The hoodie holds the  promise of anonymity, mystery and anxiety and embodies the spirit of the American Dream, simultaneously appealing to workingmen, street thugs, skateboarders, surfers and athletes alike.

The hoodie also served as a primary component for the collections of Tommy Hilfiger, Giorgio Armani, and Ralph Lauren in the 1990s.  Reaching cult like status, "National Hoodie Day", was launched in May 2008 in New Zealand.