If Grandma’s chicken soup was magically transformed into a piece of clothing, it would undoubtedly be a hoodie. Good hoodies go beyond comfortable into the realm of coziness; they have a familiar feel, almost like a home away from home you carry around on your back.
But as with any other kind of clothing, some hoodies are made better than others, and some high quality hoodies are built for specific scenarios like athletics or lounging around.
In this post we’ll go into what you should look for in quality hoodies. How you can work them into your casual outfits. Which hoodies are old-reliables and will last you for years, and which hooded sweatshirts are popping up as the latest and hottest trends.
Perhaps the best thing about hoodies is that they’re a real wardrobe investment. They become the equivalent of a comfort blanket, transforming into your go-to article of clothing when you feel the need to relax. Give them a little tender loving care, and they’ll be with you for years… or at least until your significant other steals it for themself.
The 21 best hoodies for men
| # | Brand | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allbirds | Best overall |
| 2 | Axel Arigato Trademark | Best high-end |
| 3 | Hanes | Best value |
| 4 | Sunspel | Most stylish |
| 5 | On-Running | Best for workout |
| 6 | Champion | Best basic |
| 7 | lululemon | Best zip-up |
| 8 | Horizn Studios | Most comfortable |
| 9 | Tom Ford | Best designer |
| 10 | Axel Arigato Memo | Best thick |
| 11 | Acne Studios | Best oversized |
| 12 | Nike Jordan Essentials | Softest |
| 13 | Carhartt | Best heavyweight |
| 14 | Adidas | Best sweat-wicking |
| 15 | Nike Sportswear Tech | Best pullover |
| 16 | Axel Arigato Zip-up | Best plain |
| 17 | Under Armour | Best black |
| 18 | Jacquemus | Best white |
| 19 | Eleventy | Best jacket |
| 20 | Gildan | Best budget |
| 21 | Brunello Cucinelli | Most expensive |
Allbirds R&R: Best overall hoodie for men
- Colors
- Natural Black, Hazy Sienna, True Navy + More
- Material
- Organic cotton blend
- Sizes
- XS—XXXL
- Zipper closure
- No
Rest and Relaxation is right there on the label, and we’re happy to report that Allbirds R&R lives up to its name. When it comes to sweatshirts with hoodies, especially ones geared towards kicking back and chilling out, you’re going to have a hard time finding anything higher on the cozy-scale. And if you want to pin your comfort-needle, match your hoodie with a pair of Allbirds shoes, the celebrity-endorsed footwear that some are calling the most comfortable kicks in the world.
Learn more about the story behind Allbirds.
Check price: Allbirds R&R: Best overall hoodie for men at Allbirdsat Allbirds · Great deals every day
Axel Arigato Trademark Hoodie: Best men’s high-end hoodie
- Colors
- Navy
- Material
- Organic cotton
- Sizes
- XS—XL
- Zipper closure
- Yes
Trust avant-garde label Axel Arigato, to make the humble hoodie its trademark piece. And while it maintains the hoodie’s comfort-first mantra, you can’t help but feel like you’re part of the in-crowd with a streetwear-inspired collectible.
One of the best 100% cotton hoodies in the game, Axel Arigato’s Trademark hoodie boasts brushed insides, making for an extra soothing tactile sensation. The cut is a classic hoodie silhouette with Axel Arigato’s name on the breast to let people in on the secret that all that brushed cotton goodness is stroking your skin.
Check price: Axel Arigato Trademark Hoodie: Best men’s high-end hoodie at Axel Arigatoat Axel Arigato · Competitive prices
Hanes Ecosmart: Best value hoodie for men
- Colors
- Black, Ash, Cardinal + More
- Material
- Recycled fleece
- Sizes
- S-5XL
- Zipper closure
- No
The Hanes hoodie may be a luxury, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth—literally and figuratively speaking. This Ecosmart design is both affordable and sustainably made from recycled plastic. Plus, the brand’s extensive range of hues is an excuse to add more than one to your arsenal.
If you’re looking for an affordable hoodie that can pull double-duty as both comfort clothing and athletic wear, give Hanes’ Ecosmart pullovers a whirl. With a cotton and polyester blend, you’re sure to stay warm, while the double-needle arms will stay intact even if you’re giving them a full-on workout.
Check price: Hanes Ecosmart: Best value hoodie for men at Amazonat Amazon · Great deals
Sunspel Loopback: Most stylish men’s hoodie
- Colors
- Black, Grey, Navy + More
- Material
- Cotton
- Sizes
- XS—XXL
- Zipper closure
- No
Proving that function and fashion aren’t always mutually exclusive, this clean-cut hoodie is sleek, simple, and easy to wear. We especially love it in black for an effortlessly elevated aesthetic that doesn’t compromise comfort.
