The hoodie was “born” in 1919. Not to a cool cat who has inimitable style or someone whose flair for fashion was ahead of its time. The hoodie, much like the quintessential jeans, started out as a utilitarian part of a sweatshirt. It was designed to protect laborers and athletes from the elements.
Today, however, this utilitarian feature has become stylish and something of a symbol, especially black hoodies.
The Black Hoodie and What it Means
How did the hoodie go from practical wear to streetwear? You can thank high school for that switch. When athletes began lending their hooded sweatshirts to their girlfriends, suddenly the sweater usually worn on the sidelines became fashionable style beyond the football field or track.
The rise of urban and skater culture turned this high school piece of stylish sweater into a valuable prop for concealing one’s identity. A black hoodie is particularly helpful for graffiti artists to duck the authorities while they work on a wall or skaters from being identified when they crash someone’s backyard. But a black hooded pullover doesn’t just provide a low profile for illicit activities; the material and construction also protects the person, in style, during winter.
As gangsta rap came to the fore, with rappers and groups donning pared-down outfits to match the gritty undertone of the genre. Although mainstream fashion has used sweater hoodies in black and more, the police still associate the fashion piece exclusively to criminal behavior. Anyone walking the streets at night in a black hoodie becomes a suspect.
And so the storied hoodie now finds its place in a kind of resistance. Celebrities, athletes, musicians and activists have worn black hoodies to symbolize their support for people who have been persecuted and, in tragic cases, killed for “acting suspicious” in their black sweatshirt hoodies.
What are the Most Popular Hoodies?
Small wonder then that this seemingly casual, protective top has become a stylish piece in anyone’s wardrobe. And any brand that offers it is likely to see sales soar.
But which are the most popular hoodies?
According to Ranker.com, Nike holds the top spot as the most popular brand for hoodies. The mega sports brand is followed by Adidas, Champion, Vans and Supreme. Clearly, most people use sweatshirt hoodies for sports activities. Some may wear it while running, others may put on after a boxing training.
Other brands in the Ranker list are posh designers, like Gucci and Emporio Armani and edgy brands, like Obey and Deathwish Inc. Skater brands, such as Enjoi and Plan B also make the list for most popular providers of hoodies.
Which Brand Makes the Best Hoodies?
Whether it’s a black hoodie you want, the best brand doesn’t have to come with a high street price tag. Although it wouldn’t hurt your wardrobe to have one dressy black hoodie for clubbing if you enjoy a lot of night outs.
But if your main concerns revolve around everyday errands, running around the park, heading to the gym for weights or yoga, and just keeping cozy on those chilly days, these black brand hoodies should meet your demands.
Champion Pullover Hoodie
The all-around black hoodie every man and woman may want to have in their closet. Pull it over a pair of jeans or pajamas and you’re good to go for a fuss-free day around the house. Or a quick grocery run.
Nike Sportswear Black Hoodie
There’s a reason people go to Nike for sportswear. The black brand hoodie is a classic, blending cotton and poly, letting you get your workout done in fashion.
Carhartt Defender Hoodie
For those who do a lot of outdoor work, Carhartt’s Defender big black hoodie is a must. It’s perfect for heavy-duty work in cold weather. And it’s about $89 on Amazon.
Uniqlo Cotton Hoodie
The Uniqlo black hoodie combines cotton and poly, like Nike and Carhartt. It’s designed with a classic French terry hoodie with a V patch.
Adidas Essential Hoodie
The Essential Hoodies from Adidas features several different styles. If you’re not a fan of the pullover, the brand has full-zip hoodies. For softer feel, try out the French terry hoodies. A fleece black hoodie can go for a low of $50.
Everlane Track Hoodie
If you’re looking for 100 percent organic cotton, black sweatshirt hoodie to run in, Everlane’s hoodie works just fine. It’s custom-developed French terry construction provides a luxurious feel without the posh price at under a hundred.
Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie
Hanes’ hoodie is made from 5 percent polyester that comes from recycled plastic bottles. It’s about $30.
Horizon Studios Travel Hoodie
Finally, if you can spare the cash, spring for the Horizon Studios black hoodie. It’s designed for travelers who can splurge on a pullover with a hood that’s got a cushioning and a fold out mask. The temperature-regulating fabric is also made from organic material: coffee charcoal and jade. Not only that, this black hoodie also fights odor and overheating. With all of these features, expect to pay close to two hundred.
Is a Sweater and a Hoodie the Same Thing?
A sweater and a hoodie are both reliable for keeping you warm when temperatures drop. But they are not the same thing. The most obvious difference is that a hoodie comes with a hood whereas a sweater doesn’t. So a hoodie can be a sweater but a sweater can’t be a hoodie.
But these tops also have other differences.
Sweater
- It’s usually a pullover
- It has different neckline options: crew, cowl, v-neck or turtleneck
- Typically made from wool or wool blends
Hoodie
- Usually from cotton and fleece
- They have no waist
- Design generally features kangaroo pockets
Choosing an All Black Hoodie
Whether you go with a casual, cheap black hoodie depends on what you’ll need it for. If you’re the athletic type, you may want to spend a bit more to get more use out of this hooded sweatshirt. And if you live in a cooler place, get black hoodies that will keep you as warm and all cozy as possible.