A mainstream article of clothing for over 50 years, an on-trend street fashion icon, a popular athletic accessory, and a workwear staple, the humble hoodie has well and truly cemented its place as a style icon across fashion history.
This comfortable, easy-care garment has been subject to constant change throughout its colourful history, with each generation re-inventing the hoodie, pushing it to the top of the fashion industry list of must-haves.
Who Invented The Hoodie?
The American-style hooded sweatshirt as we know it has officially been around since the early 1930s when the Knickerbocker Knitting Company (now known as Champion Products) first put the hoodie through their production line. However, hoodie-like clothing has been seen in many cultures across the world prior to this, including medieval Europe and ancient Chinese dynasties, and even the Roman Empire. So the concept of the hoodie and hooded clothing has been around a pretty long time!
Brief History Of The Hoodie
Originating in 1930, essentially, the hoodie was designed and manufactured as comfortable clothing able to be worn while on the job to keep workers warm in the cold winter months in New York. Following this, it was picked up by athletes firstly in the military and later by popular sports teams and universities as a symbol of unity (while also keeping them warm during the game!).
By the 70s, the hoodie had made its way into wardrobes of popular hip-hop culture followers, graffiti artists, skateboarders and even on to the iconic sports drama film ‘Rocky’ starring Sylvester Stallone. The 80s saw the hoodie evolve into a mainstream article of clothing, fast becoming more of a fashion statement than a necessity, for both women and men.
In the 1990s the term ‘hoodie’ became the favoured label of choice over its longer version, the ‘hooded sweatshirt’. This was a development spurred on by its naturally formed association with rebellion, gangs and criminality, its somewhat negative connotations at the time. But, however it originated, the name stuck, and hoodie is what we call them today!
Major fashion houses of the time such as Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger picked up the hoodie as a statement piece in the late 90s and early 2000s, rapidly transforming the hoodie into a “cool” item of clothing with more positive youth culture and urban style associations.
For many years during the 2000s, the hoodie was a quiet staple in the wardrobes of pretty much everyone from adults to children from all walks of life. Keeping us cosy on the weekends, warm on the field or as a work uniform staple. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg even famously wore hoodies to work on Wall Street!
More recently in 2020, as the far reaching effects of the COVID pandemic spread across the world, high-profile actors, sports stars and influencers such as Lamar Odum, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian thrust the hoodie and associated comfortable streetwear into the radar of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Supreme. This casual yet comfortable trend catapulted the hoodie and other streetwear from merely mainstream into the elite world of high fashion! And we shall be forever grateful!
What Fabric Is Used For Hoodies?
Hoodies of today are typically made from either polyester-based material or cotton material. Both fibres produce an effective final product with varying characteristics. Polyester is a relatively cheap synthetic fabric that is hardwearing and fairly smooth to the touch. In comparison, cotton is a natural fibre that is slightly more expensive to manufacture. Most modern hoodies are either polyester-based or a mixture of polyester and cotton.
The Evolving Design Of The Hoodie
The original hoodies were just a sweatshirt with hoods sewn on. Over the years, hoodies have developed their own unique more distinguishable characteristics, making them stand out from their predecessors.
Early versions of the hoodie were made from heavier and denser cotton jersey fabric as they were predominantly to keep people warm. These hoodies were constructed horizontally, as opposed to vertically, in order to avoid shrinkage but also for a seamless finish around the shoulders. In addition, dropped shoulder designs were popular as these made it easier for football players to accommodate their shoulder pads.
These days you’ll find most hoodies are made with lighter, softer material with the view to keeping the cost down. Hoodies are made in all shapes and sizes, but modern trends dictate a seemingly straight fit in mind so they fit under jackets and provide a more fitted silhouette.
There are three key features to the modern hoodie; the first being the hood (of course) combined with a knotted drawcord designed to fit perfectly for any wearer’s head for warmth or as a fashion statement. The second; is the prominent front pocket/s, traditionally a single full-width pocket (sometimes referred to as ‘kangaroo-style’), but there are also twin pocket styles usually accompanied by zip-up fastenings down the front. Fine-ribbed trims around the cuffs and hem are the third determining feature, these ensure a tighter fit keeping the arms and hem out of the way while moving.
What Are The Different Types Of Hoodies?
When we think of hoodies, we often just assume the bagging pullover style is where it’s at, but there is more to this wardrobe staple – let’s investigate the different types of hoodies.
- Pullover Hoodie. The classic comfortable and practical hoodie style most of us are used to, the pullover hoodie is a loose-fitting hooded sweater that is pulled over the head to wear. Generally speaking, the pullover hoodie is a fairly heavy sweater designed for added warmth, a kangaroo-style pocket is featured.
- Zip-Up Hoodie. The zip-up hoodie has a front zipper running the full length of the sweater from neck to hem, making it very easy to put on and take off. Zip-up hoodies are also often worn unzipped for a different style or to regulate temperature, and they are generally made with lighter fabric.
- Fitted Hoodie. A more fitted option for those wanting a more refined silhouette. The fitted hoodie offers a slim fit design with easy layering in mind and a medium to lightweight fabric.
- Sleeveless Hoodie. Sleeveless hoodies look just like a normal hoodie, except they have no sleeves. This cut-off styling helps with mobility for very active wearers but is usually more of a fashion statement.
- Cropped Hoodie. The cropped hoodie is typically worn by women and features a shorter hemline exposing the midriff. Cropped hoodies are more of a fashion statement than for practical wear.
- Oversized Hoodie. Oversized hoodies are designed to swamp the wearer and are generally several sizes too big. This type of hoodie is more of a streetwear style featuring drop shoulders and vibrant prints.
- Athletic Hoodie. Made from specially designed fabric with ease of movement and temperature regulation in mind, athletic hoodies are designed with more functionality and purpose than regular hoodies and are often specifically manufactured for certain sports, activities and climate conditions.
The sheer practicality of the hoodie has meant it’s long been a permanent fixture of all wardrobes and will likely continue to be in the future. Like thrill and excitement? Then, you will surely like to spend your free time gambling online. A lot of Australian casinos online offer a gigantic number of games to be played in a secure gambling ambience. Internet games guarantee a burst of emotions and a ton of fun. You can choose an australian casino on your taste on onlinecasinos-australia.com. Looking for work-appropriate hoodies as a uniform staple, marketing strategy or gesture of solidarity? Get in touch with the team at BIG Branding for top quality hoodies and company branding options.
