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Florence Sullivan

13 Best Hoodies to Wear Anywhere and Everywhere

The not-so-humble hooded sweatshirt is still the reigning champ of loungewear.

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Buckle in for a quick history lesson, folks. Before it took over runways around the world, the modern hoodie had relatively humble beginnings. In the 1930s, Champion began producing a sweatshirt in thick material, with a hood to protect athletes and working men who had to cope with chilly environments. Its purpose was purely practical. At the same time, the brand started reaching out to high schools across America, offering merch for sports teams. The hoodie gained steam with the kids, and it took on some personality. By the '70s and '80s, the style had been assimilated by the mass market, from musicians to engineers to athletes and mall-goers.


Our favorite hoodies, at a glance:


Today the hooded sweatshirt has gone fully mainstream. Not only is it available in every conceivable color, fabric, size, and print, but you can buy one for anywhere from $30 to $3,000. From breathable, workout-oriented options done up in the best technical fabrics to beefy, ultra-comfortable takes for serious lounging and versions you can wear to the office, there’s a hoodie out there for everyone—a cozy style ranging from athletic to elegant, from a laundry-day fallback to a thousand-dollar luxury piece. There are so many hoodies out there that narrowing it down to the 13 best ones we tested and tried wasn't easy, but friends, we did it for you. If you need a hand narrowing this list down even further, take some advice from Esquire's Style Director, Jonathan Evans.

"What makes a great hoodie is pretty personal," he says. "Some folks prefer one that's super soft and somewhat slim. Others want heavyweight material and a generous cut. Neither side is wrong. But in general, you want to make sure it's not too tight, because a hoodie should first and foremost be comfortable." Fear not, folks; we have hoodies of all kinds of cuts and fits below.

"The hood should have enough structure that it isn't just a sad flop of fabric hanging behind your neck. And a kangaroo pocket in front, though not strictly required, is a great place to jam your hands when the temps are down and the wind is whipping up."

And remember: The astute foresight of Champion is never as appreciated as it is in winter. So pay your respects to the humble sweatshirt and commence the hoodie harvest.

the best laidback hoodie

Todd Snyder x Champion Canadian Fleece Relaxed Hoodie

Canadian Fleece Relaxed Hoodie
Pros
  • Double-layered hood for structure and warmth
  • Knit designed to resist vertical shrinkage
Cons
  • Only one color option

Nobody really knows how to hoodie like Champion knows how to hoodie, being the creator of the OG product, after all. And few people know how to fuse style and fit as perfectly as Todd Snyder, so when the two pair up, it's nothing short of a match made in heaven. This collaboration is the best of both worlds—the hoodie is perfectly oversized, with relaxed shoulders and a midweight French terry fabric that has a pre-loved feel (but always a chic look). It's specially knit to resist shrinkage in the wash, and without drawstrings, it has a clean, contemporary look that pairs perfectly under a trench coat, blazer, or on its own.

ColorsSilver Mix
SizesXS-2XL
Materials100% Cotton 20 oz. French Terry
FitOversized
the best boxy hoodie

Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Popover Hoodie

Essential Popover Hoodie
Pros
  • Available in Regular and Tall fits
  • Plenty of color options
Cons
  • Prone to fading over time and with washes

Abercrombie's boxy hoodie is a basic that your closet deserves to have. I'm someone who loves an oversized hoodie, but hates when "oversized" means "incredibly long and not very wide"—A&F has solved this issue, with the perfect length-to-width ratio, dropped shoulders, and a just perfectly baggy fit. The quality of this hoodie can be felt immediately, too; the seams are thick, the silhouette has a slight structure to it, and without being claustrophobic or heavy, it's warm as hell.

Colors37
Sizes2XS-3XL
Materials70% Cotton, 30% Polyester
FitBoxy
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the best slim-fit hoodie

J.Crew Heritage 14 Oz. Fleece Hoodie

Heritage 14 Oz. Fleece Hoodie
Pros
  • Can add a monogram
  • Available in Classic and Tall fits
Cons
  • Some buyers find it too heavy

A baggy hoodie isn't to everyone's taste, and that's perfectly okay. I'm partial to an oversized fit myself, but even I have to admit that J.Crew is doing some wonderful things with this slim-fit, fleece-lined hoodie. The inside is brushed for softness, and the outside is snug and sleek. The adjustable drawcords allow for the perfect hood fit, and with ribbed trims throughout, this is a style that keeps the warmth in and the heat out. Plus, the fabric is designed to resist shrinking, so you'll be set with the perfect fit for a long, long time.

