A hoodie (or hoody, short meant for "hooded sweatshirt") is a weighty upper-body garment with a hood, most usually worn by men and boys. The distinctive design contains large front pockets, a hood, and a drawstring to adjust the hood opening. Hoodies with zippers are termed as hooded jackets.
The hoodie was introduced in the 1970s as numerous factors contributed to its success. Hip hop way of life developed in New York City around this time, and the hoodie's element of instant obscurity, provided by the accessible hood, appealed to those with criminal intent. High style also contributed in this era, as Norma Kamali and other high-profile designer embraced and glamorized the new clothing. Most decisive to the hoodie's popularity during this time was its iconic look in the blockbuster Rocky film. His attire personified the persevering spirit of the American Dream at the time, and simultaneously appealed to workingmen, street thug, and athletes. By the 1990s, the hoodie had developed into a symbol of isolation, a statement of academic spirit, and several fashion collections.
