Once relegated to the gym or sideline sportswear, the hoodie has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past century. Today, it stands as one of the most iconic and versatile garments in modern Essentials Hoodie fashion—embraced by everyone from athletes and celebrities to students and corporate professionals. The journey of the hoodie, from utilitarian beginnings to a symbol of rebellion and eventually to mainstream acceptance, tells a compelling story about culture, identity, and fashion’s evolution.
Humble Beginnings: The 1930s
The origins of the hoodie can be traced back to the 1930s in the United States. Champion, an American sportswear company, is often credited with creating the first hooded sweatshirt. Originally designed for laborers working in freezing warehouses in upstate New York, the hoodie was a practical solution to protect against the cold. The thick cotton fabric and added hood helped workers stay warm and mobile. It wasn't long before athletes and outdoor workers adopted the garment for its functionality.
By the mid-20th century, universities began printing their logos on hoodies, turning them into unofficial uniforms for college students. This marked the first step in the hoodie’s shift from purely functional to culturally significant clothing.
The Hoodie as Streetwear: 1970s–1990s
The hoodie began to gain cultural clout in the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with the rise of hip-hop culture in New York City. For young people in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Harlem, the hoodie became more than just a warm piece of clothing—it was a statement. It represented a new urban identity, one that pushed back against mainstream norms and expressed individuality. Graffiti artists, DJs, breakdancers, and MCs all adopted the hoodie as part of their streetwear aesthetic.
Around the same time, skateboarding culture, primarily in California, was also embracing the hoodie. Skaters found it ideal for its comfort and flexibility, and it soon became part of the rebellious skate-punk uniform. Streetwear brands like Stüssy and Supreme in the 1990s began to incorporate hoodies into their lines, helping the garment move deeper into the fashion world.
But the hoodie’s rise wasn’t without controversy. Its association with anonymity and rebellion sometimes sparked public concern. In the 1990s and early 2000s, hoodies were frequently banned in malls, schools, and even some public spaces in the UK and the U.S. They became symbolic of youth defiance and were unfairly associated with criminal behavior, especially among communities of color.
High Fashion Embraces the Hoodie: 2000s–2010s
Despite (or perhaps because of) its controversial associations, the hoodie began to attract the attention of the high fashion world in the 2000s. Designers like Alexander Wang, Rick Owens, and later Virgil Abloh at Off-White began to reinterpret the hoodie in luxury materials and high-concept collections. Suddenly, a garment that once symbolized resistance was appearing on Paris runways and in luxury boutiques.
The tech industry also helped push the hoodie into the realm of everyday professionalism. Figures like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg became known for their casual hoodie-centric wardrobes, challenging traditional notions of business attire. This move helped further normalize the hoodie as acceptable wear in a broader range of social and professional contexts.
Pop culture played a significant role, too. From Rocky Balboa's training montages to hip-hop icons like Kanye West and Travis Scott designing their own lines, the hoodie became an expression of both authenticity and aspiration. Its ubiquity was cemented by global events—during the COVID-19 pandemic, with millions working from home, hoodies became the unofficial uniform of comfort and practicality.
A Symbol with Many Meanings
Throughout its history, the hoodie has carried various meanings depending on who wears it, where, and why. It has served as protection, protest, fashion, and function. One poignant moment that underscored the hoodie’s complex symbolism was the 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teenager who was wearing a hoodie when he was shot. The incident sparked national outrage and led to the hoodie being adopted as a symbol of protest against racial profiling and injustice.
In fashion, the hoodie remains a blank canvas—literally and metaphorically. Brands use it to project logos and slogans, while wearers use it to express style, mood, or ideology. Its adaptability across gender, age, race, and class has made it a truly democratic piece of clothing.
Today and Tomorrow
In 2025, the hoodie stands not just as a Essentials Jacket staple in streetwear, but as an essential item in nearly every wardrobe. It can be found in luxury designer collections, eco-conscious brands, fast fashion outlets, and secondhand stores. Its design has evolved to include cropped versions, zip-ups, oversized silhouettes, and sustainable fabrics. What hasn’t changed is its core appeal: comfort, function, and cultural resonance.
As fashion continues to cycle through trends and push boundaries, the hoodie remains firmly rooted as a cultural touchstone. Whether worn as a political statement, fashion-forward piece, or everyday essential, the hoodie’s journey from streetwear to essential wear mirrors broader social shifts—toward inclusivity, self-expression, and the breaking down of fashion hierarchies.