One of the most classic pieces in leisurewear, the hoodie has been both loved and criticized for centuries. Like many streetwear staples, this hooded sweater started as a sports garment, popular for its comfort and versatility.
From the fields to the streets, the hoodie quickly became a symbol of youth culture and rebellion, worn by skaters and music icons such like Pharrell. In more recent years, hoodies have been associated with tech professionals and popularized by entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg or hackers.
Whether you’re going for a run, hanging out with friends, or even dressing up for a fancy dinner, if chosen and styled the right way, your hoodie can be a great ally.
The Hoodie: A Wardrobe Essential
The term “hoodie” refers to different types of hooded clothing, usually a sweatshirt or a sweater (also called a pullover, jumper, or jersey). Nowadays, many other garments come with an attached hood, but the hoodie remains a staple. More than just a practical feature, the hood makes a fashion statement while providing warmth and protection.
A classic hoodie typically consists of a long-sleeve sweatshirt with a built-in hood. Ribbed cuffs and a hem, at the sleeves and bottom, help shield against the cold and wind. A drawstring or cord attached to the hood allows the wearer to tighten or loosen it as needed.
From Sports Fields to Stardom
One of the first hoodies was made in the 1930s by Champion Athletic Apparel. The company developed a new material to create sweaters that could protect workers and athletes from harsh winters. By the 1950s, athletic apparel was growing in popularity, shifting from a practical choice for athletes and factory workers to a fashion statement. Along with polo shirts and varsity jackets, the hoodie became a defining piece of youth culture.
Like these other garments, the hoodie evolved into a symbol of counterculture. Thanks to its versatility, it was adopted into oversized outfits by Californian surfers in the ‘70s. Around the same time, hip-hop culture embraced the hoodie, often layering it under a letterman jacket and accessorizing with chunky chains. When Rocky hit theaters in 1976, featuring the iconic image of Sylvester Stallone training in a simple gray hoodie, the garment became even more deeply associated with working-class resilience and empowerment.
In the 1990s the hoodie became a popular garment among ravers and protesters as a way to disclose their identities during illegal acts or marches.
How to Wear a Hoodie Year-Round
A hoodie is one of the most versatile clothing items and can be styled for different occasions throughout the year.
- The Winter Dinner Party: When the cold is biting and all you want to do is cozy up on the sofa, social gatherings can feel like a challenge. A soft hoodie offers a comfortable yet stylish solution. To elevate your look, pair a men’s graphic hoodie with a blazer and slim trousers, keeping it simple with white tennis shoes.
- The Spring Nature Walk: Spring is the perfect time to get back outside and enjoy the sunshine, too bad for the unpredictable weather. This is when a technical zip-up hoodie, made of water-repellent, moisture-wicking synthetic fabric, comes in handy. Wear it with colorful cargo pants and a denim baseball cap for a casual, stylish look.
- The Summer Beach Bonfire: The unexpected chill of a summer night by the sea can catch you off guard. A lightweight cotton hoodie is the perfect layer over linen shorts. If you’re not the barefoot type, add an elegant touch with leather fisherman sandals.
A graphic hoodie is more than just a casual staple — it’s a timeless piece that adapts to any setting, season, and style. Whether layered for warmth or worn as a statement, its versatility makes it an essential wardrobe item. Choose the right fit, style it well, and embrace its effortless appeal year-round.
Beyond comfort and practicality, hoodies also carry cultural significance, representing everything from rebellion to innovation. They’ve been embraced by athletes, musicians, and entrepreneurs, proving their place in fashion history. No matter your style, a well-chosen hoodie can be the ultimate go-to piece: effortlessly cool, endlessly wearable, and always in style.