For a classic hoodie silhouette look no further than Sunspel’s Loopback Cotton-Jersey Hoodie. The solid lines and solid coloring make this a tip top choice for a wardrobe foundation. Put it together with a bomber jacket and jeans for a crisp clean look suitable for chilly fall days. Or leave it as outerwear and counter it with some bright white sneakers for quick chores around town. Any way you work it, Sunspel’s Loopback is going to look just right.
Check price: Sunspel Loopback: Most stylish men’s hoodie at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Express delivery
On-Running: Best men’s hoodie for working out
- Colors
- Black, Mulberry, Navy + More
- Material
- Recycled polyester
- Sizes
- S-XXL
- Zipper closure
- No
If you intend to wear your hoodie to the gym or around the track, it’s important that it stays out of your way. We especially love this ON Running hoodie for its unobtrusive slim fit, high-performance quality, and efforts towards sustainability.
Attention to detail was the top order of this performance hoodie. On-Running’s All-day and Training Hoodie features a lace-guard on the chest which keeps your laces from flipping up in your face while working out. The front pocket boasts a zip-up top so your stuff won’t go flying out, and the elbow darts will help keep your sports hoodie’s shape. Those little touches add up to one of the best athletic hoodies we’ve ever seen.
Check price: On-Running: Best men’s hoodie for working out at Farfetchat Farfetch · Authenticity guaranteed
Champion Powerblend: Best basic hoodie for men
- Colors
- Leather Brown, Balboa Blue, Green Reef + More
- Material
- Fleece
- Sizes
- XS—4XL
- Zipper closure
- No
Accredited with inventing the hoodie, you don’t get more classic than a Champion fleece pullover. Even with the influx of contemporary hoodie brands, the time-honored label has remained a champion of quality and versatility in our eyes.
If you’re pretty sure your clothing is going to take a beating, then you’ll probably want something that is affordable and durable. Champion’s Powerblend pullovers tick both of those boxes. A classic in the world of trendy hoodies menswear, this Champion hoodie is the perfect pullover for a game of flag football or walking the dog through a nearby forest.
Check price: Champion Powerblend: Best basic hoodie for men at Amazonat Amazon · Huge selection
lululemon Steady State Full-Zip: Best zip-up hoodie for men
- Colors
- Legacy Green, Black
- Material
- Cotton-blend fleece
- Sizes
- XS-XXL
- Zipper closure
- Yes
A zip-up that looks sharp enough to wear out, in a fleece that puts softness first.
There’s sometimes a bit of a bias against men’s zip up hoodies, the feeling that the zipper makes them too informal for anything other than lounging or sports. lululemon’s Steady State Full-Zip Hoodie disagrees. It is a soft cotton-blend fleece with a zip that runs the full length of the front, and its clean lines give it a dressier air than many other men’s hoodies, including pullovers.
Check price: lululemon Steady State Full-Zip: Best zip-up hoodie for men at lululemonat lululemon · Fast, reliable delivery
Horizn Studios Travel Hoodie: Most comfortable hoodie for men
- Colors
- Black, GoGo Electric Blue, GoGo White + More
- Material
- Temperature-regulating fabrics
- Sizes
- XS—XL
- Zipper closure
- No
While we never travel without this high-tech hoodie, it’s good for more than just boarding planes. As our most comfortable hoodie for men, it’s usually the first thing we climb into after a long day at the office.
Now here’s something you don’t see everyday. Horizon Studios took their travel hoodie to the next level by adding a sleep mask, built right into the hood. On top of that, this travel hoodie is peta approved, vegan, temperature-regulating, combats odor, and oh yeah, sports a cool modern tech look. It’s hoodie science, given the deluxe treatment.
Check price: Horizn Studios Travel Hoodie: Most comfortable hoodie for men at Horizn Studiosat Horizn Studios · Secure checkout
Tom Ford Hoodie: Best men’s designer hoodie
- Colors
- Light Grey Slate
- Material
- Cotton
- Sizes
- XXS—3XL
- Zipper closure
- Yes
We always think that superlative basics are worth investing in. And while this hoodie is more expensive than most of our other favorite brands, it’s a price we’re willing to pay for a Tom Ford piece that we wear as often as we do.
