Before becoming an iconic piece of streetwear and urban fashion, the sweatshirt was born in a very different context. Its history is closely linked to the world of sports, university, and popular culture. Here’s 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 fleece cotton fabric that was softer, absorbent, and flexible.
Initially worn for warming up or recovering after exercise, it was quickly adopted off the field.
2. The rise of the sweatshirt in popular culture
In the 60s and 70s, it became a symbol of student and activist youth.
In the 80s and 90s, the sweatshirt imposed 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 oversized cuts.
3. The sweatshirt in fashion and luxury
From the 2000s, the sweatshirt left the sports realm to enter fashion shows and designer collections.
Brands like Givenchy, Balenciaga, Off-White, or Vetements revisited it with premium materials, tailored 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: a lifestyle icon
It is present in all styles: streetwear, casual, chic, sporty, outdoor…
It continues to evolve with trends: cropped sweatshirts, tie & dye, statement pieces, minimalist or technical.
It symbolizes 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 at its core, what 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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