from busking on Grafton Street to hiking out by Howth Head.

Where to Find Stoner Hoodies Across Ireland

If you’re on the hunt for a stoner hoodie—that’s the Baja, Mexican hoodie, or “drug rug” in local lingo—there’s no need to book a flight to Mexico. Ireland’s high streets, vintage markets, and online shops are well stocked if you know where to look.

Start with high-traffic urban spots. Dublin is a goldmine. You’ll find them in Temple Bar’s Lucy’s Lounge, which has racks stacked with every colour and weave. Up on Camden Street, Tola Vintage is another reliable spot. Galway isn’t far behind—try OMG Zhivago on Shop Street or antique finds at The Vintage Quarter. Cork’s Mother Jones Flea Market or No Guts No Glory in Galway also get regular shipments.

If you like sifting through preloved stuff, Irish charity shops usually get the odd Baja hoodie, especially around UCC and Trinity when students move out. It’s affordable and you never know what size or pattern will turn up.

Events and pop-up markets are another top way to score one. Look for pop-ups at Electric Picnic, Body & Soul, or All Together Now festivals, where traders set up temporary stalls. Even smaller weekly markets like Dublin’s Smithfield Flea or Belfast’s St George’s Market have the occasional vendor with a rack full of stoner hoodies.

Online has ramped up recently, too. Irish platforms like Depop and Adverts.ie are solid for second-hand bargains—just ask the seller for photos and check the label, since real Bajas are cotton or recycled fibres, while fake ones feel cheap and scratchy.

Stick to city centre stores or festival stalls if you want to try one on for size—sizing can be a bit random and Irish weather can demand something thicker. If you buy online, double-check seller ratings and measurements. And yes, you’ll sometimes see new ones passed off as vintage at markets, so trust your gut (and your fingers—real ones are soft, not plasticky).

How Irish Youth Make the Style Their Own

If you've ever scrolled through Irish TikTok or wandered Temple Bar on a Friday night, you'll notice stoner hoodies aren’t worn the same way everywhere. Young people around Ireland have put their own spin on these so-called stoner hoodies—mixing them up with everything from skinny jeans to GAA shorts, depending on where you are.

It’s more than just a look; it’s about attitude and comfort. In student towns like Galway and Cork, it’s not rare to see Baja hoodies layered over vintage band tees, sometimes paired up with battered Doc Martens or classic Adidas Superstars. The whole style has seeped into the Irish rave and festival scene too, showing up at Body & Soul, All Together Now, or student nights at Opium in Dublin. They’re especially loved for how well they work in unpredictable Irish weather: a hood for the drizzle, thick enough for a chilly evening, and easy to toss in your bag if the sun actually makes an appearance.

• Festival Flair: At music festivals, you’ll spot Bajas and drug rugs decked out with enamel pin badges, souvenir patches from events like Longitude, or even a strip of LED lights stitched into the hood for late nights.
• Custom Tweaks: Some students buy plain Bajas and have them locally embroidered with their college crest, club logo, or witty Irish sayings for a bit of craic. A decent number of Etsy shops in Ireland offer these personalisation options.
• Eco Vibes: The younger Irish crowd is tuned in to sustainability, so second-hand stoner hoodies from vintage shops in Dublin’s Georges Street Arcade or Cork’s Mother Jones Flea Market are super popular. Hemp blends earn big points when you want style and eco-cred in one.
• Mix-and-Match Layering: It’s common to see a hoodie thrown over a jersey after a five-a-side match, or combined with fleeces around Trinity’s campus if there’s a cold snap.

Here’s a quick look at when, where, and how Irish youth are wearing their stoner hoodies, based on a small 2024 Instagram poll from UCC students:

If you want to make your hoodie stand out, Irish youth will tell you: go personal, think practical, and don’t be afraid to show off where you got it—whether that’s a charity shop in Sligo or your cousin who brought it back from Lanzarote.

Care, Wear, and Staying Authentic: Tips and Tricks

So you’ve scored a proper Baja hoodie at a stall in Temple Bar or ordered one online—now what? First off, these hoodies aren’t built like your standard Penneys jumper. Most are made from recycled fibres or cotton blends, sometimes with hemp or acrylic mixed in for extra durability. That unique woven feel is what gives them both their weight and their reputation as the ultimate chillout wear—especially handy for Irish evenings that never really warm up, even in July.

To keep yours in solid nick, here are a few tips locals swear by:

• stoner hoodies can go straight in the wash, but always use cold water and a gentle spin. Hot washes make the fabric shrink or fade fast.
• Avoid the dryer if you can. The Irish air is magic for drying—just throw yours over a clothes horse or on the line. It’ll hold its shape much better and keep that comfy, oversized look.
• If wind and rain have left it smelling musty, a quick rinse with a cap of white vinegar works wonders (especially after a soggy night at a festival).
• Patch up minor snags by hand—no need for perfection, a rough stitch job adds tons more personality and is right in line with the hoodie’s laidback spirit.

When it comes to wearing yours out, Irish fashion rules are relaxed, but there’s an art to looking casual without feeling underdressed. These hoodies go well with jeans, trackies, or even layered under a big coat if you’re braving the wind on Howth Head. Don’t stress about matching: the more clashing colours and mixed stripes in your get-up, the more it feels like the real thing.

Authenticity matters to a lot of Irish wearers. You’ll find original Mexican-made versions at places like Georges Street Arcade (Dublin) and some indie shops in Galway or Cork. If you want a hemp hoodie (a big one for eco-friendly shoppers), pop into The Hemp Company on Capel Street for the real deal—not just tourist tat.

If you’re heading to a gig at Whelan’s or a day out in Phoenix Park, don’t overthink it: throw on your hoodie and roll with it. The Irish approach to these classics is laid back—practical, comfy, with just enough nod to authenticity that you won’t look like you just bought it for the craic.