Key Takeaways
The hoodie is a hooded sweatshirt, worn mainly by young people. It is a casual and comfortable garment, which became very popular in the streetwear culture of the 90s.
Originally, the hoodie was worn by workers and athletes to protect themselves from the cold. Today, there are many styles of hoodies, from zip to crop top, oversize, prints, etc. The hoodie has established itself as a trendy and versatile basic in every wardrobe.
The French brand
This collection of
The origin and definition of the hoodie
The hoodie, often called hooded sweatshirt or hooded pullover in French, is a casual piece of clothing with a hood and a front pocket. It is usually made of soft cotton fleece on the inside.
Originally, in the 1930s, the hoodie was worn by American workers on construction sites to protect themselves from the cold. In the 1970s, it was popularized among the general public by American universities as sports clothing.
The term "hoodie" comes from the English "hood" which means hood. It therefore designates a sweatshirt or a sweater with a hood.
At
The Oversized Hoodie® , we have been hoodie enthusiasts since the early 90s. At the time, few brands offered this type of clothing. We have seen the hoodie go from a simple sportswear basic to a real fashion piece favored by stars and designers.
— Geoffrey, Founder ofThe Oversized Hoodie®
Also read: What are the differences between sweatshirt and hoodie?
The translation of the term "hoodie" into French
Although we use the English word "hoodie" more and more in French, there are different translations:
- Hoodie
- Hooded sweater
- Hooded jacket
The most common term is "hoodie", referring to the garment's characteristic hood.
Difference between a sweatshirt and a hoodie
The main difference between a sweatshirt (or sweatshirt) and a hoodie is the presence of the hood for the hoodie.
We also sometimes call a hoodie a sweatshirt with a zipper and a front pocket, but this is not systematic. The hood remains the distinctive element of the hoodie compared to the classic sweatshirt.
Difference hoodie and sweatshirt
The hoodie: clothing for men and women
The hoodie was originally more of a male garment. Today, it has become a trendy basic for both women and men.
It has the advantage of being easy to wear, comfortable, and adaptable to all styles. We find it in different cuts: oversize, crop top, zipped, lace-up, etc.
Many brands offer elegant and feminine hoodies for women, with lace, pearls or sequins for example. The hoodie has completely become a part of every wardrobe!
Recently, a customer contacted us after ordering one of our oversized hoodies. She was delighted with the quality of the fabric and the casual style which suited her perfectly.
However, she explained to us that the size ordered was too big for her. We immediately offered him a free exchange for the smaller size. In addition, we sent him a €10 voucher for his next purchases, as a good commercial gesture.
This story illustrates the importance of choosing the size of your hoodie according to your body type.
At
Also read: How to wear a women's hoodie?
Why do we call a hoodie a “hood”?
We call "hood" the part of the clothing which covers the head and which is pulled down over the skull. The hood is the distinctive element of the hoodie, hence its English name "hoodie".
The hood protects you from the cold, wind or rain. It insulates the head and maintains heat, allowing you to stay warm even in cool weather. Hence the success of the hoodie!
Also read: What do you call a hooded sweater?
The characteristics of a hoodie
Here are the main characteristics of a hoodie:
- Hood to cover the head
- Ventral pocket kangaroo type
- In cotton fleece, soft interior
- Loose and relaxed cut
- Long sleeves and bottom of the garment with ribbed hems
- lace closure or zipped
- Various patterns, logos and graphics
- Different colors: black, gray, white, etc.
Some hoodies also have specific cuts: oversized cut, crop top, sleeveless, high collar, etc.
Materials such as organic cotton or recycled polyester are also developing in hoodies, for more responsible fashion.
How to wear a hoodie with style?
Here are some tips for wearing a hoodie in style:
- Play with layers with an oversized hoodie worn over a tight t-shirt or a flowing dress for example
- Accessorize your hoodie with a pretty scarf or a trendy crossbody bag
- Dare to wear pop colors under a basic black or gray hoodie
- Wear a graphic hoodie with cigarette jeans or a leather skirt for a casual-chic look
- Mix streetwear and bohemian styles by combining hoodies, wide pants and ethnic jewelry
The hoodie goes with all styles, from sportswear to casual chic. It’s up to you!