Sporting modern good looks, Tom Ford’s designer hoodie almost seems to be visiting us from the future. The sharp geometric cuts and neutral tones make this hoodie a prime candidate to be matched with metallic watches and jewelry, and can mix well with your favorite sneakers and jeans for a crisp relaxed look.
Check price: Tom Ford Hoodie: Best men’s designer hoodie at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Authentic designer pieces
Axel Arigato Memo: Best thick hoodie for men
- Colors
- Brown
- Material
- Organic cotton
- Sizes
- XS—XL
- Zipper closure
- No
How do you stay toasty and trendy while toasting marshmallows around the campfire? With this snug pullover hoodie by Axel Arigato. Just be prepared for it to be stolen by your significant other.
Spun up from 100% lamb wool, the Axel Arigato Memo is a super thick top perfect for nights out around a bonfire with your friends. The ottoman stitching at the hemline and cuffs adds a decorative flair to what is already a handsomely cut silhouette. The Memo is an excellent melding of coziness and couture.
Check price: Axel Arigato Memo: Best thick hoodie for men at Axel Arigatoat Axel Arigato · Trusted luxury retailer
Acne Studios Face-patch: Best men’s oversized hoodie
- Colors
- Black, White, Grey + More
- Material
- 100% organic cotton
- Sizes
- XXS—XL
- Zipper closure
- No
If we’re going to lose ourselves to luxury, it’ll be for this sumptuous hoodie by unconventional label Acne Studios. Reflecting the brand’s nonconformist ideologies, the oversized silhouette is a style statement that also happens to be a cocoon of comfort.
If you’re searching for pure relaxed comfort, go big or go home. In particular, go with Acne Studio’s Face-patch oversized hoodie, with its long sleeves and oversized fit. Even larger men should find themselves with plenty of room to work with when wrapped up in this 100% organic cotton beauty of a beast.
Check price: Acne Studios Face-patch: Best men’s oversized hoodie at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Free returns available
Nike Jordan Essentials: Best soft hoodie for men
- Colors
- Medium Olive, Gym Red, Carbon Heather + More
- Material
- French terry
- Sizes
- XS—XXL
- Zipper closure
- No
Featuring S-tier softness, the Nike Jordan pullover is the sartorial equivalent of a comforting mum-hug—but that much cooler. We wear ours on the streets and around the house and can never get over how snug it really is.
Nike’s Jordan Essentials pullover ranks at the top of soft hoodies for men because of its brushed French terry construction. Terry cloth is the same stuff that is used to make your most comfortable bathroom towels and bathrobes, but French terry is far less moisture-absorbent, meaning this hoodie isn’t going to turn into a heavy sweaty mess as you work it out on the basketball court.
Check price: Nike Jordan Essentials: Best soft hoodie for men at Nikeat Nike · Shop with confidence
Carhartt Defender: Best heavyweight hoodie for men
- Colors
- Black, Jasper, Peat + More
- Material
- Cotton blend
- Sizes
- S-4XL
- Zipper closure
- No
Affordable and snug, this heavyweight pullover is punching above its price tag on all fronts. Made from water-repellent fabrics, it’s extremely durable and weather-friendly. And we love that it comes in a range of unique colorways.
A midweight hoodie, the Carhartt Defender is a must-have for those of us working in an outdoor situation. The heavyweight build not only keeps you warm in cooler scenarios, but it can also take a work-born beating without falling to pieces. Because of the very reasonable price, you can grab more than one so that you have multiple colors ready to mix and match with your heavy-duty workplace boots and pants.
Check price: Carhartt Defender: Best heavyweight hoodie for men at Amazonat Amazon · Fast delivery on many items
Adidas Designed for Training: Best sweat-wicking hoodie for men
- Colors
- Aurora Ink, Grey + More
- Material
- AEROREADY performance fabric
- Sizes
- XS-2XL
- Zipper closure
- No
A training hoodie that keeps you dry through a workout and looks plain enough to wear after it.
Work out. Stay dry. Adidas’ Designed for Training Hoodie is a pullover built for the gym. Its AEROREADY fabric moves sweat away from your skin through a hard session. With only a small logo on the chest, it looks just as right on the walk home.
Check price: Adidas Designed for Training: Best sweat-wicking hoodie for men at adidasat adidas · Easy, secure ordering
Nike Sportswear Tech: Best pullover hoodie for men
- Colors
- Dark Grey Heather, Brown Basalt, Black
- Material
- Fleece
- Sizes
- XS—XXL
- Zipper closure
- No
Yes, we have many pullovers on this list, but none are as affordable and versatile as this one by Nike. Showcasing the brand’s signature street-inspired style, this is a piece you can pull off in any casual setting—whether paired with matching sweats or denim.
