What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall affecting specific men’s hooded sweatshirts manufactured and sold by Noah Clothing. This action, announced on May 7, 2020, targets a particular style of garment known as the Reverse Fleece Hoodie. The core issue involves the unique construction of these sweatshirts, which were designed to showcase the soft, brushed interior fleece on the exterior surface of the garment, rather than hiding it inside. This "reverse" design was applied to all areas of the hoodie except for the front pocket and the hood itself. Consumers should be aware that this recall is strictly limited to men’s sizes and does not extend to other apparel lines or gender-specific fits produced by the brand.
The affected items are 100% cotton brushed reverse fleece, long-sleeve hoodies identified by the specific style number SS4FW19. These garments were available in four distinct colors: black, Kelly green, bright red, and light blue. To help you identify whether your hoodie is part of this recall, please check for several distinctive physical features. The sweatshirts feature color-contrasting stitching that sets them apart from standard designs. Additionally, the brand name "NOAH" is embroidered directly onto the front pocket. You can also verify the product by looking at the sewn-in labels. The neck label will display the "NOAH" logo with a red cross underneath it. Furthermore, the care label inside the garment will include the registration number "RN 150322," which is a key identifier for this specific production run.
The recall encompasses men’s hoodies in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL. While the official record provided does not specify the exact total number of units involved in this recall or list the specific retail stores or online platforms where they were originally sold, it is important to note that Noah Clothing is actively contacting all known purchasers directly regarding this safety issue. If you purchased one of these hoodies during the time period leading up to the recall date, you may have already received communication from the company. However, if you are unsure whether your specific item is affected, checking the style number SS4FW19 and the label details described above is the most reliable way to confirm your status.
This recall highlights the importance of verifying garment labels, especially when dealing with specialty fabrics like reverse fleece. Because the hazard relates to how the material interacts with heat rather than a manufacturing defect in the stitching or fit, the physical appearance and labeling are your primary tools for identification. Please take a moment to examine any Noah Clothing hoodies you currently own that match this description. If they bear the style number SS4FW19 and possess the features outlined, they fall under this specific safety alert.
The hazard, explained
When you think of a hoodie, you likely imagine warmth, comfort, and protection from the cold. However, the specific design of the recalled Noah Clothing men’s reverse fleece hoodies introduces a serious safety flaw that fundamentally changes how the garment interacts with heat. The core issue lies in the material's construction and its failure to meet federal flammability standards for clothing textiles. While cotton is generally considered a natural fiber, not all cotton fabrics are created equal when it comes to fire safety. The "reverse fleece" style featured on these hoodies presents a unique risk because the fabric is engineered so that the plush, fuzzy side—typically found on the inside of sweatshirts for warmth—is exposed on the outside.
This exterior-facing fleece creates a significant physical hazard through a mechanism known as rapid flame spread. In standard clothing textiles, manufacturers apply treatments or use tight weaves to slow down how quickly fire travels across the fabric. The reverse fleece design, however, relies on a loose, brushed pile that is highly absorbent and airy. When this type of material is exposed to an ignition source—such as a spark from a fireplace, the flame from a candle, or even static electricity near a heater—the fuzzy fibers catch fire much more easily than smooth cotton. Once ignited, the open structure of the fleece allows oxygen to feed the flames, causing them to spread across the surface of the garment with alarming speed.
The danger escalates quickly because the hoodies were designed to be worn close to the body. If a flame catches the exterior fleece, it can ignite before the wearer has any time to react or remove the garment. This rapid combustion poses a direct risk of severe burn injuries to the consumer’s skin and clothing underneath. The federal flammability standards exist specifically to prevent this scenario by ensuring that everyday clothing does not become an accelerant in the event of accidental exposure to fire. By failing these tests, the recalled hoodies do not provide the basic safety threshold expected of apparel sold in the United States. It is important to note that while no incidents have been reported yet, the potential for harm is inherent in the design itself, making immediate removal from use a critical safety step.
