The versatility of the hoodie

Multifunctional comfortwear for the sports field, the office or simply to look fashionable. The hoodie. Everyone has one in their closet, but what is the story of this trendy fashion item?

The centuries-old hoodie 
The origins of the hoodie can be traced back as far as the Middle Ages. It was the daily attire of Capuchin monks. Their hooded habit was the inspiration for what we later came to call the hoodie. The first jumper modern hooded sweatshirt was made in the 1930s by the American Knickerbocker Knitting Company; the forerunner of the sports brand Champion. These hoodies were mainly worn by workers in the cold New York warehouses. Athletes also often wore the hooded jumper to stay warm during outdoor activities. 

Breakthrough of the hoodie 
The 1976 film Rocky caused a really big breakthrough. The scene in which the main character (played by Sylvester Stallone) runs through Philadelphia dressed in a grey hoodie is world-famous. The tone was set; young people in particular were attracted to the garment and the hoodie became the trend in schools. The hoodie was a rising star among many subcultures. The jumper gained popularity among graffiti artists, among others, who could use a bit of concealment while decorating walls and trains. This gave the hoodie a tough reputation, something that was also picked up by hip-hop artists - often from American slums. The garment became an indispensable part of street culture. 

Popular with young & old 
The garment is still immensely popular after all these years, and not just for certain subcultures anymore. The hoodie is like a chameleon; tough with jeans, comfortable with sweatpants or even classy with trousers. The hoodie has many faces and is an essential addition to everyone's wardrobe, with or without a pouch, as a cardigan or jumper. Ideal for printing and embroidery, wonderfully soft to dream away in.

Lemon & Soda has an extensive collection of beautiful and high-quality hoodies. Take a look at the collection.