For several years now, the hoodie has been a must-have for the fall-winter season. This piece, originating from the sportswear world, has become a staple in both men's and women's wardrobes. We offer you an analysis of the hoodie trend in 5 questions.
1- What is a hoodie?
If you hear this word everywhere but don't know exactly what type of clothing it refers to, know that a hoodie is simply a hooded sweatshirt. Its name comes from the English word hood which means "capuche."
This comfortable sweater, once reserved for athletes and teens lounging at home, has gained so much popularity in recent years that it now comes in different styles, including from major brands.
Notably, there are models with a zip at the collar to put on and take off this sweater more easily, or hooded sweatshirts with a front zipper that can be worn like jackets.
2- What is the origin of the hoodie?
The trendy new sweater in both men's and women's wardrobes is not a recent invention. In fact, the hoodie was created by the brand Champion in the 1930s.
Originally, this warm, comfortable, and practical garment was designed for New York workers laboring in the cold. It was later adopted by athletes, as evidenced by the movie Rocky. Sylvester Stallone can be seen wearing an iconic gray hooded sweatshirt!
Due to its unmatched comfort, this piece has never disappeared from ready-to-wear collections. But until recently, it was relegated to the back of our closets for lounging days... It wasn't until the 2020s that it gained its rightful status.
3- When did the hoodie become trendy?
Before making its appearance in the Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani collections, the hoodie experienced an initial period of popularity in the 1990s. During this decade, the Italian brand Fila was highly appreciated for its bold models with bright and contrasting colors. However, it was not the only sportswear brand to offer this type of sweatshirt.
Today, vintage hoodies from brands like Champion, Fila, Adidas, or Nike are particularly sought after by collectors and fashionistas for their retro style, straight out of the nineties.
The American brand Gap also took advantage of the buzz around this sweater on TikTok to reissue its famous hoodie with its logo on the front.
4- Why is the hoodie the must-have piece of autumn?
Fashion shows have confirmed it for 2024: the hoodie is the must-have sweater for autumn! Because it is extremely comfortable and comes in almost endless variations, the hooded sweatshirt is the piece you can wear anywhere and with anything.
In JW Anderson's 2024 show, this timeless sweater was seen paired with pants or skirts. In the Miu Miu show, it was even spotted under a suit jacket, for an unprecedented chic look...
5- How to wear a hoodie with style?
Until the 1990s, the hoodie was categorized as streetwear or sportswear. It was worn alone, on the street or in the comfort of one's couch, but always in a casual style.
Today, everything has changed. This loose and comfortable garment has become an essential element of a sharp look, both cool, sophisticated, and trendy.
To achieve this result, the secret is to play on the contrast between this casual sweatshirt and more chic pieces. Men can, for example, wear this sweater with tailored trousers or put a white shirt under a navy blue or burgundy zip-up sweatshirt...
In a more rock 'n' roll style, it is also possible to pair this hoodie with a black leather biker jacket. One can then opt for a model in brighter colors and play on the contrast of materials and colors to assert one's style.