"After more than 20 years of wearing and then creating hoodies, I can assure you that there are endless ways to wear this garment! Play with materials, cuts and accessories to create the look that suits you . The hoodie adapts to all styles."
— Geoffrey, Founder ofThe Oversized Hoodie®
The evolution of the hoodie in streetwear fashion
The hoodie is inseparable from streetwear culture. In the 80s and 90s, hip hop style adopted the hoodie and skateboard brands made it one of their favorite garments.
Quickly, the hoodie established itself as a key piece of the streetwear wardrobe. Brands like
Today, the hoodie is a trendy basic that needs no introduction. Fashion designers and luxury brands are even taking it on, like Balenciaga and its iconic logo hoodie.
Also read: What is an oversized sweater?
The sociocultural impact of the hoodie
Beyond fashion, the hoodie also has an important socio-cultural impact. In the 90s, he was associated with hip hop culture and the grunge movement.
The hoodie then becomes a symbol of rebellion among young people, particularly in the USA where it is stigmatized for its casual or threatening side. Some businesses even prohibit the wearing of hoodies!
Despite the controversies, the hoodie remains popular with an entire generation as clothing to belong to a young and urban culture. We find it in street art, cinema, music, etc.
The hoodie, a symbol of urban culture
With its iconic hood and casual style, the hoodie is undeniably linked to urban culture. It evokes big cities, street art, hip hop, skateboarding.
The hoodie has even become a clothing marker of digital cultures. Its simplicity and cocooning side make it the ideal garment for gamers and other geeks!
We find it as a uniform in Silicon Valley, popularized by Mark Zuckerberg and tech engineers. The hoodie continues to surprise us.
Also read: How to keep a sweatshirt soft?
Conclusion
The hoodie, or hooded sweatshirt, has established itself in recent years as an essential basic in the casual and trendy wardrobe. Streetwear clothing anchored in urban culture, it now appeals to all generations with its assertive sportswear style.
With the many existing variations, from the oversized cut to the crop top model, the hoodie brings comfort and style to all silhouettes. To wear without moderation!
| Characteristic | Description | Examples | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Style | Casual and comfortable | Oversize, Zipped, Crop top | Cotton, Polyester |
| Origin | Protection against the cold | Workers, Sportsmen | Cotton fleece |
| Popularity | 90s, Streetwear culture | Skateboarding, Hip hop | Various |
| Design | Hood, Belly pocket | Prints, Logos | Organic cotton, Recycled polyester |
| Port | Men and Women | Streetwear, Casual chic | Various |
| Impact | Urban culture, Symbol of rebellion | Street art, Music | Various |
FAQ
What is the difference between sweatshirt and hoodie?
The difference between a sweatshirt and a hoodie is that the hoodie has a hood, while the sweatshirt is a classic sweatshirt without a hood. The hoodie also often has a front pocket and a zipper.
What is a hoodie without a hood called?
A hoodie without a hood is more simply called a sweatshirt or sweatshirt. In English, we also speak of a “pullover hoodie” to designate a hoodie without a hood.
Why hoodie?
We call this garment a hoodie because in English, "hood" means hood. The term hoodie therefore comes from the characteristic hood of this hoodie.
What is a women's hoodie?
A women's hoodie is a hooded sweatshirt for women. There are many cuts of hoodies specially designed for the female body: oversize, crop top, zipped, patterned, etc. The women's hoodie combines casual style and femininity.
What is hooded?
"Hooded" is the English adjective meaning "hooded". A “hooded” sweatshirt or sweater therefore refers to a model with a hood. In French, we will say “hooded” or “capuchonné”.
Sources
[1] "What's the Difference Between a Hoodie and a Jacket?", Fashinza
[2] "Hoodie", Cambridge Dictionary
[3] "Hoodie vs Sweatshirt", tasc Performance
