The Hoodie: A Multifaceted Examination of a Modern Cultural Icon

Executive Summary

The hoodie, a seemingly simple garment, has traversed a remarkable journey from its utilitarian origins to become a profoundly complex cultural symbol. This report provides a comprehensive overview of this evolution, dissecting its historical trajectory, its varied cultural and psychological dimensions, and its often-contentious societal and legal implications. The garment’s enduring presence and its capacity to embody disparate meanings simultaneously underscore its unique position in contemporary society. The continuous transformation of the hoodie illustrates a dynamic interplay between practicality, personal identity, and prevailing societal perceptions. This progression is not merely a linear sequence but involves a constant re-interpretation and re-appropriation by diverse groups. Despite its core design remaining largely unchanged over decades, the garment’s meaning shifts dramatically based on who wears it and in what context. This fluidity highlights how clothing can transcend its functional purpose, acting as a cultural mirror that reflects evolving social attitudes and identity constructions. The hoodie’s adaptability to embody such varied meanings underscores its unique position as a cultural signifier, demonstrating that meaning is often ascribed rather than inherent. Furthermore, the hoodie offers a unique perspective through which to analyze broader societal themes, including social class, racial bias, youth identity, and the inherent tension between individual expression and public order. The stark contrast in perceptions—for instance, being viewed as a symbol of threat in one context and a power move in another—often depends heavily on the wearer’s social identity, such as race, class, or status. This disparity reveals deep-seated societal biases. The garment’s ability to simultaneously represent protest and luxury, or anonymity and self-expression, highlights inherent contradictions within modern society regarding appearance and judgment. This contradictory nature makes the hoodie a compelling subject for cultural analysis, as it encapsulates complex socio-political dynamics and continues to be a significant artifact for understanding ongoing debates about identity, equity, and the role of appearance in shaping public perception and policy.

1. Introduction: The Hoodie as a Modern Cultural Icon

The hoodie stands as a ubiquitous item in contemporary wardrobes, recognized globally as a popular example of modern design.1 Despite its widespread presence, the garment carries an inherent set of contradictions in its public perception. Its fundamental design has remained largely consistent for over 80 years, serving as a “blank canvas” that has been adopted by various individuals and groups, symbolizing everything from music and innovation to rebellion.2 This seemingly simple apparel item reflects and challenges deep-seated socio-economic and racial divides within society, embodying the tension between different social movements, classes, and racial groups.3 The static nature of the hoodie’s design, juxtaposed with its remarkably dynamic symbolism, underscores its role as a powerful cultural signifier where meaning is attributed rather than intrinsically present. The garment itself functions as a neutral medium, with its interpretation heavily influenced by the specific context, the wearer’s identity, and the observer’s pre-existing biases. This phenomenon suggests that judgments made about individuals based on their attire, particularly the hoodie, often stem from societal prejudices rather than an objective assessment of the garment or the person wearing it. This observation highlights the critical need for awareness regarding how visual cues are interpreted and the potential for misjudgment. The hoodie’s capacity to embody seemingly contradictory meanings—such as comfort and threat, or high fashion and rebellion—renders it a potent semiotic tool for comprehending contemporary social dynamics. This is particularly evident in ongoing societal struggles related to identity, class, and race in public perception. The “blank canvas” quality of the hoodie allows for the projection of both positive and negative stereotypes onto its wearer. This inherent contradiction is not a flaw but rather a defining characteristic that allows diverse groups to imbue it with their own distinct meanings, while also making it susceptible to misinterpretation and stigmatization. The hoodie’s contested interpretations reveal deeper societal anxieties about class mobility, racial equality, and youth subcultures, making it a crucial element in understanding contemporary social discourse.

