
When it comes to the world of hoodies, aka, hooded sweatshirts as the olds would call them; there is no shortage of premium garments to select from. But sometimes all you want is a bit of advice on where to find the real deal. Whether you’re looking for warm hoodies, thin and stylish, plain hoodies, pullovers, or zip, it can be a bit difficult to know which clothing companies produce the type of hoodie you can trust to look good, feel good and last more than a few seasons of cool weather.
But why would you trust my advice on which men’s hoodies are the best on the market? Besides owning about 40% of the hoodies I feature in this article, I also have some experience in selling them. Once-upon-a-time, I sold garments of all varieties, including hoodies, in what now seems like a previous life. I sold thousands of them to people worldwide, so it gives me some measure of understanding what Men are looking for when they are searching for the best hoodies in the world.
Before you scroll down to the list of hoodies I’ve added here, consider the following when contemplating which stylish hoodie to buy for yourself, or the husband, brother, uncle, or male friend in your life.
Length – Some men like hoodies that dangle nearly down to their knees, while others like hoodies whose length more resembles a sweater. This is a highly personal choice, but if you’re looking for a modern and stylish look, consider hoodies 3-4 inches below a man’s waist. Those tend to look best.
Fit – This one is a bit tricky because the fit of a men’s hoodie tends to be dictated by that particular garment’s thickness. The general rule of thumb is that the thicker a hoodie is, the more chunky look you’ll get.
Thickness – The thickness of a men’s hoodie is a highly subjective matter, and will be more dictated by whether you’re looking for something you can wear in the latter months of Spring and early months of Fall, or if it’s something you’re looking to be an added layer to your winter arsenal.
Style – Not too long ago, the world of hooded sweatshirts was dominated by only two styles: Zip and Pullover. And while those two styles still command the majority of the market, hoodie manufacturers have come up with some unique new styles.
1. Everlane - The French Terry Hoodie Uniform
The current work-from-home situation that most of us are finding ourselves doesn’t mean we have to roll over and give up. We can find a balance between comfort and style. We can spend our days in a Felted Merino Hoodie. Probably the most comfortable hoodie you will ever own, this Everlane offering will not be confined to pandemic wear. When you return to the office, this will look right at home with a blazer over-top at a boardroom table. Made from 100 percent Merino wool, it’s a dense fabric with all wool’s upsides and none of the scratch.
Key Features
Body: 100% WoolTrimming: 93% Wool, 6% Nylon, 1% Elastane
Works alone or as part of a tracksuit
Pre-washed and boiled yarn for perfect softness
Dry clean only, cause it’s fancy
Specifications
Brand: Everlane
Model: The Felted Merino Hoodie
Available colours: Navy, Charcoal, Grey
2. Reigning Champ - Lightweight Terry Retreat Hoodie
Reigning Champ is a brand I know well. This brand got its start in Vancouver, Canada, a city where I spent over two decades. The brand has strong roots in the city’s storied and increasingly successful apparel industry. While they’re still no-where near the size of a company like Lulu Lemon, which also got its start only blocks away from Reigning Champ’s first store, they are growing incredibly quickly. This growth has been fueled in large part by their continually spectacular lineup of clothing. Example A is this awesome Lightweight Terry Retreat Hoodie. Available only in this two-toned paneled hoodie that uses a gorgeous indigo colour on the pocket and hoodie. Complemented with just the perfect shade of red drawcord string, it’s a champ amongst men’s hoodies.
Key Features
Raglan sleeves
Indigo terry patch pocket
Dual-layer hood
Taped collar
Woven drawcord
100% cotton
Specifications
Brand: Reigning Champ
Model: Lightweight Terry Retreat Hoodie
Available colours: White
3. Lacoste Men's Sport Long Sleeve Fleece Full Zip Hoodie
This warm men’s hoodie from Lacoste is a gorgeous example of what one of the world’s top clothing brands can accomplish. This classic looking fleece hoodie will let you warm up in style while wearing a thicker and warmer full-zip hoodie available in almost thirty colour combinations. And if that’s not enough for you, check out the awesome contrasted hood lining that adds some additional chic style.
Key Features
83% Cotton, 17% Polyester construction
Zip-up hoodie
Machine washable
Regular fit
Matching colour drawstring
Contrasted hood lining
Specifications
Brand: Lacoste
Model: Men’s Sport Long Sleeve Fleece Full Zip Hoodie
4. Under Armour Men's Rival Fleece Pullover Hoodie
For a long time, I was a massive proponent of zip-hoodies over pullovers. But somewhere along the way, my style tastes changed, and I now mostly prefer the aesthetic qualities and simplicity of a men’s pullover hoodie. That is at the center of this hoodie from Under Armour. And while the company has been struggling of late, they still produce some of the finest fleece products anywhere. Specializing in athletic sportswear, it’s no surprise that this hoodie was designed to wick sweat away from the body and dry much faster than a traditional cotton hoodie. Oh, and it’s available in over a dozen colours, and is affordable enough that you can buy more than one to suit your colour matching needs.
Key Features
84% Polyester, 16% Elastane construction
Ultra-soft hoodie
Material wicks sweat & dries quickly
Front kangaroo pocket
Ribbed cuffs & hem
Specifications
Brand: Under Armour
Model: Rival Fleece Pullover Hoodie
Available Colours: Academy Blue, Artillery Green, American Blue, Aruba Red, Baroque Green, Black, Charcoal Light Heather, Dark Maroon, Halo Grey, Martian Red, Onyx White, Petrol Blue, Steel Light Heather, