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Hoodie

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A hoodie is a specific type of sweatshirt characterized by an attached hood.

Hoodie man
Hoodie man

When the hood is pulled up, it covers most of the head and neck. It may even cover part of the wearer's face. This garment serves both aesthetic and utilitarian purposes. People wear them to look stylish or for protection against cold, wind, and rain. There are two primary styles of construction. The pullover style lacks a front opening and often features a single large kangaroo pocket or muff on the lower front.

Souvenir hoodies (50756064511)
Souvenir hoodies (50756064511)

Conversely, zip-up hoodies include a zipper and usually have two separate pockets, one on either side of the zipper. Most versions include a drawstring to allow the wearer to adjust the hood opening.

The mechanics of the hoodie focus on warmth and versatility. The hood acts as a shield against environmental elements. By using the drawstring, a wearer can tighten the opening to keep heat close to the head. In cold climates, such as Canada, people often wear a hoodie as an extra layer under a heavy coat. The garment is so versatile that in the United States, some people even wear it under a formal suit jacket.

MarkZuckerberg
MarkZuckerberg

Because it can be worn in many ways, it has transitioned from a simple work tool to a mainstream fashion item, much like denim jeans.

The history of the hood reaches back to Medieval Europe. The word itself derives from the Anglo-Saxon word "hōd," which shares a root with the English word "hat." During the Middle Ages, Catholic monks wore a hood called a cowl attached to their robes. Outdoor workers commonly wore a hooded cape known as a chaperon.

Hood-1100s
Hood-1100s

The modern hooded sweatshirt originated in the 1930s in the United States. The company Champion first produced these garments in Rochester, New York. They were specifically marketed to laborers working in freezing temperatures in upstate New York warehouses. This utilitarian origin means the hoodie has been a functional piece of clothing for over 90 years.

Throughout the late 20th century, the hoodie moved into the cultural mainstream. In the 1970s, hip hop culture in New York City helped the garment gain popularity. This era also saw the rise of high fashion, with designers like Norma Kamali embracing the style. In 1976, the film Rocky helped cement the hoodie's connection to athletic culture.

Marvin Jones 2019 (cropped)
Marvin Jones 2019 (cropped)

By the 1990s, the term "hoodie" entered popular usage. During this decade, major fashion labels such as Tommy Hilfiger, Giorgio Armani, and Ralph Lauren used the hoodie as a primary component in their collections. In Western Canada, older individuals might still use the regional term "kangaroo jacket."

Regional identities are often expressed through different names for the garment. In Canada, the term "hoodie" is preferred by most people. However, in the province of Saskatchewan, the zipperless pullover version is specifically called a "bunnyhug."

Hoodie man
Hoodie man

In New Zealand, the hoodie has been used as a tool for social change. In May 2008, several politicians wore hoodies on the steps of Parliament to challenge youth stereotypes. This "Hoodies on Parliament" campaign was part of a national Youth Week event. It aimed to destigmatize the clothing and show that it is worn by many different types of people.

In some regions, the hoodie has faced significant social criticism. In the United Kingdom, the garment became associated with "chavs" or "Neds," terms used to describe certain social groups. Some critics linked the hoodie to anti-social behavior or the concealment of identity from CCTV cameras.

No hoodies sign
No hoodies sign

In 2005, the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent even implemented a code of conduct that banned hoodies. In Australia, a "Hoodie Free Zone" was launched in 2011 in Brisbane to help shopkeepers avoid armed robberies. These instances show how a simple piece of clothing can become a symbol of tension within a community.

In the United States, the hoodie carries deep political and social significance. Following the 2012 shooting death of Trayvon Martin, the garment became an emblem of the Black Lives Matter movement. For some, wearing a hoodie is a statement of racial pride, defiance, and solidarity.

MarkZuckerberg
MarkZuckerberg

It can also be viewed through a lens of perceived threat, as seen in the "hoodie defense" used during the Zimmerman trial. This duality shows how the same object can represent both a tool for comfort and a powerful symbol of identity and struggle in the modern world.

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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:Marvin Jones 2019 (cropped).jpg
Marvin Jones 2019 (cropped).jpg
File:Hood-1100s.png
Hood-1100s.png
File:Hoodie man.jpg
Hoodie man.jpg
File:No hoodies sign.jpg
No hoodies sign.jpg
File:2008 Butterfly Hoodie by Damien Hirst for Adrian Nyman 01.jpg
2008 Butterfly Hoodie by Damien Hirst for...
File:Souvenir hoodies (50756064511).png
Souvenir hoodies (50756064511).png
File:MarkZuckerberg.jpg
MarkZuckerberg.jpg
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