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13 Best Hoodies to Wear Anywhere and Everywhere
The not-so-humble hooded sweatshirt is still the reigning champ of loungewear.
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:
- The best basic hoodie: Uniqlo Sweat Pullover Hoodie, $50
- The best streetwear hoodie: Stone Island Logo-Appliquéd Hoodie, $405
- The coolest hoodie: Represent x Metallica Master of Puppets Hoodie, $255
- The slouchiest hoodie: Fear of God Logo-Print Hoodie, $595
- The warmest hoodie: Gap Extra Heavyweight Hoodie That Hoodies, $98
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.
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