It’s difficult to think of anyone item of clothing that has had quite as colorful a history as the humble hoodie. Over the past century, this sportswear staple has gone from playing field to the runway, stopping off at every conceivable urban subculture along the way. It’s been name-checked by prime ministers, designers and screeching Daily Mail editorials, and has even been banned in some parts of the western world for brief periods of time, all thanks to its street associations.
It’s come a long way since Champion invented it for its laborers. Today, the best hoodies for men are enjoying a golden era of acceptance. Just as with Elvis, denim jeans, electronic music and all other aspects of youth culture that initially made grown-ups nervous, everyone has now calmed down and said a collective, “You know what? Maybe a sweatshirt with a hood on the back isn’t inherently evil after all.”
About time too, because cool hoodies are truly a wonder garment. They’re functional, comfortable and stylish in equal measures. And now, thanks to fashion’s ongoing steamy love affair with streetwear, it’s also banging on-trend.
“The hoodie epitomizes streetwear,” says fashion designer Gordon Richardson, former creative director of Topman. “What began as a trend in the 1990s has developed into a global phenomenon because of its versatility and comfort.” There aren’t many items of menswear that work for a hungover afternoon of Netflix, streetwear stunting, a hobble back home from the gym and an athleisure-ly stroll around the city. But the hoodie has you covered for all of them, and even smarter outfits, too.
“As the hoodie has become a wardrobe staple, big brands are listening to their market. Guys aren’t afraid to splash the cash on designer sportswear now, and mixing track tops or joggers with tailoring has become a trend in recent years,” says Richardson.
In a hurry? Check out our top picks for the best hoodies for men, or keep scrolling to read more.
Best Smart Hoodie
This men’s hoodie is next level with the highest quality cotton construction, dropped shoulders, ribbed edges and a slightly oversized fit.
Best Everyday Hoodie
Unrecorded Organic Cotton Hoodie
Kick back in style with this heavyweight, organic cotton hoodie from Unrecorded. With 9 color options and cozy terry knit fabric, this everyday hoodie is a wardrobe essential.
Best Streetwear Hoodie
If you’re searching for a luxury hoodie served with a side of clout, this new season Off-White Caravaggio print sweatshirt fits the bill to a tee.
Best Hoodies for Men
COS
It may only have been on the scene for 10 years, but already COS is one of the coolest names on the high street. With tightly-curated seasonal selections, containing all killer and no filler, COS has been instrumental in bringing that clean, Scandinavian aesthetic to the everyday consumer. Timeless yet contemporary designs, premium quality and zero obnoxious branding all come as standard when you pick up a hoodie from here.
A Day’s March
It sounds like a contradiction, but ever since sportswear and loungewear got the high-fashion seal of approval, the best hoodies for men have become appropriate for smarter dress codes. And nothing says smart like wool and cashmere, which is what this premium hoodie is crafted from. Swedish menswear label, A Day’s March, has mastered the art of basic loungewear making it comfy but never frumpy. You’ll feel equally at home in their clothing on the couch and in the office, making them a fan favorite for minimalists and comfort addicts alike.
Reiss
At the high end of the high street,
Unrecorded
Based on timeless designs and ethical practices, Unrecorded makes simple, yet sleek clothing with an emphasis on sustainability. Crafted from 100% organic, heavyweight cotton, don’t be surprised if this hoodie is your new chilly weather go-to. And since it comes in nine colors, don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for another… and another.
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Beams Plus
Japanese menswear’s undying obsession with all things vintage Americana, utilitarian and workwear is encapsulated perfectly in the output of Beams Plus. The label is the men’s fashion arm of the sprawling Beams franchise and has been kitting out clued-up shoppers since 1999. Expect to find a mix of plain and patterned styles, rendered in high-quality fabrics, and with premium Japanese construction.