Be on the leading crest of trendiness with this offering from Nike. The Sportswear Tech Pullover has a very solid look to it, buffering up your physique’s brawniness with its bulky cut. The articulated tailoring on the sleeves and shoulders adds to the cut look of this top, helping you to stand out from the crowd.
Check price: Nike Sportswear Tech: Best pullover hoodie for men at Nikeat Nike · Wide selection of styles
Axel Arigato Trademark Zip-up: Men’s best plain hoodie
- Colors
- Light Grey Mélange
- Material
- Organic cotton
- Sizes
- XS—XL
- Zipper closure
- Yes
We don’t usually include a brand in our roundups more than twice, but sometimes it’s too good not to. In this case, Axel Arigato’s hoodies are unrivaled in many areas, with the label’s Trademark Zip-Up recognized as our best plain hoodie for men.
The calm color-scheme of Axel Arigato’s Trademark zip-up hoodie delivers a surprise punch with its bright gold zipper. That extra little touch of the gold zipper and gold logo embroidery pushes this up the swank-ladder compared to other men’s zip-up hoodies, making it a good match for more formal clothing like pleats and blazers.
Check price: Axel Arigato Trademark Zip-up: Men’s best plain hoodie at Axel Arigatoat Axel Arigato · Trusted by shoppers
Under Armour UA Icon Fleece: Best black hoodie for men
- Colors
- Black, Pitch Gray, Mod Gray + More
- Material
- Cotton-blend fleece
- Sizes
- XS-3XL
- Zipper closure
- No
A black hoodie is an absolute essential. Oversized and warm, with a kangaroo pocket, this one is a failsafe classic.
Black is popular for a reason. It looks great mixed with colors, but it also looks good on its own. It can be at the forefront of your outfit, or it can take a step back and let other colors take the lead. It can look classy, relaxed, athletic, or ready for the streets. Under Armour’s UA Icon Fleece Hoodie covers all of it: an oversized pullover in a mid-weight cotton-blend fleece, brushed inside for warmth.
Check price: Under Armour UA Icon Fleece: Best black hoodie for men at Under Armourat Under Armour · Great deals every day
Jacquemus Embroidered Jersey: Best men’s white hoodie
- Colors
- White, Black, Sky Blue
- Material
- Organic cotton
- Sizes
- XXS—XL
- Zipper closure
- No
Great—A white hoodie may not be as popular as a black one, but it’s an easy way to lighten up your look without compromising versatility. We love this one by Jacquemus, especially if the majority of your capsule wardrobe is darker hues.
White tops make everything pop. A white hoodie can go a long way toward elevating the rest of your wardrobe. Want to show off your designer kicks? Wear a white top. Want the jacket representing your favorite team to stand out? A white hoodie all the way. The Jacquemus Embroidered hoodie goes the extra mile by looking classy enough to make you stand out all on its own.
Check price: Jacquemus Embroidered Jersey: Best men’s white hoodie at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Competitive prices
Eleventy Blazer Jacket: Men’s best jacket hoodie
- Colors
- Black
- Material
- Cotton
- Sizes
- S—XXL
- Zipper closure
- No
If you’re comfortable with mixing styles and trailblazing trends, we’re sure you’ll be intrigued by the contrasting designs this layered piece explores. On one hand, the suit-inspired style is formal. And on the other, the hooded underlayer is quintessentially relaxed.
Class yourself up and take yourself out. Eleventy’s hoodie-layered blazer jacket is a modern masterpiece that is guaranteed to grab you your share of admiring glances. Definitely one for the clubs, this hoodie-jacket-blazer combo will make you a VIP in any joint featuring a modern beat.
Check price: Eleventy Blazer Jacket: Men’s best jacket hoodie at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Fast, reliable delivery
Gildan Fleece Sweatshirt: Best men’s budget hoodie
- Colors
- Black, Red, Safety Green + More
- Material
- Cotton blend
- Sizes
- S—3XL
- Zipper closure
- No
Looking to fatten up your wardrobe with basics without thinning out your wallet? We think that this Gilded fleece sweatshirt is great quality for its affordable price tag. We recommend adding a classic color and a statement hue to your rotation.
Sometimes you just want the basics, something to keep you warm while you’re raking the leaves, walking the dog, or cheering the kids on at the game. Gildan’s hooded sweatshirts fit the bill nicely, and offer up a wide array of colors so you can add plenty of pizzazz to your wardrobe without breaking your bank.
