<p>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. There are <em>so </em>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. </p><p>Just remember: a hoodie is a garment that you wear year-round, from the depths of an icy winter to the long, lazy evenings of a restless summer. It’s your best companion on a long-haul flight, and your favorite coworker when you work from home. So pay your respects to the humble sweatshirt and commence the hoodie harvest.</p>” data-next-head/>
Skip to Content
Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
the best laidback hoodie
Todd Snyder x Champion 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.
Colors | Silver Mix |
---|---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
Materials | 100% Cotton 20 oz. French Terry |
Fit | Oversized |
the best boxy hoodie
Abercrombie & Fitch 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.
Colors | 37 |
---|---|
Sizes | 2XS-3XL |
Materials | 70% Cotton, 30% Polyester |
Fit | Boxy |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
the best heavyweight hoodie
Gap 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.”
Colors | Dark Night, Red Violet, French Almond, Active Orange |
---|---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
Materials | 82% Cotton, 18% Polyester |
Fit | Oversized |
the best slim-fit hoodie
J.Crew 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.
Colors | Navy, Heather Gray, Green, Black |
---|---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
Materials | 84% Cotton, 16% Polyester |
Fit | Slim |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
the best midweight hoodie
Reigning Champ 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.
Colors | Black, Heather Gray, Navy, Oxblood, Petrol |
---|---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
Materials | 100% Cotton |
Fit | Classic |
the best athleisure hoodie
Lululemon 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.
Colors | 10 |
---|---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
Materials | 70% Cotton, 30% Recycled Polyester |
Fit | Relaxed |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
the best affordable hoodie
Hanes 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.
Colors | 31 |
---|---|
Sizes | S-5XL |
Materials | 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester |
Fit | Classic |
the best designer hoodie
Stone Island 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.
Colors | Black |
---|---|
Sizes | S-2XL |
Materials | 100% Cotton |
Fit | Classic |
the best lightweight hoodie
Mack Weldon 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.
Colors | Charcoal Heather, Total Eclipse Blue, Gray Heather, True Black, True Black Camo |
---|---|
Sizes | S-2XL |
Materials | 89% Cotton, 8% Polyester, 3% Spandex |
Fit | Classic |
the best basic hoodie
Uniqlo 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.”
Colors | Gray, Black, Off-White, Beige |
---|---|
Sizes | 2XS-3XL |
Materials | 100% Cotton |
Fit | Classic |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
the best slouchy hoodie
Fear of God 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.
Colors | Black, Cream |
---|---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
Materials | 100% Cotton |
Fit | Oversized, Boxy |
the best knit hoodie
Buck Mason 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.
Colors | Light Oat, Charcoal |
---|---|
Sizes | XS-2XL |
Materials | Jersey Knit, Cashmere, Merino Wool |
Fit | Slim |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
the best oversized hoodie
Represent x Metallica 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.
Colors | Vintage Gray |
---|---|
Sizes | 2XS-2XL |
Materials | 100% Cotton |
Fit | Oversized |
What To Look For

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 above.
“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.”
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Why You Can Trust Esquire

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.
Shop More Essentials

Watch Next

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Read the full article here