1. Historical Evolution: From Utility to Cultural Statement

The concept of hooded garments predates the modern hoodie, with origins traceable to ancient Assyrian texts from the 13th century BCE and medieval Europe, where monks wore “cowls” for warmth and head covering.1 This early history established the practical utility of a head-covering garment. The modern hooded sweatshirt, or “hoodie,” as it is known today, was invented in the 1930s by the Knickerbocker Knitting Company, which later became the renowned brand Champion Athletic Apparel.1 Initially, Champion designed these garments for laborers working in cold environments, such as New York warehouses, to provide warmth and protection from the elements.3 Simultaneously, the University of Michigan commissioned Champion in 1934 to create hooded sweatshirts for their sports teams, valuing their durability and functionality for athletes.1 Champion further innovated by patenting the “Reverse Weave” method in 1938 to prevent shrinkage in athletic wear, solidifying the hoodie’s place in sports history.6 An early shift from purely utilitarian wear to a fashion statement began in the 1950s when athletes started giving their sportswear, including hoodies, to their girlfriends, initiating a trend in high schools across America.2 The 1970s marked a pivotal period, as the hoodie became deeply intertwined with emerging subcultures. In the Bronx, the burgeoning hip-hop culture adopted the hoodie, which was used for maintaining a low profile, projecting an intimidating presence, facilitating unrestricted movement for dance routines, and concealing the identities of graffiti artists.1 In this context, it symbolized discretion, dignity, and defiance.1 Concurrently, in California, skaters who rejected mainstream culture embraced the hoodie as a staple of their hard-core punk scene.2 The release of the movie “Rocky” in 1976 further cemented the hoodie’s connection to its working-class roots, with the grey marl silhouette becoming a symbol of hard knocks, work ethic, and self-determination.1 This period marked its transcendence from purely utilitarian roots, as it became “politicized” due to a “double standard” in its perception.1 By the 1980s, the hoodie evolved into a symbol of empowerment, becoming an integral part of street style. Rappers, seeking to emulate the strength and status of athletes, widely adopted the garment, contributing to its mass appeal.2 The 1990s solidified the hoodie’s status as both a trend and an iconic staple. The term “hoodie” entered common American vocabulary, propelled by the mainstream rise of hip-hop and the significant growth of urban fashion.2 Hard-edged gangsta rap groups, such as Wu-Tang Clan and Cypress Hill, adopted a “pared-down dress code” that prominently featured the hoodie, further cementing its status as a cultural symbol.1 This era also saw high fashion designers like Giorgio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren incorporating the hoodie’s “urban look” into their collections.1 In the 2000s and beyond, the hoodie continued its remarkable evolution, even becoming a “tech uniform.” Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to wear a hoodie to meet Wall Street investors in 2012 caused a stir, ultimately being perceived as a “power move” that established his identity as a “non-conformist” rather than merely a casual dresser.2 This era also witnessed the hoodie’s transition into high-end contemporary fashion, with brands like Luca Faloni introducing cashmere versions with refined designs and premium details, elevating the garment from casual attire to luxury wear.2 As a testament to its cultural impact, the iconic Champion Reverse Weave® Hoodie was exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 2017 and later became part of its permanent collection.6 The historical trajectory of the hoodie demonstrates a consistent pattern of appropriation and re-appropriation across diverse social strata. It moved from a functional necessity for laborers and athletes to a symbol of identity within subcultures, then to mainstream fashion, and ultimately to high-end luxury, often carrying vestiges of its previous associations. This progression illustrates that the garment’s meaning is not static but continually renegotiated by different groups seeking to define themselves or challenge established norms. The “politicization” of the hoodie, as noted in its mid-1970s rise, signifies a crucial shift where its meaning became contested and reflective of broader societal power dynamics, moving beyond simple utility or subcultural identity. This multi-stage adoption process highlights how cultural artifacts are constantly re-signified, with each new group imbuing the hoodie with new meaning, building upon or subverting previous associations. This historical journey further illustrates how cultural artifacts can serve as vehicles for social mobility and counter-cultural expression, only to be later commodified and absorbed by the very mainstream they initially defied. The hoodie’s movement from working-class roots and marginalized subcultures to high fashion and elite figures is a classic pattern of cultural absorption. What began as an authentic expression of identity or rebellion is often co-opted, demonstrating the capacity of commercial forces to absorb and neutralize counter-cultural symbols for profit and mainstream appeal. The “blank canvas” nature of the hoodie is reinforced by this journey, showing how its simple form allows for complex and often contradictory symbolic overlays across generations. This compelling narrative reveals how fashion and clothing are deeply intertwined with social change, class dynamics, and cultural production, underscoring that fashion is not merely about aesthetics but is deeply embedded in socio-economic structures and power relations.

