Gangsters in the 70s
Despite being commonplace in the 70s, the origins of gangsters wearing shower caps remains a mystery. It’s not known when exactly they started wearing them, or why. Some suggest it began in the 70s, while others argue it could have been going on for longer.
There are a number of theories proposed to explain why gangsters wore shower caps in the 70s. The most common is that it was a way to ensure that their hair did not get in the way while they were engaged in criminal activity. It’s believed that the shower caps helped protect their hair from wind and water while they drove fast cars and fled from the law.
Another popular reason why gangsters wore shower caps in the 70s was to keep their heads warm in the winter. During this time, gangsters often lived in cold and damp environments, and the shower caps provided a layer of insulation that helped keep them warm.
Yet another reason why gangsters wore shower caps in the 70s was to create an image of toughness and strength. Wearing the shower caps made them look like they could handle whatever was thrown at them, and it conveyed a sense of authority and intimidation.
Another school of thought suggests that the shower caps were a way for gangsters to show the world that they were different from the rest of society. By wearing the shower caps, they were making a statement that they weren’t like everyone else, and that they had their own style and sense of identity.
Finally, it’s also important to note that the wearing of shower caps by gangsters in the 70s was likely also a way to distinguish themselves from the police. During this era, police officers often wore similar hats, so the gangsters opted to switch things up and wear the shower caps to stand out from the rest.
Geographical Variation
The wearing of shower caps among gangsters in the 70s wasn’t universal, however. It varied from region to region, and even from gang to gang. For example, in the United States, the wearing of shower caps among gangsters was largely confined to California and other parts of the West Coast.
Elsewhere, the trend of wearing shower caps was more widespread. In Europe, the wearing of shower caps among gangsters was especially popular in Italy. In South America, the trend was equally as popular, with gangsters in Brazil and Argentina often seen wearing them.
Media Representation
The wearing of shower caps by gangsters in the 70s was also prominent in popular culture. This era of gangsters was often depicted in films and television shows, and the shower caps were often included as part of the look.
For example, in the 1972 film The Godfather, the Corleone family is seen wearing shower caps during a key scene in which they are in hiding from the police. This scene helped popularize the look, and it has since become an iconic image of gang life in the 70s.
The trend of wearing shower caps by gangsters in the 70s was also popularized by music. During this time period, hip hop music was starting to emerge, and many of the biggest stars of the genre wore shower caps.
Notably, the iconic hip hop group NWA is often pictured wearing shower caps in their videos, including the video for their hit song “Straight Outta Compton”. This helped to solidify the shower cap as part of hip hop culture, and it became an iconic image of the 70s gangster lifestyle.
Why it Disappeared
By the 1980s, the trend of wearing shower caps by gangsters had largely disappeared. The exact reason why is unclear, but it’s likely that it was no longer necessary as the gangs moved away from criminal activity and became more focused on music and fashion.
It’s also possible that the wearing of shower caps had become too closely associated with criminal activity, and the gangs decided to move away from the look in order to distance themselves from their past. Whatever the reason, the trend of wearing shower caps by gangsters in the 70s has largely faded away.
Conclusion
Despite the mystery surrounding the origins of the shower cap among gangsters in the 70s, it’s clear that the trend played an important role as as part of the gangster’s lifestyle. The shower caps were a way for gangs to represent their lifestyle and establish their identity, and the iconic image is still remembered today.
