Through TikTok micro-influencers in the "dark academia" and "weird girl" niches, the top went viral. A video titled "POV: You finally find the Hotx Original on Depop" shows a person crying into a half-empty mug of cold coffee. The caption: "it fits like a hug from someone who is also sad." The video got 2.3 million likes.
Texture is king. Expect heavy, breathable cotton jersey that has been stone-washed to feel worn-in, or a wool-nylon blend that is intentionally scratchy to keep the wearer slightly uncomfortable. There is also a variant made of "recycled technical mesh" that looks like a fishing net that got into a fight with a thundercloud. gloomy 2022 hotx original top
Whether you find the original Hotx or a dupe that captures its spirit, wearing this top is an act of solidarity with every other person who has scrolled through their phone at 2 AM, felt the weight of the world, and thought: At least my shirt understands. Through TikTok micro-influencers in the "dark academia" and
Because clothing is armor. And in 2022, the armor required was not shiny or optimistic. It was soft, dark, and forgiving. The "Gloomy Hotx Original Top" allows the wearer to say, "I am not okay, and I am not pretending to be." That honesty is rare in fashion, which usually sells a fantasy of perfection. Texture is king
Early adopters describe finding the "Original Top" on Depop or Etsy, listed by a seller named "@hotx.archive." The top was allegedly a deadstock item from a failed Eastern European streetwear brand, bought in bulk and rebranded with a heat press. The "X" stood for "Xenial"—meant to evoke the bond between strangers in hard times.
At first glance, this string of words feels like an algorithm’s fever dream. But dig deeper, and you uncover a powerful aesthetic manifesto. The "Gloomy 2022 Hotx Original Top" is more than a piece of clothing—it is a historical artifact, a psychological mirror, and a blueprint for post-pandemic dressing.