Understanding this hazard helps clarify why a simple visual inspection or the quality of the stitching does not guarantee safety. The risk is embedded in the fabric's physical properties and its inability to resist ignition and flame spread according to established government guidelines. This is not about poor craftsmanship in the traditional sense, but rather a material choice that inadvertently prioritizes aesthetic style over fire safety compliance.
Who is most at risk
While this recall targets a specific fashion item—the men’s reverse fleece hoodie from Noah Clothing—the underlying hazard of flammable textiles does not discriminate by age or gender in the same way it might for other products. However, understanding who is most vulnerable requires looking at both the intended user base and the physical realities of how clothing fires behave. The primary group affected here is anyone who purchased and wears these specific hoodies, which were marketed toward men in sizes ranging from extra-small to double-extra-large. Because the product was sold as a casual, everyday garment, it likely resides in the closets of individuals who wear them frequently for comfort, exercise, or lounging. This means the exposure window is not limited to high-risk scenarios like camping near a fire; it extends to daily life, including sleeping, watching television, or simply relaxing at home where ignition sources like space heaters, candles, or even static electricity can occasionally pose a threat.
The specific nature of the hazard—failure to meet federal flammability standards for clothing textiles—makes this item particularly dangerous because it burns faster and more intensely than compliant garments. For most adults, the reaction time to extinguish a small flame on their own clothing might be sufficient to prevent serious injury. However, certain populations face significantly higher risks due to physiological or cognitive factors. Young children, although not the target demographic for this men’s apparel, are often at greater risk in similar textile recalls because their skin is thinner and burns more quickly than adult skin. While this specific recall does not involve children’s wear, the principle of vulnerability remains relevant for any user who may have slower reflexes or reduced mobility. Elderly individuals, for instance, may have slower reaction times due to age-related changes in nerve response or vision. If a hoodie catches fire, those critical few seconds needed to stop, drop, and roll can mean the difference between a minor singe and a severe burn injury.
Furthermore, anyone with mobility issues or conditions that impair quick movement is at heightened risk. Reverse fleece materials, by their design, expose the soft, fuzzy interior to the outside environment. This texture can sometimes trap heat or accelerate the spread of flame across the surface compared to tighter weaves. If a wearer is unable to move rapidly away from an ignition source due to physical limitations, the duration of exposure increases dramatically. Additionally, individuals living in homes with older electrical systems or those who frequently use open-flame heating methods may find themselves in closer proximity to potential igniters. It is crucial to recognize that "risk" here is not just about probability, but about severity. A compliant hoodie might smolder or burn slowly, giving the wearer time to react. This recalled hoodie, failing the federal standard, poses a risk of rapid ignition and sustained burning, which can overwhelm even an alert adult’s ability to extinguish the fire before it causes significant tissue damage. Therefore, the most at-risk individuals are not just those who own the item, but specifically those who wear it in environments with potential ignition sources without being fully prepared for immediate, aggressive action should a spark occur.
- Wearers in proximity to ignition sources: Individuals who wear these hoodies while using space heaters, working near open flames, or engaging in activities where sparks might fly are at the highest immediate risk.
- Individuals with slower reflexes: Older adults or those with certain medical conditions may not react quickly enough to extinguish a flame on synthetic-fleece-like materials before severe injury occurs.
- Frequent users: Since this was a casual wear item, those who wear it daily have a higher cumulative probability of encountering an ignition event compared to someone who wears it rarely.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your hoodie is part of this specific recall requires a careful look at several distinct physical features. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued this alert for men’s reverse fleece hoodies manufactured by Noah Clothing. Because these garments were sold in multiple colors and sizes, you cannot rely on color alone to determine if your item is affected. Instead, you need to verify the brand, the style number, the specific construction details, and the labeling information.