Key Milestones in the Hoodie’s Evolution and Perception

1. Cultural Significance and Shifting Perceptions

The hoodie’s cultural significance is profoundly diverse, encompassing its role as a symbol of rebellion, an emblem in social justice movements, and a fixture in mainstream and high fashion. Initially, the hoodie was widely adopted by subcultures such as skaters, hip-hop enthusiasts, and graffiti artists in the 1970s, making its way into streetwear culture.1 In these contexts, it became strongly associated with “youth rebellion” and “counterculture”.3 The garment’s design, particularly its hood, was utilized to “intimidate others” and “conceal identities,” offering a sense of discretion and defiance within these groups.1 A significant turning point in the hoodie’s cultural perception occurred with the tragic shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in 2012, which profoundly politicized the garment.1 The subsequent “Million Hoodie March” and public support from figures like NBA players and musician Wyclef Jean aimed to emphasize that the hoodie was “just a practical piece of clothing”.1 However, the incident transformed the sight of a “young black man in a hoodie” into a “powerful image representing racial bias and the ongoing struggle for equality”.3 This symbolism was further embraced by movements such as Black Lives Matter, which prominently used the hoodie to challenge “social and racial biases”.3 Its accessibility and affordability have made it an “ideal uniform for grassroots movements,” and the anonymity provided by the hood can serve as a form of “protection” for activists participating in demonstrations.3 Concurrently, the hoodie has achieved significant integration into mainstream and high fashion. In the 1990s, designers including Giorgio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren adopted its “urban look”.1 By the early 2000s, it entered the realm of “high fashion,” with designers incorporating luxurious materials and innovative designs onto runways.4 Celebrities such as Rihanna, Kanye West, and Justin Bieber have further contributed to its “elevated status”.4 The hoodie’s journey from utility to icon was formally recognized when the Champion Reverse Weave® Hoodie was exhibited as an “icon” in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and later became part of its permanent collection.6 The cultural significance of the hoodie is characterized by a persistent “double standard” in its perception.1 Its interpretation is heavily influenced by the social identity of the wearer, particularly concerning race and class. While the hoodie can be elevated to high fashion or symbolize tech innovation, it simultaneously retains stigmatized associations with criminality and marginalization, especially when worn by young men of color. This highlights a fundamental societal bias in interpreting visual cues. The explicit mention of a “double standard” in historical accounts points to how the same garment is interpreted vastly differently based on who wears it. For instance, Mark Zuckerberg’s hoodie signifies “non-conformity” and “power” 2, while a young Black man in a hoodie might be perceived as “up to no good” 4 or a “threat”.3 This disparity directly indicates implicit biases, where societal prejudices are projected onto the garment based on the wearer’s demographic. This phenomenon reveals that clothing is not merely an inert object but a powerful social signifier that can be weaponized by societal biases, making the hoodie a tangible representation of systemic issues like racial profiling and class discrimination. This pervasive stigmatization transforms a simple piece of clothing into a symbol of social injustice and the ongoing struggle for equitable treatment. It reveals how visual cues can be weaponized against marginalized communities, leading to real-world consequences, as tragically exemplified by the Trayvon Martin case.3 The hoodie thus becomes a critical case study for understanding how appearance-based biases operate in society and underscores the urgent need for critical analysis of media narratives and public perceptions. The hoodie’s dual existence—as a symbol of protest against racial profiling and as a celebrated fashion icon—highlights the deep contradictions within society. Its appropriation by social justice movements is a direct response to its stigmatization, effectively turning a symbol of perceived threat into one of resistance and solidarity. This complex interplay demonstrates how clothing can transcend its material form to become a potent site of political and cultural struggle, serving as a tangible reminder of how appearance-based discrimination impacts real lives.

