The Evolution of the Hoody

In 2006, David Cameron categorised hoodies as a visual symbol of “What was wrong with Britain’s youth”. Hoodies had begun to attract a large amount of negative attention from the media as they were focused on as an item that allowed Britain’s criminal youth to hide from CCTV cameras and during criminal activity. They became linked to increasing inner-city crimes, and the image of “thugs in hoodies” was created. Pictures of imposing hooded figures became a common feature in newspapers and magazines as they were used to shock and scare the public. The fact that hoodies allowed individuals to hide their faces quickly created an element of fear, and this made a large proportion of the population wary of buying them because of the negative stereotype they carried.
However, interest in hoodies grew on a MASSIVE scale during the twentieth century.

So why is it that the hoody suddenly became so much more acceptable?

The answer is simple, it entered the fashion arena thanks to a few daring celebrities and has now become socially acceptable as well as becoming a desirable fashion element! Hoodies were worn by celebrities, and fashion designers started to include them within their catwalk shows. Designer brands began to stock vast ranges of hoodies for women and men, reaching out in particular to the female population who had previously steered clear. Those who had previously worn hoodies and were not committing crimes stepped up and showed that it was not the hoodies they wore that defined the criminals, defending their clothing honour.

It now seems they have lost the tags once associated to them for most, and Ladies Hoodies are now worn for all occasions; exercise, summer BBQs, and evening walks to name a few. A change in their designs may have had something to do with this. Hoodies are now available in a broad range of colours and materials. You can buy thick cuddly fleecy ones for winter, as well as compact lightweight ones for summer evenings. You can even get personalised ones and ones that are windproof!

It is perhaps due to this that hoodies have become more acceptable in the fashion realm, and have even found a market in the more upper end fashion shops.

Are you a hoody wearer? Do you agree that hoodies have become more acceptable or do you think they still portray a certain image? We’d love to hear your opinion.