First, check the front of the garment for the brand identification. The hoodie must be branded with "NOAH" embroidered on the front pocket. This is a key identifier that distinguishes it from other reverse fleece hoodies that might look similar but are not part of this recall. Additionally, look at the sewn-in label located at the neck of the hoodie. This tag should clearly state "NOAH" with a red cross printed directly underneath the brand name. If your hoodie lacks this specific logo configuration on the neck label, it is likely not the recalled item.
Next, examine the care label inside the garment. This sewn-in care label contains critical regulatory information that confirms the product's origin. You are looking for the text "RN 150322" printed on this label. The presence of this Registered Identification Number is a definitive marker for products associated with Noah Clothing in this context. Alongside the RN number, the label may contain additional care instructions, but the RN code is the primary verification point for consumers.
You must also verify the style number and the physical construction of the hoodie. The recalled items are specifically identified as Style Number SS4FW19. These are men’s 100% cotton brushed reverse fleece hoodies with long sleeves. A defining characteristic of this model is its "reverse" construction: the fleece side, which is typically found on the inside of such garments for warmth and comfort, is shown on the outside everywhere except for the pocket and the hood itself. The hoodie also features a drawstring around the collar of the neck and color-contrasting stitching.
The recalled hoodies were sold in four specific colors: black, Kelly green, bright red, and light blue. They are available in men’s sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL. If you have a hoodie that matches all these criteria—specifically the embroidered "NOAH" logo on the pocket, the neck label with the red cross, the RN 150322 care tag, and the reverse fleece exterior design—it is highly likely to be one of the affected units. Please double-check these details carefully before proceeding with the remedy steps outlined elsewhere in this article.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Noah Clothing Reverse Fleece Hoodies, your immediate priority is to ensure your safety by removing the hazard from your daily life. The CPSC has identified a serious burn risk because the fabric fails to meet federal flammability standards. This means that if the hoodie comes into contact with an open flame or even a high-heat source, it could ignite and burn rapidly, causing severe injury. Because of this specific danger, the first and most critical step is to stop wearing the hoodie immediately. Do not wait for a replacement to arrive before discontinuing use; treat the garment as unsafe from this very moment.
Once you have decided to remove the hoodie from your wardrobe, you need to initiate the remedy process provided by Noah Clothing. The company has established a specific protocol for refunds that requires you to take action on your end. You should contact Noah Clothing directly to begin this process. You can reach them via their toll-free number at 833-662-4692, available from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may send an email to support@noahny.com or visit their website at www.noahny.com and click on the “Product Recall” link at the bottom of the page for detailed instructions. While Noah Clothing is also directly contacting all known purchasers, reaching out yourself ensures your case is logged promptly.
The next step involves documenting the item to qualify for your compensation. According to the recall notice, you are entitled to a full refund plus a $20 gift card as part of the remedy package. However, to receive this compensation, you must send Noah Clothing a photo of the garment cut in half. This specific requirement is likely designed to verify that the product has been destroyed and will not be resold or worn again by someone else who might be unaware of the hazard. Please follow their instructions carefully when preparing this photo to ensure your refund and gift card are processed without delay.
After you have submitted the required photo, keep a record of your communication with Noah Clothing, including any confirmation numbers or email receipts. This documentation serves as proof that you complied with the recall instructions in a timely manner. If you do not hear back from them within a reasonable timeframe after submitting your claim, do not hesitate to follow up using the contact methods listed above. Your safety is paramount, and this process is designed to make it easy for you to resolve the issue while being compensated for the inconvenience.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled Noah Clothing Reverse Fleece Hoodies, the good news is that the company has established a straightforward and generous remedy to make things right. Unlike some recalls where you might have to pay for return shipping or settle for store credit, Noah Clothing is offering a full refund of your original purchase price. To sweeten the deal and acknowledge the inconvenience, they are also including a $20 gift card with every confirmed return. This approach shows a commitment to customer satisfaction that goes beyond the bare minimum required by safety regulations.
