The history of the hoodie – from workwear to everyday wear

The history of the hoodie – from workwear to everyday wear - OnSize

The hoodie isn't just a comfy piece of clothing anymore – it's a symbol of urban culture and self-expression. The hooded sweatshirt has had a long and exciting journey: from a simple, practical garment to one of the most defining staples of modern fashion. But what's behind the hoodie's popularity, and how did it become an essential streetwear staple?

The origins of the hoodie: from function to fashion icon

The hoodie goes back to the 1930s in the United States. Its original purpose was purely practical: to give workers out in the freezing cold warm clothing, with the hood adding extra protection. The soft cotton offered comfort and durability, so the hoodie quickly became a must-have for everyday work.

The big breakthrough came in the '70s, when hip-hop culture and skate crews adopted the style. That's when the meaning of the hoodie changed: it became a way to express freedom, rebellion and individuality – and it's still one of the key pillars of streetwear today.

Why did the hoodie become an essential streetwear staple?

The hoodie's role in streetwear is unquestionable today. It's the one piece that works with everything: jeans, cargo pants or a dressier coat – with the right hoodie you can put together the perfect fit easily. It doesn't just add style, it sends a message too – the attitude of whoever's wearing it.

Today the leading streetwear brands keep reinventing the hoodie: oversized fits, premium materials, bold graphics and limited collections make sure everyone can find their perfect piece.

Legendary hoodie brands: the pieces everyone's looking for

Plenty of brands helped give the hoodie its cult status. When it comes to iconic styles, these are the brands that run the market:

  • Nike hoodie: Sporty design meets classic logos.
  • adidas hoodie: Minimalist, timeless style that fits any outfit.
  • Supreme hoodie: The peak of limited drops and hype culture.
  • Palace hoodie: Skate roots and a creative, one-of-a-kind graphic style.
  • Stüssy & Off-White: A strong visual identity that's inseparable from modern street fashion.
  • Sp5der hoodie: Unique details that make you stand out from the crowd.
  • Essentials (Fear of God) hoodie: Premium quality with a clean “minimal hype” aesthetic.

These pieces often sell out in seconds, so for fans, copping one is a real win.

Find your style at OnSize

The hoodie brings history, streetwear and modern culture together in a single piece. If you love comfort and urban style, a quality hoodie is a staple you can't skip.

Don't settle for anything less than the real deal! Explore OnSize's premium hoodie lineup, packed with iconic streetwear brands, fresh drops and limited collections. Hit up our webshop, browse the latest pieces and find the hoodie that's truly you! Don't miss out on the most popular sizes – cop your new favorite today!

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