The hoodie: a utilitarian outfit; an urban fashion and later a high style Figure. In the past loungey apparel was merely considered as everyday clothing which was limited to the life of people to the comfort of their homes or in the gym.  Today ordinary wear attire is not only being used at home for comfort and style but also in sports and outdoors. In the course of this exam we will be looking into the saint michael hoodie story, its historical background, its cultural importance and its everlasting popularity across the generations.

Brief description the hoodies history:

Tracing the roots of over the century back to the 1920s when it was initially designed to be workwear which provides comfort and warmth to people working in icy areas. Sports teams and athletes were the first to embrace the hoodie for their practicality and warmth, while it became popular among the masses in a short time. On the other hand, it was not until the 1970s and 1980s which the hoodie associated with hip-hop artists and skateboarders, hence the hoodie was deeply named street’ culture.

The Rise of Streetwear:

Thus, the grey essentials hoodie became a public symbol during the vital stage when hip-hop was making its entrance into mainstream culture. Adidas, Nike and Champion were the brands that made the most of the new trend and they created bold logos and designs which were most attractive for younger people. In a way, that shaggy pullover became a sign of a rebellion against the established order.  It was like a uniform of those who did not want to comply with the social norms and even with the most common features.

Fashion Meets Functionality:

Just recently the hoodie broke out of its "street wear niche" to take a place in the upper echelon of fashion. These designers like Alexander Wang, Vetements, and Balenciaga re-designed the hoodie, making it look luxurious and having avant-garde silhouettes. This garment, at first glance, was only meant to keep casual.  However, it has now become a trendy item and loved by both fashion fanatics and the elite, walking the traditional runways of Paris, Milan, and New York Fashion Week.

Cultural Significance:

The hoodie becomes much more than a mere fashion element but rather becomes a cultural icon by representing fellowship and affinity to a myriad of communities. Soon after the onset of social movements such as Black Lives Matter and also the LGBTQ+ rights, the hoodie effortlessly becomes an emblematic illustration of power, and resilience, which activists and their supporters, alike, empowerfully wear. The connection of urban youth culture with this dance style has also resulted in a dialogue about identity, representation, and the intersection of race and class in society.

The Genderless Appeal:

The hoodie scores one high in terms of equality, as it is a unisex garment which anyone irrespective of their age, gender or tribe can wear. Contrary to typical style rules that separate male fashion from female rules, the hoodie provides an opportunity to disregard those dictatorships and creates a space for both its wearers to wear it and feel comfortable as well as stylish without discriminating if they are males or females. Its ability to be adapted to any attire makes it a popular choice among fashion lovers who appreciate diversity and personalization.

The Hoodie in the New Media Era:

With digital age, the hoodie becomes the most popular item of the online world where the platforms and communities of social media act as centers for the inspiration in fashion and finding the places for adopting the trends. Influencers and content creators post their unique looks of hoodies to millions of followers, starting trends and driving consumer demand for the latest styles. Just as e-commerce platforms have it now evident that shopping of hoodies has never been the same, in fact, it is much easier than ever to do so with a range of options just in a click of button.