Sunspel
Ever since hoodies became a legit way to look smart and put together, labels that specialize in luxurious, well-made basics have done what they do best with a garment once associated with skaters and shoplifters. Case in point: Sunspel, the British knitwear label that regularly makes us feel all fuzzy inside. Its hoodies come in stroke-able cotton-jersey, and in neutral colors that will work as well with tailored trousers as they do joggers.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren doesn’t just do preppy Americana better that most other brands, the man practically invented it. The brand’s hoodies are smart and stripped back with nothing more than the famous embroidered pony for embellishment. Comfortable and versatile, you can slip these hoodies under a denim jacket or unstructured blazer.
The North Face
Founded in Berkeley, California, in 1968, The North Face quickly became one of the most reputable outdoor brands on the market. In addition to manufacturing industry-standard mountaineering gear, the brand churns out some top notch casual wear, and its hoodies are no exception. Buy from The North Face and you can rest assured of quality, style and finishing touches such as printed logos and woven branded tabs.
H&M
Swedish fast-fashion juggernaut H&M is one of the most recognizable names of the high street and can be credited with bringing simple, Scandinavian styling to the mass market. The brand is well known for its affordable basics and one piece that crops up over and over again, in various fabrics, patterns and all colors of the rainbow, is the hoodie. If you’re watching your spending and want to get the most
Nike
Few brands have the sporting heritage that
Adidas
Like
Champion
Heritage American sportswear label Champion has been doing the hoodie thing for longer than pretty much anyone else. It’s produced kits for the NFL, the NBA and the US Olympic basketball team. In a crowded market, this is an undisputed MVP brand. Champion is well-known for its patented ‘reverse-weave’ cotton, which uses unique fabric construction and paneled side inserts to eliminate the risk of shrinkage. Needless to say, its hoodies are some of the best around.
Stussy
When it comes to cool streetwear hoodies, why look further than one of the leaders in the game? Stussy is one of the oldest names in the business and widely credited with starting the scene pretty much single-handedly with styles designed for skaters and surfers alike. The hoodie is one of Shawn Stussy’s eponymous brand’s staple items, appearing season after season since day one. Expect bold branding, bright colors, contemporary styling and street cred in abundance.
Carhartt
American heritage workwear label Carhartt has a long-standing reputation for wearability and ruggedness, but in recent years, especially with the introduction of its ‘Work In Progress’ line, it’s become known for its streetwear styling too. Those combined factors make it one of the best options for finding a hoodie as hard-wearing as it is stylish. For workwear meets urban cool, nowhere does it better.
Comme des Garcons
Rei Kawakubo’s Comme des Garcons has long been known in fashion circles for its forward-thinking approach to design and cutting-edge seasonal collections that push the boundaries of fashion. The label’s PLAY line blends these trademark traits with street-friendly styling. A hoodie from CDG PLAY won’t come cheap, but it’s a timeless piece from an industry-leading label, featuring that now-iconic bug-eyed heart branding.
Off-White
Virgil Abloh’s perma-hyped label is at the forefront of stunting statement streetwear hoodies for men and women alike. It’s one of the brands that turned the humble hoodie into a loud, luxury item. In its range, you’ll find many of the designer’s signature touches – caution-tape stripes up the arm, an oversized fit, asymmetrical cuts and can’t-miss screen prints. You’ll have to pay a premium, of course, but just think of the Instagram engagement.
Gucci
Under the flamboyant direction of Alessandro Michele,
Best Hoodies Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best hoodies for men, these are the main buying considerations to keep in mind.
Fit
They don’t come in skinny fit, but if you want to wear a hoodie under a regular-fit denim jacket, look for one that’s relatively form-fitting. Otherwise, go maxi with an oversized hoodie that nods to the street culture that made it cool in the first place.
Fabric
Fleece back or loopback cotton are the most likely options you’ll find at the shop for the best hoodies and they’re ideal because they’re comfortable, hard-wearing and easily washed. Higher-end brands will also experiment with fabrics like merino or even cashmere if you want to loaf in luxury.
Color
As ever, grey, navy and black are the no-brainers that will get the most wear, but consider khaki, off-white or brownish tones for alternative neutrals. If you want to make a statement, bold reds and yellows will do the job, although a mint green or purple gives you a more subtle way to stand out.
