Few items of clothing have had as remarkable a history as that of the hooded sweatshirt. From its origins in Medieval Europe to its universal presence today, the humble hoodie has become both a style icon and an essential piece of workwear. Looking back at the evolution of the hoodie – with its roots in the workplace and on the sports field – it’s easy to understand why it has been a mainstay in American fashion for so long.
Tracing its early beginnings back to Medieval Europe, the hooded garment made its debut in 12th Century England following the Norman invasion from Europe. Monks wore tunics with hoods and outdoor workers had their own hooded capes to protect them from the cold and the rain. There remains some debate about who invented the first hoodie, but we’re giving this one to the Normans. The obvious benefits of the hoodie as an item of workwear that they identified – warmth, comfort, practicality – endured and continued to shape its evolution in the modern era.
Fast forward to 1930s America, and we have the first appearance of the hoodie in today’s universally recognized style. Around this time a number of jersey goods manufacturers started adding hoods to their traditional sweatshirts. These were then marketed to workers in cool warehouses in Upstate New York, to keep them warm during the bitter winters on the US East Coast. These new garments not only kept wearers warm and comfortable, they also provided excellent maneuverability on the shop floor. Shortly thereafter, these hooded sweatshirts were adopted by the US military for training exercises and physical education classes.
Street Style
It wasn’t until 1976 though that the hoodie took on iconic status. The rags-to-riches tale of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa catapulted the hoodie into mainstream fashion culture and it soon became a staple piece across university campuses in the US. It’s adoption by Hip Hop artists in the 1990s, among other subcultures at the time, further raised the profile of this humble piece of workwear. A number of luxury fashion brands then started producing their own versions of the hoodie — styles unlikely to have served the laborers of Medieval Europe so well!
Today, the hoodie is a universal wardrobe warrior and it is just as likely to be seen on a Silicon Valley CEO (check out Marc Zuckerberg’s meeting with Wall Street investors) as it is on a group of high school kids. However, even with its widespread acceptance, the hoodie is still subject to debate and controversy, with suggestion it encourages criminality among some of its wearers. A far cry from its roots in workingman’s America.
Still a Workwear Staple
Despite all this fame, the hooded sweatshirt has retained its basic qualities as an essential piece of workwear, and we at All Seasons Uniforms want you to continue to be able to appreciate this humble piece of clothing. Our extensive collection of hoodies pays tribute to those original styles worn by American workers in the 1930s, as well as providing a selection of updated pieces for both men and women in the modern workplace.
Among our range of hoodies the Carhartt heavyweight Paxton sweatshirt remains true to the style of the 1930s original, providing a simple design that offers the wearer both comfort and warmth on the job. Our American made collection of Camber hoodies come in a range of different colors and thicknesses, giving you more choice depending on your work environment. All styles have a soft cotton hood and practical front pocket. Even the great Rocky could be persuaded to give up his worn grey hoodie for one of these!
If, like Stallone’s iconic character you’re also considering a few early morning runs, or alternatively just working in more hazardous conditions, a Portwest Hi-Vis hoodie is a must have piece. The modern take on the humble garment keeps you safe and seen without sacrificing any of the warmth and comfort of a traditional sweatshirt. Also bringing the hoodie firmly into the 21st Century workplace is Bulwark’s Fire Resistant modacrylic sweatshirt. Stylish, sleek and comfortable, it provides industry standard protection from fire and heat, quite a development in the history of the hoodie.
All Seasons Uniforms’ stylish and practical range of options for women come from brands we know and trust. We have a selection of Charles River full zip hoodies in a variety of colors, plus Sport-Tek sweatshirts in extra warm fleece material. Perfect for those drafty warehouses or modern offices!
The eventful history of the humble hoodie has taken it from the warehouses of Upstate New York into almost every wardrobe in America, with a few catwalks in between. Its image may have had some help from a few famous faces along the way, but its enduring qualities have ensured the hooded sweatshirt remains one of the most popular items of clothing for both work and leisure across the globe.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.