The History of the Hoodie
No matter who you are or what you do, you probably own at least one hoodie—if not more. But have you ever wondered where the hoodie came from and why it’s become such an iconic staple? Believe it or not, hooded garments date back over 3,000 years to Assyrian monks, one of the earliest "Crewz," who covered their heads with a sleeved, hooded gown. The modern hoodie as we know it today originated in the 1930s. To help athletes stay warm, the University of Michigan commissioned a company to design hooded sweatshirts for their sports teams. By 1934, Champion was manufacturing hoodies not only for athletes but also for laborers in cold storage warehouses who needed warmth and mobility. Initially the uniform of the working class, the hoodie gained cultural significance in the 1970s. New York’s underground music scene, which eventually became hip-hop, was searching for an identity.
Blog photos by: Freepik
Combined with the rise of breakdancing, graffiti art, and the influence of Crewz, the
hoodie became more than just a functional piece of clothing. It symbolized defiance and a rejection of mainstream society. Seen as a form of rebellion, the hoodie allowed individuals to express themselves on their own terms, shutting the world out when needed.