Why are hoodies so popular?

Few garments are as versatile as the hoodie. Whether it's a zip hoodie, a basic hoodie or a statement hoodie, almost everyone has at least one in their wardrobe. But why? Here you'll find out where the hoodie comes from, what the word means and why it has stayed in fashion for decades.

What does hoodie mean?

The word hoodie comes from hood. It means a sweatshirt with a hood, usually with a large kangaroo pocket on the front. It's also called a hooded sweatshirt or hooded jumper. All three terms describe the same garment.

Where does the hoodie come from?

Hoods on clothing go back centuries, familiar from monks' habits. The modern hooded sweatshirt is generally credited to the US brand Champion, which made hooded sweatshirts in the 1930s for warehouse workers in cold buildings. From workwear it moved into sport, where athletes wore it to warm up.

It became widely popular from the 1970s onwards through the hip-hop scene in New York, and later through film and music. A purely practical garment turned into a symbol of youth culture and streetwear.

Why are hoodies so popular?

Comfort

Hoodies are usually made from cotton or a cotton blend, which makes them soft and comfortable to wear. Our basic hoodies are made from 70% cotton and 30% polyester, have a unisex cut and are true to size.

Versatility

Hardly any other top works for so many occasions: university, working from home, the gym or an evening out. With joggers it makes a relaxed look, with jeans a casual everyday style.

Wearable all year round

A light layer on summer evenings, on its own in autumn and under a puffer jacket in winter. The hoodie works almost all year.

For every age group

From the schoolyard to the office, from teenagers to adults, practically everyone wears one. Our styles have a unisex cut and fit men and women alike.

How to style a hoodie: three easy combinations

Clean and sporty A hoodie in a calm colour such as black, grey or cream white, with straight-cut joggers in the same colour family and white trainers.

Streetwear A printed hoodie with wide trousers and statement shoes. If you prefer a looser fit, go one size up for an oversized look.

As a full set Hoodie and trousers in the same shade, available from us as a tracksuit. It's the easiest way to a coordinated outfit.

Hoodie or zip hoodie?

A classic hoodie is pulled over the head, while a zip hoodie has a full-length zip and is worn like a jacket. We explain which one suits you in our guide: the difference between a hoodie and a zip hoodie.

Conclusion

Hoodies are popular because they combine comfort, versatility and style, and because they have been reinterpreted again and again for almost a hundred years. Discover our hoodies for men and women in over 20 colours and sizes XS to XXL, or take a look at our zip hoodies.