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Best Overall Hoodie
lululemon Steady State Pullover Hoodie
When it comes to comfortable athleisure wear that you can sport almost everyday, Lululemon churns out the best of the best. Take the brand’s relaxed-fitting style hoodie, which doesn’t feel too loose or baggy, rather meets right in the middle. It’s made from a soft nylon-elastane blend, meaning this cut works perfectly for guys with bigger backs and biceps.
Despite its steep price point, this fleece pullover can handle several washes and multiple seasons. We’ve worn it through the fall and into the spring—pairing it with chinos, jeans and sweats. Our style editors raved about how breathable the fabric is, making it a top option for all-day wear, from their workout class to the beer hall.
And if you don’t feel like carrying your backpack, the Steady State Hoodie comes with a wide kangaroo pouch, so there’s a place to store your phone, wallet, beanie—or warm your hands.
| Material | 89% Nylon, 11% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Size | XS—XXL |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Fabric Weight | Mid-weight |
Best Everyday Hoodie
Todd Snyder Midweight Popover Hoodie Sweatshirt
Pros
- Hefty feel that’s great for fall, winter and spring
- Durable and will last
Cons
- Might be too heavy for warmer temps
Produced by sturdy mid-weight French Terry in Champion’s signature Reverse Weave, this Todd Snyder hoodie is a workhorse that is nicely hefted but feels breathable and soft. Knitted to resist vertical shrinkage, with rib across the seams for durability, it is burly enough for a day’s hard labor outside, but the brushed feel ensures there’s no drop in its comfy factor. Oh, and it looks better with each wear.
If you want to channel vintage vibes in your style, then this right is up your alley. Several of our testers rave about how this sweatshirt—an extension of the Champion collab—retains its shape even after a year’s worth of washes—a testament to both brands’ commitment to making great-looking duds that will last a lifetime.
| Materials | 100% cotton |
|---|---|
| Size | XS—XXL |
| Fit | Tailored |
| Fabric Weight | 18 oz French Terry |
Best Casual Hoodie
Everlane The ReTrack Hoodie
Pros
- Thick enough to wear through fall and spring seasons
- Perfect to throw on for lounging around the house
Cons
- Not the best option for performance
Meet your new go-to hoodie that feels like your favorite sweater. And nothing says sweater like a thick cotton texture that’s cozy enough to swaddle in during a lazy weekend. Our style editors personally love throwing it to catch a flick with some friends, since most movie theaters are generally cold inside.
We were really impressed with the structure as well as the details of the Everlane’s offering, which includes a double-layered hood, dropped shoulders and tapered sleeves which brought both fit and comfort to the piece. While you may be better off with a hoodie made from moisture-wicking fabric to run laps, its relaxing silhouette works perfectly layered over top a t-shirt or underneath a leather jacket with equal ease.
| Materials | 70% Cotton, 30% Recycled Polyester |
|---|---|
| Size | XS—XXL |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Fabric Weight | Midweight |
More Of Our Favorite Hoodies That We’ve Tested
Best Heavyweight Hoodie
Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover Hoodie
Pros
- Great standalone hoodie that really lasts
- Sturdy, comfy feeling 24/7
Cons
- A bit pricey
As the name suggests, this hoodie is meant to be in your closet for 10 years (and then some) because that’s how durable it is. So if you’re the kind of guy who values cost-per-wear, look no further than this Flint and Tinder fleece hoodie. The durable heavyweight wonder is guaranteed to last you wear after wear with a flattering fit and soft feel.
| Materials | 70% cotton, 30% polyester |
|---|---|
| Size | XS—3XL |
| Fit | Structured |
| Fabric Weight | 12 oz extra soft fleece |
Best Zip-Up Hoodie
Mack Weldon Ace Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
Pros
- Soft micro-brushed French terry
- Movement-friendly
Cons
- Not the warmest option for winter
This zip-up hoodie is part of the brand’s Ace Collection, which challenges our misconceptions about sweats through the crafting of pieces in Mack Weldon’s own micro-brushed (read: extra soft) French terry fabric that is also stretchy for movement. We’d say the results speak for themselves—aces all over. In a classic fit, it’s made for easy layering.
| Materials | 89% Cotton, 8% Polyester, 3% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Size | S—XXL |
| Fit | Classic |
| Fabric Weight | Midweight |
What Exactly Are Hoodies?
“A hoodie is a type of sweatshirt with an attached hood, rather than a crew neckline,” says Nancy Taylor the head of design and creative director at clothing brand Lolë. “They are typically made with a classic durable cotton fleece or cotton blend, and come in a pullover style, full zip style, and sometimes a half-zip pullover.” She further adds: “Hoodies typically have a single kangaroo pocket or two side pockets in a full zip.
How to Style Men’s Hoodies
Hoodies are all about casual comfort, so don’t stray too far from their respective places. “Styling a hoodie with other casual garments like jeans and chinos will help elevate your look without appearing like you’re trying too hard,” says Allen. “I also love pairing hoodies under top coats in winter for some balanced contrast.”
Kenger also suggests wearing hoodies with more casual items. “A pair of nice sweatpants work well here,” he says. However, he advises against wearing shorts: “It looks like your top and bottom half don’t understand the temperature”.
“If I want to elevate the look, I suggest clients go with a Merino wool or cashmere hoodie. If a client is looking for something more casual, I’d suggest the 100% cotton hoodie, as it’s a bit more classic,” says Kenger.
As for layering, Kenger says that a trick to dress up a hoodie is to throw a jacket layer over the top. “Trucker jackets and bomber jackets work well for this.” Bloomingdale’s Men’s Fashion Director, Justin Berkowitz adds that you can use outerwear to continue to elevate hoodies: “Try layering a polished overshirt or a wool topcoat over your hoodie to give a little structure.”
Which Brand Is Best for Hoodies?
For the finest men’s hoodies, several brands stand out. Athletic brands like Lululemon and Vuori lead the pack, combining performance with contemporary style. For everyday comfort, Champion and Everlane provide affordable yet cozy choices, while brands like Buck Mason, Todd Snyder and Reigning Champ provide hoodies that are a bit more elevated.
Why Trust Us
At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.
In addition, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to test out the products.
Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from.
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