Decoding the Hoodie's Origins: Who invented Hoodie?
Let me begin with a question: how often do you wear hoodies? In my case, they are the ones I usually prefer due to their comfort and warmness. When it comes to hoodies, there are only a few apparel that can match their versatility as well as comfort.
So, have you wondered sometimes how these versatile as well as comfortable pieces of clothing originated? In this blog, we'll be going through how the hoodies originated and who invented hoodies. Let's begin,
Evolution of Hoodie
1930's: Invention of Hoodie
It was 1930 when American Sportswear brand Knickerbocker Knitting Company, today known as Champion Brand, invented hoodies. Hoodies in the beginning were simply a sweatshirt with hoods sewn on.
In the beginning, Champions manufactured hoodies for laborers working in freezing warehouses in order to keep them warm. Laborers in breezy cold-storage warehouses welcomed the hooded sweatshirts as they were warmer, and the added hoods protected them from harsh weather conditions as compared to their long undergarments.
Eventually, due to their comfort, warmth, and flexibility, sports teams and athletes recognized their usefulness. The University of Michigan was the first to invite the Champion brand to create the first hooded sweatshirt for their sports team.
1960's: Top athletes wear hoodies
During the 1960s, hoodies were popular sportswear within a closed circle of college campuses and gyms. Also, when athletes started giving their girlfriends hoodies to wear as gifts, they transitioned from practical clothing to personal statement.
Later, Top-athletes such as Muhammad Ali were seen wearing hoodies during their training. Hoodies became one of the most popular sportswear for training because of their comfort, warmth, and flexibility for different sports activities.
1970's: Hoodies in Hollywood
The release of 'Rocky' in 1976 made it possible for hoodies to represent rebellious style. In the film, Rocky Balboa is frequently seen wearing a gray hoodie during his training sessions.
The use of a hoodie in the film helps to visually represent the garment as a symbol of aspiration and perseverance and more than just an athletic or workwear. The film's success made it possible for hoodies to become streetwear as well as casual fashion wear later.
1980's and 1990's: Sportswear to Streetwear and fashion runways
During the 1980s, hip-hop culture and skateboarding began to influence mainstream fashion. Artists in hip-hop culture embraced hoodies as their signature style. Similarly, skateboarders adopted baggy cotton hoodies due to their comfort and style.
Later, during the 1990s, hoodies became a cultural symbol due to hip-hop's rise in the mainstream and huge rise in urban fashion. Rap groups like Wu-Tang Clan and Cypress Hill used hoodies to suit their hard rhythms.
2000's: Hoodies enter mainstream
By the 2000s, hoodies became a popular clothing garment due to their presence in music videos, films, and celebrity wardrobes. In addition, hoodies were able to blur the lines between athletic and casual wear, making it a perfect match for the athleisure trend.
Although hoodies were one of the most stylish garments, some of the actions performed by individuals wearing them associated hoodies with a crime. Hoods, in most instances, being used for concealing one's identity during shoplifting and other crimes led hoodies to be seen negatively.
Hoodies Today
Hoodies are still one of the most popular garments today because of their versatility and comfort. They are embraced by people of all backgrounds and ages as a comfortable and stylish choice for everyday wear.
Designer and luxury brands continue to incorporate hoodies in their collection featuring premium materials and unique designs. Also, the trend of customized and personalized hoodies is gaining popularity.
The Popularity of Hoodie
Now that we have gone through the evolution of hoodies and found out who invented hoodies, let's now get into why hoodies are so popular. Here are a few reasons why they are part of almost everyone's closet:
Versatility
When it comes to versatility, there are only a handful of wearings that can match hoodies. One of the reasons behind the popularity of hoodies is their versatility. Whether it be a casual setting, outdoor activities, or a party, you can style a hoodie and wear it in a variety of settings.
Comfort
Made up of soft and cozy materials such as cotton or fleece, hoodies provide maximum comfort and a relaxed fit. Unlike a bulky jacket that restricts your movement, a hoodie can be your perfect go-to top for cold weather conditions, giving you maximum comfort along with flexibility.
Ageless and Unisex Designs
Unlike any other apparel, hoodies are neither gender or age-specific. Individuals of any gender and age can wear a hoodie. This has added to the popularity of hoodies and made it one of the most loved apparel of all time.
Casualty
We are more likely to wear casual clothes as compared to formal clothes, as we tend to engage in more casual activities, including home chores, sports, and exercise activities.
Hoodies best serve these casual purposes, so they are popular as casual wear.
Similarly, in recent days, tech giants allow their employees to dress as they like, and as the trend of remote work continues, hoodies continue to gain popularity.
Overview
There is no confusion regarding hoodies being one of the most popular apparel. Hoodies have come a long way from being garments for warehouse laborers to one of the most popular and stylish apparel today.
The credit for inventing hoodies goes to American sportswear brand Champion, which was previously known as Knickerbocker Knitting Company. Champion first manufactured hoodies, simply sewing hoods in sweatshirts for laborers in breezy cold-storage warehouses in the 1930's.
Later, sports teams and athletes adopted hoodies when they found hoodies to be flexible, warm, and comfortable and match their needs. The Hollywood film "Rocky" then helped Hoodie to represent rebellious style.
The rise of hip-hop culture in the mainstream made it possible for hoodies to transform from sportswear to streetwear and finally to the fashion runways.
Today, hoodies serve as a popular casual wear due to their ageless and unisex designs, versatility, and comfort.
Looking for Hoodies?
Besides Champion Brand, who invented hoodies for the very first time, there are a number of brands that offer hoodies today.
In case you're looking for stylish and unisex hoodies, you should definitely check out One Charlie Kilo. In addition to hoodies, One Charlie Kilo offers some amazing collections of sweatshirts, t-shirts, and other clothing accessories.