Multifaceted Perceptions and Symbolism of the Hoodie

1. Psychological Dimensions of Wearing a Hoodie

Beyond its cultural and societal roles, the hoodie holds significant psychological dimensions, influencing the wearer’s sense of comfort, privacy, and self-expression, and potentially reflecting deeper emotional states. A primary psychological benefit of wearing a hoodie is the profound sense of comfort and security it provides. The garment offers more than just warmth; its soft fabric and enclosed space can make the wearer feel “cocooned and safe”.8 This “physical sensation of being wrapped up can be incredibly soothing” 8, particularly for individuals navigating insecurities and vulnerabilities.8 For those experiencing anxiety, a cozy hoodie can offer a “protective cocoon-like feeling that promotes relaxation” and “help ease anxiety”.9 The hoodie also facilitates a sense of anonymity and a desire for privacy. When the hood is raised, it can “obscure one’s face, making it easier to blend into the background”.8 This ability to remain unseen can provide a sense of control and security, appealing to those who wish to avoid attention or feel vulnerable in social settings.8 The act of “pulling up that hood—bam! You’re incognito” 10 offers a feeling of “disappearing into oneself, allowing quiet souls to blend into the crowd while maintaining their privacy”.10 For introverted individuals, the hoodie can function as a “shield against overstimulation,” providing a psychological refuge from overwhelming environments.10 Furthermore, the hoodie serves as a powerful medium for self-expression and subcultural affiliation. It functions as a “symbol of individuality and personal expression,” offering a “unique canvas for personal style”.8 Clothing, including the hoodie, carries “undeniable meaning” and acts as a “strong vehicle for self-expression”.8 It can communicate aspects of identity “without the need for verbal interaction” 10 and serves as a “unifying symbol” for various subcultures, such as skaters, hip-hop enthusiasts, and tech-savvy individuals.8 The hoodie can also subtly signal a “desire for personal space,” acting as a non-verbal cue to others.10 Research suggests potential links between hoodie wearing and emotional states, particularly introversion and depression. Hoodies are noted to “resonate deeply with those who lean toward introversion,” providing a “psychological refuge” and a “comforting buffer” against social expectations, thereby helping to “navigate stress and anxiety”.10 The concept of “enclothed cognition” suggests that clothing choices can significantly impact mood and behavior.10 While not definitive, consistent hoodie wearing can be “indicative of depression,” as individuals may “seek comfort and security” and express a “desire to hide from the world”.9 It “might indicate emotional distress” or “withdrawal,” with individuals experiencing depression often gravitating towards “oversized, comfortable clothing” that can “mask feelings of low self-esteem or self-consciousness”.9 Popular media often reinforces this perception by portraying introverted characters wearing hoodies to signify solitude.10 The hoodie functions as a psychological “armor” or “cocoon,” providing a tangible sense of control over external stimuli and social interaction, particularly for introverted individuals or those experiencing emotional distress. This indicates that the garment’s practical features, such as warmth and head covering, are leveraged to fulfill deeper psychological needs for security, anonymity, and a buffer against social pressures. The connection to “enclothed cognition” suggests a bidirectional relationship where the hoodie not only reflects but also influences the wearer’s mental state. This reveals that clothing choices are not merely superficial but can be deeply therapeutic and functional for managing psychological states and navigating social interactions. The hoodie, in this context, becomes a tool for self-regulation, offering a degree of emotional and social protection in a potentially overwhelming world. This psychological utility highlights the profound impact of clothing on mental well-being and social navigation. The hoodie’s dual capacity to facilitate both withdrawal (through anonymity and protection from overstimulation) and subtle self-expression (through subcultural affiliation and personal style) underscores its role in managing identity in complex social environments. The potential association with depression, while not a definitive diagnostic sign, emphasizes how clothing choices can serve as nonverbal cues of internal states, prompting a need for greater empathy and nuanced interpretation rather than immediate judgment. This perspective advocates for a more nuanced understanding of personal appearance, recognizing how clothing can serve as a vital, non-verbal communication system about an individual’s internal state and their desired level of social engagement.

