The Best Hoodies for Men, Tested by Style Editors

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 cotton-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.

Read More: Best Athleisure Brands

Champion has built a strong reputation from designing durable athletic apparel, namely its hoodies, which can stand the test of time. Take the brand’s classic pullover that’s produced from its patented reverse weave technique. In other words, it goes through a manufacturing process to increase its lifespan and reduce the chances of shrinking.

Although its thick build might be too hot for summer weather, the cotton-blend fabric will keep you toasty during shoulder season without having to wear a jacket. Not to mention, the loose fit offers room for layers and plenty of movements. We also love that you can easily pair it with all of your favorite jeans and sweats.

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.

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.

Pros

• Garment washed with enzymes and softener for plush feel
• Stylish and great for standalone wear
• Roomy kangaroo pocket for lots of storage

What’s more comfortable than French Terry fabric? Brushed French Terry fabric. Basically, this hoodie’s fabric loops have been brushed to give it an ultra-soft feel that’s better than any cuddly blanket you own. It’s also dyed and rinsed for a vintage look that’ll get better with each wear. Plus, the nice weight makes it great for standalone wear.

With this garment, Buck Mason managed to find a way to make a hoodie look very laid-back without looking too casual. But it’s also sleek, and coupled with a solid pair of short shorts for spring would be a cool style move that’ll give you that Jacob Elordi or Pharrell Williams aesthetic.

The heart of Reigning Champ’s hoodie’s fabric—Midweight Terry—combines an ideal balance of absorbency, breathability and durability. The pullover boasts a slim-fit silhouette without bulk, making it a perfect option to work out, adventure, travel, and do stuff in.

During our testing, we found that this pick is universally flattering on all body types and has some structure that doesn’t feel too restrictive like most close-fitting hoodies. Plus, the hoodie can adapt to any casual setting, so you can transition from doing cardio to chowing down at the local food festival—without looking out of place.

More Of Our Favorite Hoodies That We’ve Tested

Turns out it’s not just musky cologne Abercrombie & Fitch sells, fellas. Joking aside, the brand’s new activewear range is pretty impressive. This layer-friendly hoodie is cut from a stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric, so is ideal for keeping those post-workout chills away or keeping you cool and dry during a workout. And the kangaroo pocket has nice zippers too.

What Do Experts Say? “This hoodie is crafted from a unique ‘neoknit’ fabric that is super soft, sweat-wicking, and has an amazing look. Every detail, from the cut to the stitching, is carefully designed to be flattering and comfortable, ensuring you stay warm and fashion-forward,” says fashion designer Pazit Reuven.

Pros

• Extremely soft fabric that is also made for performance
• Lightweight, flattering fit
• Made with four-way stretch and moisture-wicking fabric

Pros

• Great standalone hoodie that really lasts
• Sturdy, comfy feeling 24/7

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.

What Do Experts Say? “The Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover is the perfect hoodie for men who want a high-quality, durable option. It’s made to last, and it’s incredibly comfortable to wear,” says fashion blogger Ismail Markevich.

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.