Check price: Gildan Fleece Sweatshirt: Best men’s budget hoodie at Amazonat Amazon · Shop with confidence
Brunello Cucinelli Rib-knit: Most expensive hoodie for men
- Colors
- Light Tan
- Material
- Wool-cashmere blend
- Sizes
- M—XL
- Zipper closure
- No
If you’re prepared to spend over $1,000 on a hoodie, we think it should be this one by Brunello Cucinelli. Made from a decadent wool-cashmere blend, the paneled-knit pullover epitomizes luxury with its unrivaled comfort and high-end finishes.
Brunello Cucinelli’s rib-knit hoodie is just a treat. The styling has a laid-back nonchalance to it that informs your admirers that you have your life figured out just right. Perfect for lounging, the soft look won’t just put you at ease, everyone around you will feel relaxed as well.
Check price: Brunello Cucinelli Rib-knit: Most expensive hoodie for men at Farfetchat Farfetch · Secure checkout
Buyers’ guide to high quality hoodies for men
There are a lot of different styles of men’s hoodies out there, designed for different aspects of your life. Additionally, once you start delving into hoodie-dom, you’re going to come across a flurry of design-related words and terms that you might not be familiar with.
We understand that this might be a bit overwhelming, so we’ve put together this brief buyer’s guide to help clarify the most common terms you’ll come across.
Tailoring terms and fabrics
Zip-up
Zip-up hoodies are hoodies that feature a zipper along the entire vertical length of the front. You can zip and unzip them like you would with a jacket.
Pull-over
Unlike zip-ups, pull-overs have a solid front with no break in them. Instead of sliding your arms in and then zipping up the front like you would with a jacket, you pull a pull-over down over your head, like a sweater.
Hoodie blazer jacket
A melding of a hoodie, blazer, and jacket. The body of the garment is tailored like a jacket or blazer, whereas straight hoodies are tailored more like a sweater or sweatshirt. However, with this combination garment a hood is attached to the back. This hood will often continue down into a full hoodie pull-over or zip-up inside of the jacket, acting as a permanent inner layer.
Raglan sleeve
A Raglan sleeve is one that travels up beyond the shoulder, right up to the garment’s neckline. The sleeve style is named after FitzRoy Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan, a British military officer who lost an arm in the Battle of Waterloo. Afterwards, his uniforms featured a sleeve of this design to compensate for the missing limb.
Kangaroo pockets
The classic pockets found on the front of many hoodies. The pockets have entry points on both sides.
Jersey
Jersey in this case doesn’t refer to the type of top worn by sports teams. Instead, it refers to a kind of knit fabric, commonly made up singly or of some combination of cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers. Standard jersey knits are smooth on the outer side while piled on the inside. Double-knit jerseys are actually two knits sewn together, piled sides inwards, to create a garment that is smooth on both outer sides.
French terry
French terry is another kind of knit, somewhat similar to the jersey knit in that it has two sides. One side is piles, while the other features a smooth looping knit pattern. French terry is also somewhat similar to terry cloth, which is used in towels and bathrobes. Regular terry is more absorbent, while French terry is more suitable for everyday clothing.
Which hoodie should I buy?
Different hoodies are built for different activities. If you’re looking for activewear, then ideally you’re going to want a tighter-fitting hoodie that leaves room around your shoulders for your arms to have a full range of motion.
Additionally, you’ll want your sports hoodies to wick moisture so you don’t end up a soggy mess. And of course you’ll probably want a hoodie that is a lighter weight; you’ll risk overheating with a heavier hoodie.
For athletic hoodies, start with Adidas’ Designed for Training Hoodie or Nike’s Sportswear Tech Fleece.
If you’re looking for loungewear, then check out hoodies that have a much looser fit than the more athletic choices. Lounging hoodies should almost have the feel of a blanket or roomy bathrobe. We’d suggest giving Axel Arigato’s Memo Hoodie or Acne Studio’s Face-patch Oversized Hoodie a try.
In the case of style, this will of course depend on your own taste, as well as the atmosphere of the scene. Broadly speaking, hoodie looks can be broken down into “classic” and “modern”. Additionally, you’ll want to consider if you want your hoodie to be the center of attention of your outfit (try Eleventy’s Hoodie-layered Blazer Jacket) or if you want to use it to help other pieces like your shoes or jacket to pop (in which case, give Jacquemus’ Logo-Embroidered Organic Cotton-Jersey Hoodie a whirl).
Finally, if you’re looking for durability for the worksite, Carhartt’s hoodies may be just the ticket.
Frequently asked questions about hoodies for men
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