1. Societal Perceptions and Stigmatization

Despite its widespread adoption and versatility, the hoodie has faced significant negative societal perceptions and stigmatization, particularly concerning racial profiling and its portrayal in media. The association of the hoodie with street culture and youth rebellion has frequently led to “controversy and negative stigmatization”.4 Individuals wearing hoodies have been “subjected to racial profiling and seen as being ‘up to no good’”.4 The tragic case of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in 2012 starkly illustrated how the hoodie could evoke “fear and prejudice” and be perceived as a “threat”.1 The defense in his case “seemed to rest mostly on the fact that Trayvon was wearing a hoodie,” highlighting the garment’s role in shaping perceptions of culpability.3 Consequently, the sight of a “young black man in a hoodie became a powerful image representing racial bias”.3 Media portrayal has played a significant role in shaping and reinforcing these public perceptions. Early positive portrayals, such as in the 1976 movie “Rocky,” helped popularize the hoodie, associating it with “discipline, humility, and self-determination”.1 However, the 1990s saw more “grim depiction[s] of the hoodie” on album covers, such as Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), reinforcing associations with “hard-edged gangsta rap”.1 While “several movies featuring characters from street culture showcased hoodies as part of their wardrobe, further cementing the garment’s cultural significance” 4, these portrayals also contributed to the “negative stigmatisation”.4 The extensive media coverage of the Trayvon Martin case, including the “Million Hoodie March,” brought the hoodie to the forefront of national discussions on racial profiling, illustrating its capacity to spark widespread debate.1 A critical observation is the “double standard” in how the hoodie is viewed.1 The same garment can “straddle a fine line between various, often contradictory, meanings”—representing comfort and casual style, yet also being associated with inequality, rebellion, and fear.3 For instance, Mark Zuckerberg wearing a hoodie was interpreted as a “power move” and a sign of “non-conformity,” rather than mere casualness.2 This contrasts sharply with the negative perceptions often applied to others wearing the same garment. This “double standard” is a clear manifestation of implicit bias and systemic prejudice, particularly racial profiling. The vastly different interpretations based on the wearer’s demographic—such as a tech CEO versus a young Black man—highlight that the judgment is not about the clothing itself, but about pre-existing societal stereotypes and power structures. Media portrayals, both positive and negative, play a significant role in reinforcing or challenging these perceptions by selectively framing hoodie wearers. This pervasive stigmatization transforms a simple piece of clothing into a symbol of social injustice and the ongoing struggle for equitable treatment. It reveals how visual cues can be weaponized against marginalized communities, leading to severe real-world consequences, as tragically highlighted by the Trayvon Martin case.3 The hoodie thus becomes a critical case study for understanding how appearance-based biases operate in society and underscores the urgent need for critical analysis of media narratives and public perceptions. The hoodie’s role as a symbol of protest against racial profiling, juxtaposed with its status as a celebrated fashion icon, underscores the deep contradictions within society. Its re-appropriation by social justice movements turns the negative perception into a powerful statement against the very biases that created it, demonstrating how clothing can transcend its material form to become a potent site of political and cultural struggle.

