From sportswear to protest attire: the surprisingly political history of the hoodie
Hooded garments are nothing new – we’ve even got hoodies that date back to the Iron Age. But how did the modern garment come to be everywhere?
Hoodies have a long and complex history, transitioning from a practical garment to a symbol of social and political expression. Originating as functional cold-weather wear for sports and manual labor, hoodies evolved into a staple of youth culture in the 1980s and 1990s. The garment's association with rebellion and anonymity led to bans in shopping centers and even a controversial trial in Australia.
The tragic death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African American teenager wearing a hoodie, sparked nationwide debate about racial profiling and the role of hoodies in society. High-profile figures like Mark Zuckerberg and politicians such as John Fetterman have adopted the hoodie as a symbol of defiance against corporate conformity and political norms.
Today, the hoodie remains a polarizing garment, embodying both comfort and controversy. As a potential flashpoint for power and politics, its place in fashion and society continues to be debated.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
