Before becoming an iconic piece of streetwear and urban fashion, the sweatshirt was born in a completely different context. Its history is closely linked to the world of sports, university, and popular culture. Here is the origin of the sweatshirt, from its functional beginnings to its status as a fashion must-have.
1. Birth in university sports
The sweatshirt appeared in the 1920s in the United States, invented for university athletes.
It replaced wool sweaters, uncomfortable and irritating, with a soft, absorbent, and flexible cotton fleece fabric.
Initially worn for warming up or recovering after effort, it was quickly adopted off the field.
2. The rise of the sweatshirt in popular culture
In the 60s-70s, it became a symbol of student and activist youth.
In the 80s-90s, the sweatshirt established itself with the explosion of hip-hop culture, skateboarding, and street sports.
Brands like Nike, Adidas, Champion, or Fila made it essential, often with visible logos and oversize cuts.
3. The sweatshirt in fashion and luxury
From the 2000s, the sweatshirt stepped out of the sports frame to join fashion shows and designer collections.
Brands like Givenchy, Balenciaga, Off-White, or Vetements revisited it with premium materials, refined cuts, and a strong urban aesthetic.
It became a strong piece, able to be worn with dress pants, a long coat, or luxury sneakers.
4. The sweatshirt today: lifestyle icon
It is present in all styles: streetwear, casual, chic, sporty, outdoor…
It continues to evolve with trends: cropped sweatshirts, tie & dye, message prints, minimalist or technical.
It is a symbol of comfort, freedom, and personal expression.
Conclusion
The sweatshirt has crossed decades, cultures, and social classes to become an iconic piece of the modern wardrobe. But deep down, what exactly is a sweatshirt? Born on sports fields, it now reigns on runways and in the streets. A true style chameleon, at the crossroads of comfort and attitude.
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