Born from the Beach

Octohoodie came to life on the sunny beaches of Cape Town in October 2020, imagined by founder Rebecca Whisson, her two children Issey and Alex, and a shared love of the water. It started with tidal pools and a documentary. After watching My Octopus Teacher, the family became fascinated with the creatures living just beneath the surface, particularly the octopus. Clever, adaptable, able to change its look in an instant, it felt like the perfect symbol for a hoodie that does exactly the same. One spontaneous swoop, a burst of colour, and you're covered.

A Lifelong Love of Water 

Some of Rebecca's best memories growing up involved water: swimming at the local university pool, splashing in the warm sea, exploring the rivers and lagoons of Kenton and Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape.  That same spirit carried into family life in Cape Town. Getting the kids out of the sea and into something warm became a family sport. Who could wrap up and get moving fastest?

"I made up two Octohoodies for my kids and it took off from there." - Rebecca Whisson, Founder 

What Makes an Octohoodie

The Octohoodie is a poncho-inspired swim hoodie towel designed to get you moving fast, from wet to warm in one easy pull-over. Made from 100% performance microfibre with a unique cowl neck, each one is free-fitting, soft, quick-drying and genuinely comfortable.

Microfibre absorbs almost five times more water than cotton and holds up to seven times its own weight, then dries impressively quickly. Less towel faff, less time standing around cold.

At the beach, warming up after water polo, wrapping up after a surf, or just stepping out of the bath, the Octohoodie keeps you warm, dry and ready to go, all year round.

Proudly South African

Octohoodies are proudly designed and made for South African water lovers, from nippers and swimmers to surfers and tidal pool explorers. Practical, colourful, built for real life at the water's edge.

Want more of the story? Head over to our Hoodie Life blog — it's where we share the adventures, the inspiration and the people behind the brand.

Gear up for fun. 🐙