Heritage of the humble hoodie

Tracing its roots from the monasteries of Medieval Europe, the unsung, humble hoodie enjoys a colourful, at times chequered and prolific history. As early as the 12th century monks donned hooded robes, or tunics with cowls attached, 'cowlies', if you will. Fast forward to the 1930's and Champion clothing company launched the first iteration of hooded jersey tops designed to keep American labourers warm and protected from the unforgiving conditions of upstate New York factories. 

By the 1970's a fist-pumping Rocky Balboa clad in grey fleece- that scrappy, enduring symbol of American grit, resilience and determination catapulted the functional but otherwise unremarkable hoodie into pop-cultural iconography. Coupled with the rise of hip-hop culture and urban street-style, hoodies soon evolved into a must-have wardrobe staple, even if at times one of misjudged infamy. (Who could forget David Cameron's 'hug-a-hoodie' campaign, broadly associating the clothing item with erstwhile ASBOs?) 

Indeed, the garment has often been associated with social isolation and rebellion. By the early Noughties, maverick tech tycoons with an allergy to authority embraced the hoodie as a symbol of irreverent defiance to the self-proclaimed Wall Street Masters of the Universe. 

By all accounts, it worked.  

The dot-com boom ushered in a new generation of 'yuppies' who swapped the stiff and starchy suits of their forebears for all together more casual, comfortable clothing, including hoodies.

Its evolution continues, and today the garment stands proudly at the epicentre of the 'athleisure' aesthete, the fashion phenomenon that continues to hold a firm foothold with influencers and style mavens. The trend that sky-rocketed during Covid shows no sign of dimming. Designers are embracing the clothing as both casual and aspirational. Our very own spotted-seal classic and slouch versions harness on-trend styling and luxury, cotton fabric with timeless appeal.

Whether high-street, designer or off-duty statement piece (see our signature spotted-seal 'slouch', ahem. ;-) the hoodie has earned its place in the fashion firmament. Athletes, tech-bros, ladies-who-lunch, or gym bunnies - they suit everyone. In many ways, the hoodie serves as a sartorial hero that has endured the test of time and fickle fads of fashion with universal appeal across generation, gender and demographic. 

Comfortable, cool, versatile and reliable. Really, what's not to love?