A hoodie, also known as a hooded sweatshirt, is one of the few clothes that has been able to pass through various events in history and still maintain its popularity. Hoodies are comfortable and functional and have taken on different meanings over time. Nowadays, hoodies are not only known as popular clothing, but they have become a suitable option for keeping the body warm and creating various styles in the fall season. Next, we’ll take a look at the history of the hoodie to see how a simple piece of clothing has become a cultural icon.
12th century A history of hooded coverings
One of today’s most popular pieces of clothing, the hoodie has deep historical roots dating back to the 12th century. After the Norman conquest of England, hooded garments became an important element of medieval clothing. During this time, monks and priests used clothes called cowl. These clothes usually consisted of a cloak with a hood attached and designed to protect the head and neck from cold and rain. The hats attached to these clothes were not only functional, but also symbolic. They represented the religious commitment and simple life of the monks and depicted their humble character. In fact, wearing these types of clothes helped the monks to achieve more concentration during their times of prayer and worship.
In addition to monks, workers and farmers also used a kind of hat called “chaperone”. This cover kept them safe from cold and rain in their daily outdoor activities.
The word hoodie is derived from the word hood (hōd), which means a hat or cover that covers the head. These covers acted as a shield against environmental factors such as wind and dust. In addition, they could provide a sense of privacy and protect their head and neck from moisture.
1930s, the beginning of the formation of a popular dress
The 30s is an important and revolutionary period in the history of hoodies. In this era, hoodies gradually turned from practical and religious clothes into cultural and social symbols. The American Knickerbocker Knitting Company, now known as Champion is known for designing and manufacturing the first hoodie specifically made for athletes in upstate New York to protect them from the cold. At that time, for the production of hoodies, they used thick and high-quality fabrics, especially French cotton (French Terry), which was soft and comfortable. The primary purpose of designing hoodies was to keep athletes warm during training and sports activities. This need made hoodies quickly popular among athletes. But gradually, this attractive covering also attracted the attention of the working class and was used as an everyday and comfortable clothing in the streets.
The evolution of hoodies in the 60s
The 60s was a transformative period for hoodies, which transformed them from sportswear to symbols of youth culture and clothing. During this period, universities gradually introduced hoodies as part of their formal and informal uniforms and started printing their names and logos on the hoodies. This action gave the hoodies a distinct identity and made them a popular item of clothing among students.
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Also, designers and brands began to offer hoodies with various designs and different colors. Later, features such as hats and kangaroo pockets were added to hoodies, which increased their comfort and attractiveness. In 1966, Muhammad Alioverall (Muhammad Ali Clay), the famous boxer, was seen in the streets of London while wearing a white hoodie. This image gave hoodies credibility and made them a staple of youth wardrobes.
Street culture and the influence of hoodies
By the beginning of the 70s, hip-hop was growing rapidly, especially in the Bronx, New York. This culture, which inspired graffiti, breakdancing and many other art forms, including music, had a profound impact on society and introduced hoodies to society as a ubiquitous street garment. In the early 70s, criminals began to use hoodies to hide their identities. used, which caused the formation of a negative image of the hoodie in the society. But with the release of the popular movie “Rocky” in 1976, this image became less clear. In this movie, Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, is an amateur boxer with a kind heart who strives for the heavyweight championship of the world. The gray hoodie that Rocky wore in his training scenes became a symbol of determination. Also, this classic movie made hoodies become a clothing for people who stand and resist against the challenges of life.
The 90s, the golden age of hoodies
In the 90s, hoodies became a key element in fashion and music, especially in the world of hip-hop and rap. This decade saw the emergence of famous rap groups such as Wu-Tang Clan. With their street style, this group had a profound impact on the world of fashion and music. Hoodies gained a lot of popularity as a symbol of protest and non-compliance with social norms, but they were criticized because of their connection with illegal activities and crimes in society. This decade also saw the entry of hoodies into the world of fashion and fashion. Famous brands like Gucci and Versace added sports hoodies to their collections. By using patterns, high-quality fabrics and their own designs, they gave hoodies a luxurious look.
From protest scenes to mainstream fashion in the world
The hoodie’s presence in music videos, movies and celebrity wardrobes in the 2000s increased its global influence. brand Rocawear by the famous rapper, Jay Z was founded, promoting casual clothing with street style. Also, celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears Wearing zip-up hoodies Juicy Couture They helped cement the hoodie’s place in pop culture. In this decade, hoodies played an important role in protest scenes and were recognized as a symbol of struggle and solidarity. The incident that clearly showed this issue, the case of being killed Trayvon Martin It was in 2012. This incident caused widespread protests in the United States. In this movement, millions of people wearing their hoodies called for racial equality and justice. Despite these issues, hoodies have remained popular in the fashion world and established their place in the fashion industry.
Hoodies in contemporary culture
Today, hoodies are seen in all age groups and social classes and have various uses. Because of their comfort and versatility, hoodies are used not only in informal settings but also in more formal situations. Big fashion brands such as Balenciag and Vetements have given a special place to hoodies in their wardrobes and have turned this garment into a stylish and modern product. Styling hoodies It is also easy; These dresses are easily combined with all kinds of pants, skirts and even formal dresses, allowing people to change their style easily. Additionally, celebrities and fashion influencers including Kanye West and Justin Bieber have also chosen the hoodie as part of their everyday style.
As we have seen, hoodies have a rich history and have undergone many changes over time, becoming one of the most popular garments in the fashion world. Hoodies are our constant friend and helper in cold seasons and convey a great sense of comfort to us.
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This evolution in the formation of hoodies from the past to the present reminds us that the clothes we wear can have an important impact on society. They are not just a piece of clothing, but also represent social and cultural changes in our society.
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