The Beginning
In 1920, Benjamin Russell Jr., a football player from the University of Alabama, invented the first crewneck sweatshirt.
Seeking relief from the discomfort of itchy wool garments, Russell Jr. approached his father, Russell Sr., with an idea for a more comfortable cotton design. Russell Sr. turned this concept into a reality, leading to the establishment of Russell Athletic Co.
The term “sweatshirt” emerged in 1925, defining a collarless, long-sleeved, oversized pullover made of thick fleecy cotton.
Initially, sweatshirts were practical garments specifically crafted for athletes to wear during training for traditional sports. They provided warmth and, as the name implies, were functionally capable of absorbing and inducing sweat during exercise.
Evolution and Popularity
Over time, sweatshirt designs evolved to include a front zipper, giving birth to the popular “hoodie” style. Champion Athletic was the first to market hoodies for football players to wear on the sidelines.
When paired with matching pants known as “sweatpants,” sweatshirts formed an ensemble known as the jog suit, track suit, or sweat-suit. These outfits gained widespread popularity in the 1970s during the jogging craze.
Rising Popularity
In the 1960s, the potential of sweatshirts as portable advertising tools was discovered when U.S. universities began printing their names on them. Sweats adorned with university names became the preferred casual attire for students and parents, showcasing school pride.
Abercrombie & Fitch was a brand that successfully embraced the university trend and propelled it to mainstream success.
In the 1970s, the trend of slogan t-shirts naturally extended to sweatshirts. Recognizing the ease of customization and the impact of clever graphics combined with catchy phrases, sweatshirts became a means of personal expression for both designers and wearers.
Influence of Extreme Sports and Hip-Hop Culture
The emergence of extreme sports such as surfing and skateboarding in the 1980s, along with the rise of hip-hop culture, infused a new level of coolness into the realm of sweatshirts.
For surfers, sweatshirts became a practical component of beachwear, offering quick warmth and aiding in drying by absorbing excess water. Brands like Quiksilver capitalized on the sport’s popularity, incorporating it into their sweatshirt designs, particularly in the 1990s.
Skateboarders also embraced sweatshirts for their functionality, appreciating the heavy cotton fabric’s cushioning effect between their skin and the harsh concrete pavement.
Sweatshirts & Hip-Hop Culture
Meanwhile, in the late 1970s, a cultural revolution was brewing in the South Bronx of New York City. Hip-hop culture emerged as a rebellion against disco and an alternative to gang life, encompassing rap, DJing, breakdancing, graffiti, and fashion. It eventually became a billion-dollar industry with global influence.
Early elements of hip-hop fashion, now known as “old school,” included sweat suits, Adidas or Puma sneakers, Kangol hats, and bold gold jewelry. Colorful sweatshirt ensembles were not only affordable and ubiquitous but also reflected the vibrant energy of graffiti murals. They proved functional during breakdance performances and became synonymous with hip-hop style as artists like the Sugar Hill Gang and Run-DMC gained recognition.
The Legacy Continues
The numerous hip-hop fashion labels that emerged in the early 2000s continue to emphasize the significance of the sweatsuit, making it a prominent feature in their men’s and women’s clothing collections.
Originating as athletic attire, the sweatshirt has achieved widespread dominance in the consumer market, fueled by the rise of logomania during the 1980s. Designers recognized the potential of the sweatshirt as a means to capitalize on branding.
Sweatshirts remain widely recognized and continue to be hot trend items among the young generation. So, don’t forget to shop for more cute sweatshirts and join us today!
