The hooded garment has a long history, dating back to the 13th century BCE in Assyria. These early coverings for the head were part of religious traditions.
The modern hoodie we know today emerged in the 1930s in the USA. Initially created for laborers and athletes by Champion (formerly Knickerbocker Knitting Company), it was adopted by hip-hop culture in the 1970s. The hoodie became a symbol of defiance and safety for marginalized youth.
Movies like Rocky further popularized the hoodie in the mid-70s, while the rise of gangsta rap in the 90s gave it a tougher edge. Through hip-hop, the hoodie entered mainstream fashion, embraced by designers like Armani and Hilfiger.
Despite its growing popularity, the hoodie also became a symbol of racial profiling. The tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin in 2012 sparked the Million Hoodie March, highlighting the hoodie's complex social commentary.
Today, the hoodie is a versatile piece of clothing, a great example of modern design with a rich history.