We’re in the Golden Age of Hoodies. Make Sure Yours Rises to the Occasion.
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Buckle in for a quick history lesson, folks. Before it took over the runways of the world, the modern hoodie had relatively humble beginnings. In the 1930s, Champion began producing a sweatshirt in a thicker material and with a hood to protect athletes and working men who had to cope with chilly environments. Its purpose was purely practical. At the same time, the brand started reaching out to high schools across America, offering merch for sports teams. The hoodie gained steam with the kids, and it took on some personality. By the ’70s and ’80s, the style had been assimilated by the mass market, from musicians to engineers to athletes to mall-goers.
Today, the humble hooded sweatshirt has transcended its title. It not only packs personality—available in every conceivable color, fabric, size, and print—but it also has gone fully mainstream. Indeed, you can buy a hoodie for anywhere from $30 to $3,000. From breathable, workout-oriented options done up in the best technical fabrics, to beefy, ultra-comfortable takes for serious lounging, to versions that are office-ready, there's a hoodie out there for everyone—a cozy style that can be anything from athletic to elegant, from a laundry-day fallback to a thousand-dollar luxury piece. And remember: The astute foresight of Champion is never as cherished as it is in winter. So pay your respects to the humble sweatshirt and commence the hoodie harvest.
Powerblend Fleece Hoodie
Champion remains the, well, champion of cranking out solid hooded sweatshirts. This is a reliable favorite, with a soft, warm fleece lining, adjustable hood, and roomy pocket.
Pullover Fleece Hoodie
Warm, soft fleece is best appreciated in hoodie form. This one is a basic staple you'll wear time and time again with ease, whether you're pairing it with jeans or sweatpants.
City Sweat Pullover Hoodie French Terry
The sleek, aerodynamic layer you'll want to keep on long after you've cooled down.
Heritage Fleece Hoodie
As classic as they come, courtesy of the Crew. It also comes in tall sizes if you're looking for the perfect fit.
Pullover EcoSmart Hoodie
A fantastic color, a perfect-for-right-now fit, and a price that's almost impossible to beat.
Rain Defender Paxton Heavyweight Hoodie
Pro tip: Carhartt makes a hoodie more durable than almost any of its designer counterparts. If you're looking for a solid option that'll stand up to pretty much everything you throw at it, start here.
Ace Pullover Hoodie
From the soft micro-brushed French terry to the roomy cut to the perfectly situated pockets, Mack Weldon once again serves an ace.
Essential Popover Hoodie
Doesn't this just look soft and cozy as hell? Well, it is. Good luck wearing anything but this.
Fleece Hoodie
The brand behind the blanks for most of your favorite concert tees also happens to make a damn-fine hoodie at a price that'll let you stock up.
Sweat Pullover Long-Sleeve Hoodie
Uniqlo's collection of basics is not only foolproof, but affordable. Its hoodies, which come in an array of colors, are the perfect top layer for pretty much any season.
Initial Boxy Hoodie
For that chill, dressed-down streetwear vibe, a boxy hoodie is a must. Represent has one of our favorite picks on the market, with a soft, heavy fabric, dropped shoulders, and all-around relaxed vibe.
French Terry Pullover Hoodie
This midweight terry hoodie is a staple piece if I've ever seen one. With a relaxed fit and soft fabric, cozying up in this will become second nature.
Vintage Soft Hoodie
The hoodie so roomy, warm, and cozy, you'll never want to take it off.
Midweight Terry Pullover Hoodie
Literally crafted by Reigning Champ, the brand says it all.
Core Hoodie
Just so you know, this is the exact kind of hoodie your girlfriend is going to want to steal, so you might want to get two. Don't say we didn't warn you.
Relaxed-Fit Hoodie
Layer it under a coat or jacket, or just wear it by itself—the black hoodie's options are limitless.
Raglan Hoodie
When it comes to super-elevated sweats, it's tough to beat Jerry Lorenzo and the team at Fear of God Essentials.
Zip-Front Zebra Logo Hoodie
This roundup wouldn't be complete without a chic and cozy zip-up, and this one from Paul Smith is worth every penny.
Check Hood Cotton Blend Hoodie
From the streamlined cut to the striking tan hue to the use of the label's iconic check, this hoodie has everything that we'd expect from Burberry.
4-Bar Tonal Fun-Mix Hoodie
Thom Browne, the modern-day master of shrunken suiting, also happens to make a bestselling hoodie—cut from Japanese cotton, of course.
Eversoft Fleece Sweatshirt
Casual, cozy, and oh-so soft, all for under 20 bucks.
Cipresso Cashmere Hoodie
With ribbed details, a front pocket to hold all your essentials, and soft cashmere, this hoodie has everything you could want.
What to Look For
When it comes to a hoodie, comfort reigns supreme. Pay attention to the fit and fabric of your hoodie, because it can make all the difference—something fitted and fleece won't feel the same as something baggy and cashmere.
It's also important to pay attention to the versatility of the hoodie, which can be chalked down to its style. Some hoodies—like, say, the ones from Banana Republic and Burberry—are easy enough to dress up and wear into the office. But others, like the picks from The North Face and Reigning Champ, have a distinctively dressed-down look.
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