The hoodie boasts a compelling history that spans centuries. It became a symbol of activism and protest in the 1960s and continued its journey into the 1990s when it gained iconic fashion status in hip-hop music and culture.
Subsequently, it faced mainstream stigma and criminalization but ultimately experienced a revival as a symbol of resistance after Trayvon Martin's tragic death in 2012. In 2020, amidst a global pandemic and a surge in protests for justice and equality, the hoodie not only solidified its role as a symbol of defiance but also emerged as a symbol of self-soothing, and mindfulness, providing comfort to those struggling with mental health challenges amplified by isolation, fear, trauma, and devastation.
During this period, when our family dealt with the emotional, physical, and mental toll of the COVID pandemic and racialized injustice, while actively participating in local activism, community organizing, and protest movements, we grappled with the profound connection between the hoodie's history and the stereotypes that contributed to a broader systemic problem: the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by marginalized communities. It was during this realization that our mission became clear.
Enter Hood Sensory, our endeavor to transform the hoodie into a source of solace through self-care, mindfulness, and comfort, particularly for the neurodivergent and those sensitive to sensory stimuli.
Our uniquely designed hoodies provide sensory input, offering support to individuals dealing with anxiety and various mental health issues, enabling them to better manage stress and find comfort.