1. The Hoodie in Formal and Professional Contexts

The hoodie’s journey from a utilitarian garment to a complex cultural symbol has also influenced its acceptance and rejection across various formal and professional settings, including workplaces, schools, and its reinterpretation within high fashion. Dress codes in many school districts often prohibit hoodies, frequently alongside other restrictions such as hats or graphic tees.11 The stated reasons for these policies typically include promoting “school safety, promote discipline, and enhance the learning environment”.11 In workplaces, particularly in environments with machinery or where identification is crucial, hoodies are often restricted due to safety concerns. For instance, in certain industrial or retail settings, hoods are prohibited due to the risk of “strangulation” if caught on equipment like doors, pallets, or balers.12 They can also obstruct peripheral vision or conceal identity, raising security concerns.12 Some companies enforce “no hoods, no exceptions” policies, even for employees working outdoors in cold weather, citing liability issues.12 From an asset protection perspective, hooded sweatshirts are often disallowed indoors due to the risk they pose when confronting a criminal, as they can obscure identity.12 More broadly, casual or inappropriate apparel choices by an employee can result in negative evaluations of both the individual and their entire corporation, projecting an image of a “lax or unprofessional company”.13 This suggests that professional attire is often perceived as the norm, aligning with social expectations for the workplace and generally leading to positive outcomes for the wearer.13 In public spaces, particularly those under surveillance, the hoodie’s ability to obscure identity raises legal and security considerations. Anti-mask laws, some dating back to the mid-20th century to counter groups like the Ku Klux Klan, prohibit the concealment of one’s face in public, with exceptions for religious purposes, holidays, or occupational safety.14 While these laws have been challenged on First Amendment grounds, some courts have upheld them, balancing free speech against public safety interests.14 For example, proposed legislation in Oklahoma aimed to ban hoodies in public to prevent identity concealment for criminal purposes, though civil rights advocates expressed concerns about potential racial profiling and enforceability.15 In airport security, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may require individuals to remove bulky clothing, including oversized pullover hoodies, for screening through advanced imaging technology, as they can conceal metallic and non-metallic threats.16 Hoodies with metal zippers, buttons, or drawstrings may also trigger additional screening or removal due to potential strangulation risks or concealment concerns.17 Despite these restrictions and negative associations, the hoodie has simultaneously found its way into high fashion and informal professional settings. The “tech uniform” phenomenon, exemplified by Mark Zuckerberg, demonstrates how the hoodie can signify “non-conformity” and “power” in certain innovative industries, establishing an identity rather than merely a casual fashion statement.2 High fashion designers have reinterpreted the classic hoodie using luxurious materials and innovative designs, showcasing its potential as a “true fashion icon”.4 This duality highlights the hoodie’s ability to transcend its initial utilitarian or subcultural connotations, becoming a versatile garment that can be adapted for a “high-end contemporary look”.2 The hoodie’s acceptance in formal settings is highly conditional, often limited to specific sub-sectors like technology or creative industries, or its reinterpretation within high fashion. This observation highlights the tension between evolving fashion norms and deeply entrenched societal expectations of professionalism and order. While the garment has achieved mainstream appeal and even luxury status, its informal and negative associations, particularly concerning anonymity and potential for concealment, persist in traditional professional and public safety contexts. This reflects a broader societal negotiation of boundaries between individual expression and collective security. The contested place of the hoodie in formal settings reflects a broader societal debate about professionalism, individual expression, and the lingering influence of class and racial biases in dress codes. Its dual status as a symbol of rebellion and high fashion underscores the fluidity and contradictions within contemporary sartorial norms. While some contexts embrace its modern, non-conformist appeal, others prioritize traditional notions of decorum and security, often leading to policies that disproportionately affect certain demographics. This ongoing negotiation illustrates how clothing, even a seemingly simple hoodie, becomes a site where societal values, anxieties, and power dynamics are continually played out.

Conclusion

The journey of the hoodie is a compelling narrative of transformation, demonstrating its evolution from a purely utilitarian garment to a profoundly complex and often contradictory cultural icon. Originating in the 1930s as practical wear for laborers and athletes, its simple design quickly became a “blank canvas” onto which diverse meanings were projected across generations. The hoodie’s historical trajectory reveals a consistent pattern of appropriation and re-appropriation. It moved from functional necessity to a symbol of subcultural identity for hip-hop artists and skaters, representing defiance and anonymity. Subsequently, it permeated mainstream fashion, even achieving recognition in high-end luxury and tech circles. This multi-stage adoption process underscores that the hoodie’s meaning is not fixed; rather, it is continually renegotiated by different social groups seeking to define themselves or challenge existing norms. Central to the hoodie’s cultural significance is the persistent “double standard” in its perception. While it can symbolize power and non-conformity when worn by a tech mogul, it simultaneously retains stigmatized associations with criminality and marginalization, particularly when worn by young men of color. This disparity highlights deep-seated societal biases and the pervasive issue of racial profiling, tragically exemplified by the Trayvon Martin case. In response, the hoodie has been powerfully re-appropriated by social justice movements, becoming an emblem of resistance and the ongoing struggle for equality. Psychologically, the hoodie serves as a personal “cocoon,” offering comfort, security, and anonymity. It provides a means for individuals to manage external stimuli, express personal style subtly, and even cope with emotional distress, functioning as a non-verbal cue about one’s internal state. This reveals the profound impact of clothing on mental well-being and social navigation, urging a more empathetic and nuanced interpretation of appearance. In formal and professional contexts, the hoodie faces conditional acceptance. While it has carved out a niche in certain modern industries and high fashion, its informal and potentially concealing nature leads to restrictions in traditional workplaces and public spaces due to safety, security, and identification concerns. This ongoing negotiation reflects broader societal debates about professionalism, individual expression, and the lingering influence of historical biases in dress codes. In conclusion, the hoodie transcends its material form to serve as a powerful mirror reflecting the intricate dynamics of society. Its enduring relevance lies in its capacity to embody contradictory meanings—from comfort to threat, rebellion to luxury, and utility to political statement. This makes the hoodie not just a piece of clothing, but a significant cultural artifact that continues to spark conversations about identity, social class, racial bias, and the ever-evolving relationship between appearance and perception in the modern world.

