A hoodie is a sweatshirt with a hood and usually a front pocket. The hood covers the head. The pocket, often called a kangaroo pocket, warms the hands. The garment is casual, comfortable, and deeply embedded in modern culture. It started as workwear and became a staple of streetwear, sports, and everyday dress.

The hoodie emerged in the 1930s, developed by Champion for workers in cold warehouses. It spread to athletes and universities. By the 1970s, it was part of hip-hop and skate culture. In the 1990s and 2000s, it became associated with both comfort and controversy. Some public spaces and schools banned them, citing safety and anonymity concerns. The hoodie's meaning shifted with the wearer. On a college campus, it signaled belonging. On a city street, it could signal threat, often unfairly.

Today, hoodies are everywhere. Luxury brands sell them for hundreds of dollars. Tech companies print logos on them. They come in fleece, cotton, and technical fabrics. Some have zippers, making them zip-up hoodies. Others are pullover style. Fit ranges from slim to oversized. The hoodie is one of the few garments that crosses age, class, and subculture. That reach is why it remains a wardrobe staple.

Common styles

• Pullover
• Zip-up
• Oversized
• Technical or performance
• Cropped