Hooded tops come in a wide range of variations, from pullovers to cardigans, and it's not uncommon to see people from all walks of life and of various ages donning hoodies at all times of the year.

While nowadays, hooded tops are a core feature of contemporary fashion, the simple idea of adding a hood to sweaters and other items of clothing stretches back through the ages - arguably beginning with the long cowls worn by Catholic monks in the Middle Ages, but recognisably taking off in the early 20th century.

Just as denim jeans were originally created as purely functional leg protection for miners and other manual labourers before achieving phenomenal popularity in the fashion world, so were hoodies - they were originally developed by Champion Sportswear in the 1930s to keep American warehouse workers warm in cold conditions. Although hoods would continue to feature prominently on outdoor wear such as coats and jackets, hooded sweatshirts only began to emerge as a conscious style choice with the rise of hip hop culture in the 1980s and beyond. Similarly, the iconic presence of hoodies in the Rocky film series did a lot to raise their profile.

The term 'hoodie' originated in the 1990s, and this fashion item has become popular in many parts of the world - often with different associations. For instance, in Far East countries such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, hoodies often feature cartoon characters and other consciously 'cute' imagery, and are particularly popular in youth culture.

Over time hoodies became popular with the general fashion conscious public - especially when brands like Armani and Ralph Lauren jumped on the bandwagon to produce high quality, prestige hooded tops as the basis of many clothing collections.

The term 'hoodie' originated in the 1990s, and this fashion item has become popular in many parts of the world - often with different associations. For instance, in Far Eastern countries such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, hoodies often feature cartoon characters and other consciously 'cute' imagery, and are particularly popular in youth culture.

Similarly, most high street clothing stores have their own particular hoodies that are at the forefront of high street fashion. With the wide variety of styles of hoodies that are now on offer, it's fair to say that anyone can look cool in a hoodie regardless of their general "style" - it's all about finding the right style and colour to suit your particular image, and teaming it up with the right jeans, trainers, or coat.

Regardless of personal preconceptions of what a hoodie is, one thing is for certain - they appeal to such a wide range of people and have been popular for so long, that it's safe to call them one of the most important pieces of clothing to have been developed over the last century.

Dave MacKinder writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.