ColorsNavy, Heather Gray, Green, Black
SizesXS-2XL
Materials84% Cotton, 16% Polyester
FitSlim
the best athleisure hoodie

Lululemon Steady State Pullover Hoodie

Steady State Pullover Hoodie
Pros
  • Breathable, lightweight fabric
  • Kangaroo pocket has hidden phone and coin sleeves
Cons
  • Buyers report it shrinks in the wash

Lululemon is all about providing comfort and quality, and that's exactly what this hoodie feels like. It's slouchy, oversized, and roomy as hell, with a giant kangaroo pocket that'll have no trouble fitting a water bottle and maybe even some snacks inside (trust me, I tried). The fabric is warm, but breathable, so you can still do some lifting in it if that's your style. If it's not, don't worry; this is definitely a comfy, cozy hoodie you can slouch around the house in.

Colors10
SizesXS-2XL
Materials70% Cotton, 30% Recycled Polyester
FitRelaxed
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the best affordable hoodie

Hanes EcoSmart Fleece Hoodie

EcoSmart Fleece Hoodie
Pros
  • Plenty of size and color options
  • Double-needle stitching for sturdiness
Cons
  • Material is thin

If you prefer a hoodie that fits narrower and has less structure, I have good news for you—the purveyors our favorite tee make a damn good hoodie, too. At an unbeatable price, this is a hoodie that's as versatile as it is comfortable. The fleece interior is never too hot, but is always super-soft. It has a straight fit, so if you want an oversized look, feel free to size up; otherwise, grab your favorite leather or denim jacket, some loafers, and be merrily on your way.

Colors31
SizesS-5XL
Materials50% Cotton, 50% Polyester
FitClassic
the best heavyweight hoodie

Gap Extra Heavyweight Hoodie That Hoodies

Extra Heavyweight Hoodie That Hoodies
Pros
  • Heavyweight, warm, 650-gram extra cotton-blend fabric isn't stuffy
  • Has great structure-to-slouch ratio
Cons
  • Sizes and colors are prone to selling out quickly

I've already sung my praises about this super-thick, warm hoodie ad nauseum, so I'll let my colleague and Esquire's Commerce Editor, Luke Guillory, take over for a second. Although, fair warning, there's a consensus about this hoodie around here. Luke says, "I agree with our style team. This is my platonic ideal of a hoodie. It fits off the shoulders and cropped at my natural waist, and the heavyweight fabric is just perfect. It's not restrictive, so I could wear it for a workout. But, it also looks great under a coat for a grocery run."

ColorsDark Night, Red Violet, French Almond, Active Orange
SizesXS-2XL
Materials82% Cotton, 18% Polyester
FitOversized
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the best basic hoodie

Uniqlo Sweat Pullover Hoodie

Sweat Pullover Hoodie
Pros
  • Contoured hood has great structure
  • Looped lining designed to prevent sagging and pilling
Cons
  • On the thin side

"Expensive hoodies are just not my style," says our Commerce Editor, Luke Guillory. "A hoodie is a utility garment. I wear it around the house, working out, and doing yard work. It's going to get trashed, so I don't want to spend big. For that purpose, Uniqlo makes the perfect hoodie. But if happen to wear it to brunch, it's still pretty good looking. The front pouch is sewn on the inside of the jacket, so it doesn't give you that kangaroo hand-warmer pouch look."

ColorsGray, Black, Off-White, Beige
Sizes2XS-3XL
Materials100% Cotton
FitClassic
the best lightweight hoodie

Mack Weldon ACE Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt

ACE Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt
Pros
  • Also available as a crewneck, half-zip, or full-zip
  • Ribbed side panels offer extra stretch
Cons
  • Some buyers dislike the terry interior

For working out or hanging out, Mack Weldon has a go-to hoodie that'll always come in clutch. You can feel the quality in this one as soon as you put it on; it's in the durable seams, the roomy kangaroo pocket, and the adjustable hood. For those who may prefer a tougher lining than fleece, micro-brushed French terry offers a cozy-yet-breathable feel. Plus, with its fit that leans on the slim side, this is a great pick for winter layering.

