The history behind the 'Cosby sweater'
Ornery old man, political provocateur and beloved Philadelphian Bill Cosby will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of “The Cosby Show” very soon. In honor of the 1980s sitcom, CNN tracked down the story behind the famed Cosby sweater.
Ornery old man, political provocateur and beloved Philadelphian Bill Cosby will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of "The Cosby Show" very soon. In honor of the 1980s sitcom, CNN tracked down the story behind the famed Cosby sweater.
Known for their bright colors and wacky patterns, Cosby sweaters were a staple on the show, on which Cosby played Dr. Cliff Huxtable, the patriarch of his upper-middle-class, black family living in New York City. The sweaters matched Cosby's over-the-top persona on the show and have recently made a style resurgence among the youth.
Koos van den Akker designed the first Cosby sweater as a gift. Later, the designer continued to make the sweaters Cosby wore on the show, along with other brands, like Missoni and Perry Ellis.
Today, millennials seek out Cosby-style sweaters at second-hand stores. They're often worn with slim-fit bottoms and warm boots or sneakers. In the colder months, the sweaters' comfort factor can't be denied.
Check out the CNN special and learn how far of a reach the loud Cosby sweaters really have.