As a culture, we are so focused on how well we can look or pull off a specific style of clothing. This interest can range from matching colors to picking out specific types of shirts and other articles of clothing. That being said, the hoodie, one of many different choices of garments people wear, has become greatly ingrained in most outfits.

By definition, a hoodie is usually a sweatshirt or jacket that has a hood on top. Most also include features like a single or two pockets in the middle to allow for more space or a place to put a person’s hands, as well as two adjustable strings to change the size of the hood. These pieces of clothing have been called comfortable by many, and are easily customizable to allow for a variety of colors, logos, and more. Some styles in which the hoodie is a part of the overall “fit” are casualwear and vintage, wherein both the hoodie serves a separate purpose.

Hooded sweatshirts can then be paired with other jackets, usually worn over for extra style. This can serve as more padding for colder environments and simultaneously make others who see the outfit think higher of the person who wears it. It’s these styles that require more of a tighter fitting hoodie, whereas those who use them for comfort opt for a larger size, giving off a whole new look. Freshman Isabelle Zhao, an avid fan of the hoodie, shared her thoughts.

“When I think of a hoodie, I think of something everyone can wear. They can have logos, contrasting colors, or anything that just looks cool. They can be customized to support a movement or just to promote a brand.

Larger hoodies can be seen worn by those who in general are shorter or smaller, meaning they look even smaller while wearing the clothing. They are easier to lounge around in and can get someone in the right mindset to be productive or even just chill out. Furthermore, bigger hoodies can be shared amongst multiple people, whether that be a couple or between two related people. This is because the size difference doesn’t really matter as much in terms of fitting, so the article of clothing is quite versatile.

These hooded sweatshirts have a long history, possibly dating back to the 12th century; they have really only gotten popular towards the 1970s, rising with the popularity of hip hop, and so were seen as the cool new thing. It’s this aspect that has still carried on to this day, adding another factor to the hoodie’s popularity. They later became even more beloved because of how comfy it was to interact with others wearing the hoodie. To expand more on the topic, freshman Daniel Wang mentioned why he enjoys wearing hoodies.

“They keep me so warm and comfy,” he explained, showing off the hoodie he was wearing. “Hoodies are something someone can throw on in an instant and look stylish just because of it.”

Hoodies are beloved by all and will surely live into the future of fashion, being a cornerstone of modern culture. Its multiple uses and assets cause many to enjoy wearing and interacting with the practically infinite number of variations.

Photo Courtesy of PIQSELS