The process for claiming this remedy is designed to be simple, though it does require you to take one specific action first. You will not need to mail the hazardous hoodie back to them. Instead, Noah Clothing asks that you cut the garment in half. This step is crucial because it ensures that the non-compliant item cannot accidentally be worn by someone else or resold, which would continue to pose a burn hazard to consumers. Once you have physically destroyed the hoodie by cutting it, you simply need to take a clear photo of the garment showing that it has been cut in half.
To initiate the refund and gift card process, you can contact Noah Clothing through several convenient channels. You may call their toll-free number at 833-662-4692, available from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can send an email to support@noahny.com. If you prefer to handle everything online, visit www.noahny.com and scroll to the bottom of the page to click on the “Product Recall” link for detailed instructions. When you reach out, be prepared to provide the photo of your cut hoodie as proof of destruction.
Noah Clothing is also taking proactive steps by directly contacting all known purchasers of the affected items. If you bought the hoodie through a retailer that provided your contact information, you may hear from them soon with specific instructions. However, it is best not to wait for their outreach. If you have the item, reach out to them promptly to secure your refund and gift card. The remedy does not involve a repair or a replacement hoodie; the only option is a complete return of your money plus the additional incentive, provided you follow the destruction requirement.
This remedy balances safety with consumer convenience. By requiring the hoodie to be cut, they ensure public safety without burdening you with shipping costs or logistical hurdles. The $20 gift card serves as a tangible thank-you for your cooperation in helping keep others safe from potential burn injuries. Please act quickly to complete this process so you can enjoy the refund and move on to safer clothing options.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a product recall involves a flammability violation, the stakes are inherently higher than with many other types of consumer defects. While a broken zipper or a loose button is primarily an annoyance, ignoring a hazard related to how a garment interacts with fire changes the conversation from convenience to physical safety. The Noah Clothing reverse fleece hoodies in question have been flagged because they do not meet the federal flammability standards required for clothing textiles. This standard exists for a specific, critical reason: it ensures that everyday fabrics will self-extinguish quickly if exposed to a small flame or ember, giving the wearer time to react and escape before serious injury occurs.
If you continue to wear these hoodies without addressing the recall, you are essentially walking around with a garment that may ignite more easily than standard clothing should. Reverse fleece fabrics, by their very construction, can sometimes present unique challenges regarding flame resistance because the surface texture differs from traditional knit or woven materials. When a fabric fails the federal test, it means that if it catches fire, the flames may spread rapidly across the material rather than dying out on their own. This rapid spread is what transforms a minor incident—such as catching a sleeve near a campfire, a space heater, or even a lit candle—into a severe burn hazard.
The consequences of ignoring this warning are not theoretical. Burn injuries from clothing fires can be life-altering. They often result in deep tissue damage that requires extensive medical treatment, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. Because the hoodies cover significant portions of the upper body, including the torso and arms, a fire spreading across the material could lead to burns over a large surface area of the body. This increases the risk of shock, infection, and permanent scarring. Furthermore, the speed at which synthetic or specific fleece blends can burn means that the window of time to shake off flames or remove the garment is drastically reduced.
It is important to note that while the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported no incidents or injuries related to these specific hoodies as of the recall date, the absence of reported events does not mean the risk is zero. Flammability hazards are often latent; they only become dangerous when an ignition source is present. By continuing to wear the hoodie, you are relying on chance that you will never encounter a spark or flame in proximity to the garment. However, given the severity of potential burn outcomes, relying on luck is not a prudent safety strategy. The purpose of the recall is to remove this variable entirely from your life.
Ignoring the recall also means missing out on the remedy provided by Noah Clothing. By holding onto the item, you are keeping a known hazard in your closet, potentially passing it down or gifting it to someone else who is equally unaware of the risk. The most responsible course of action is to recognize that the design flaw in these hoodies poses a real, measurable threat to personal safety. Taking the few minutes to contact Noah Clothing and process the refund eliminates this threat completely, allowing you to replace the item with something that meets all federal safety standards without compromising on style or comfort.