Numerous fads have come and gone in the ever changing world of fashion. There have been whole decades synonymous with certain styles like the “bell bottoms” of the 70s, or the neon clothing and leg warmers of the 80s.  But over the acid wash jeans, jean jackets, and parachute pants, one outfit has remained constant in modern popular culture, the hoodie. It’s a comfortable clothing option for a quick run outside, colleges and universities create their own hoodies with their logos and school colors, and boxers have made the style iconic attempting to strike fear in their opponents while conjuring imagery of the Grimm Reaper. Yet the garment has not always been universally accepted by the general public or school campuses; the hoodie’s climb to prosperity was a long one from its sole association with urban culture and those who just wished to remain in mystery

The modern appearance of the hoodie was popularized primarily in the late 70s when Hip Hop culture, primarily in New York, latched on to the style due assurance of anonymity and obscurity. The seed of Hip Hop grew out of the eternal struggle of African Americans in the United States, and as the young generation looked at themselves as outcasts, Hip Hop celebrated social alienation and rebellion. The hoodie became a symbol of that very exclusion and represented a sense of anger and frustration. It was perfectly associated with a style of music that projected rage and bitterness towards a country that rejected its own members. Usually specific groups or gangs are represented by specific fashion such as colors, jackets or bandannas, but the hoodie became a universal design and was able to appeal to many different cultures, classes and social groups.

Now that the culture of Hip Hop has become more of a mainstream source of entertainment and its content reaches areas all across the globe, the hoodie has been adopted world wide. Fashion designers have dedicated whole collections to the hoodie alone. No longer is it solely associated with mystery and defiance, but its seen as a staple of modern wear. People from all walks of life ranging from skater and surfers to athletes and entertainers have embraced this apparel.  I still enjoy the enigmatic look of the hoodie, of walking through the streets with my face hidden from the general public when I don’t want to be bothered. But I also like the multiple styles the hoodie offers, the option of a zip-up or a pull over, the front pockets that are perfect for warming your hands and the different designs and logos that make each one unique. The hoodie is no longer only associated with ambiguity, but has now transcended decades of change and evolution to become the clothing of choice for every class, ethnicity and age.

-Mansa Motif