ColorsCharcoal Heather, Total Eclipse Blue, Gray Heather, True Black, True Black Camo
SizesS-2XL
Materials89% Cotton, 8% Polyester, 3% Spandex
FitClassic
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the best slouchy hoodie

Fear of God Logo-Print Cotton-Jersey Hoodie

Logo-Print Cotton-Jersey Hoodie
Pros
  • Has concealed side pockets
  • Structured-yet-slouchy fit
Cons
  • Pockets aren't very deep

It's thick, tough, and perfectly slouchy, with relaxed shoulders and a boxy, contemporary fit. If you're looking for a cool hoodie to invest in now and wear forever, this is the one. Fear of God's heavyweight icon is all about staying casual and fashionable, with super-soft cotton-jersey, a double-layered hood, and a subtle logo on the back.

ColorsBlack, Cream
SizesXS-2XL
Materials100% Cotton
FitOversized, Boxy
the best oversized hoodie

Represent x Metallica Master Of Puppets Hoodie

Master Of Puppets Hoodie
Pros
  • Ribbed cuffs and hem
  • Hood has Cobrax snap
Cons
  • Only one color option

I've owned and loved this hoodie since it dropped; in fact, I insisted on bringing mine in for this very shoot, because that's how strongly I believe in it. British streetwear label Represent has one of the best midweight, oversized hoodies out there, made even better with splashy Metallica graphics throughout. This is the hoodie I cozy up in at home, on airplanes, and even at work. The quality is incredibly high, too; I've washed mine dozens of times by now, and it still looks and feels good as new (if anything, it's even softer now than it once was). It's perfectly roomy in the chest and waist, with a deep kangaroo pocket, thick-but-not-too-thick feel, and looks that don't quit.

ColorsVintage Gray
Sizes2XS-2XL
Materials100% Cotton
FitOversized
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the best designer hoodie

Stone Island Logo-Appliquéd Garment-Dyed Cotton-Jersey Hoodie

Logo-Appliquéd Garment-Dyed Cotton-Jersey Hoodie
Pros
  • High-quality construction
  • Timeless look and comfort
Cons
  • Fabric doesn't have a lot of stretch

That Stone Island compass badge is a surefire way to tell if a garment is high-quality, and this hoodie brings the heat in feel and looks. The sleek, simple black exterior is soft and warm, with midweight cotton that's breathable and versatile. Plus, the thick, ribbed hem and cuffs are designed to keep the heat in and the cold out. For an even better fit, there are adjustable drawcords for the hood, too.

ColorsBlack
SizesS-2XL
Materials100% Cotton
FitClassic
the best midweight hoodie

Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Standard Hoodie

Midweight Terry Standard Hoodie
Pros
  • Pre-washed to avoid shrinkage
  • Ribbed side panels offer flexiblity
Cons
  • Runs long

Simple, classic, and well-crafted—everything a hoodie should be. Reigning Champ makes a midweight icon, with a dual-layer hood, semi-raglan sleeves, and flatlock seams. It sits close to the body, but not too close—you've still got room to breathe and layer. What I noticed immediately when feeling this style is that it's soft as an old T-shirt, both on the inside and outside. Not only that, but it's pretty sturdy, too, with a stretchy material that'll only get better with time.

ColorsBlack, Heather Gray, Navy, Oxblood, Petrol
SizesXS-2XL
Materials100% Cotton
FitClassic
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the best knit hoodie

Buck Mason Loopback Wool Hooded Sweatshirt

Loopback Wool Hooded Sweatshirt
Pros
  • Hand-linked seams offer durability
  • Super cozy
Cons
  • Dry clean only due to fabric

Have you ever had to choose between wearing a soft cashmere and wool sweater in the morning, or a comfortable hoodie instead? Choose no longer—Buck Mason is offering both in one, with the brand's signature dose of laidback, California cool. This casual knit hoodie can easily be elevated with some pleated pants and loafers, but it's a casual icon, too. The fabric is soft as hell, cozy, and warm—how can jersey, wool, and cashmere not be? That being said, it lacks some of the thicker structure and drape of a regular hoodie, and fits more like a slim sweater. But with an adjustable hood, deep kangaroo pocket, and ribbed cuffs, it's still got the classic hoodie features you know and love.

ColorsLight Oat, Charcoal
SizesXS-2XL
MaterialsJersey Knit, Cashmere, Merino Wool
FitSlim

Why You Can Trust Esquire

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We won't say something is great unless it's actually great. Every product picked for Esquire's roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to hoodies, you can rest assured that we're hand-selecting styles that we've personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse. With endless options on the market, we've had to go through a lot of trial and error, and we narrowed it down to these hoodies that are simply the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don't, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you're looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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