Works cited

The Story Of The Hoodie | Garment Stories | Asket, accessed July 16, 2025, https://www.asket.com/en-ww/journal/products/the-story-of-the-hoodie

The History of the Hoodie: Rebellion & Empowerment – Luca Faloni, accessed July 16, 2025, https://lucafaloni.com/lf-journal/the-history-of-the-hoodie-rebellion-empowerment

The Hoodie: More than Just Clothing – Wordans, accessed July 16, 2025, https://www.wordans.com/blog/the-hoodie-more-than-just-clothing/

Content – The Evolution of the Hoodie- A Journey from Sports to …, accessed July 16, 2025, https://www.volcom.co.uk/pages/content-the-evolution-of-the-hoodie-a-journey-from-sports-to-style

en.wikipedia.org, accessed July 16, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoodie

Inventor of the Hoodie | Champion Heritage, accessed July 16, 2025, https://www.champion.com/pages/about-champion

About Us | Our Heritage | Champion United Kingdom, accessed July 16, 2025, https://www.championstore.com/pages/about

What Does Wearing a Hoodie Say About You? | Gracefiber, accessed July 16, 2025, https://gracefiber.com/blogs/apparel/what-does-wearing-a-hoodie-say-about-you

Is Wearing a Hoodie a Sign of Depression? Understanding the Connection, accessed July 16, 2025, https://tidesmentalhealth.com/is-wearing-a-hoodie-a-sign-of-depression/

9 Reasons Why Hoodies Are the Go-To Choice for Introverts – Just Sweatshirts, accessed July 16, 2025, https://justsweatshirts.com/blog/9-reasons-why-hoodies-are-the-goto-choice-for-introverts/

Dress Codes: A Racist, Sexist History and Why They Must be Changed – IDRA, accessed July 16, 2025, https://www.idra.org/resource-center/dress-codes-a-racist-sexist-history-and-why-they-must-be-changed/

Why are hoodies not dress code? : r/OGPBackroom – Reddit, accessed July 16, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/OGPBackroom/comments/19fhsa1/why_are_hoodies_not_dress_code/

Perceptions of Ethicality: The Role of Attire Style, Attire Appropriateness, and Context – PMC, accessed July 16, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9918841/

Anti-mask law – Wikipedia, accessed July 16, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law

Oklahoma Lawmakers Want To Ban People From Wearing Hoodies In Public – VICE, accessed July 16, 2025, https://www.vice.com/en/article/oklahoma-lawmakers-want-to-ban-people-from-wearing-hoodies-in-public/

Security Screening | Transportation Security Administration – TSA, accessed July 16, 2025, https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening

Can I Wear A Hoodie Through Airport Security? – CountyOffice.org – YouTube, accessed July 16, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVObUzIjEQ0

TSA Just Flagged THESE Clothes as ‘High Risk’ in 2025 – STOP Wearing Them! – YouTube, accessed July 16, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjs2Zb3TDD4