The Surprising New York Origins of the Hoodie

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The modern hoodie was invented in the 1930s by the Knickerbocker Knitting Company, later known as Champion, in Rochester, New York. Initially designed as practical workwear to keep factory workers warm, the hoodie soon became a staple in athletic wear and later a symbol of hip hop and graffiti culture in New York City. Over the decades, the humble hoodie has evolved from workwear to high fashion, cementing its status as a beloved closet staple.

Why it matters

The hoodie's journey from practical workwear to cultural icon reflects the broader evolution of fashion and its ability to transcend its utilitarian origins. This story highlights how a simple garment can take on new meanings and symbolism, becoming a reflection of the times and the communities that embrace it.

The details

The Knickerbocker Knitting Company, later known as Champion, invented the modern hoodie in the 1930s in Rochester, New York, to keep factory workers warm in the freezing upstate New York warehouses. In 1934, the University of Michigan requested hooded sweatshirts for its sports teams, and the hoodie became a staple in athletic wear. By the 1970s, the hoodie had taken on a new meaning in New York City, becoming a symbol of hip hop and graffiti culture, representing anonymity, creativity, and rebellion.

• The modern hoodie was invented in the 1930s.
• In 1934, the University of Michigan requested hooded sweatshirts for its sports teams.
• By the 1970s, the hoodie had become a symbol of hip hop and graffiti culture in New York City.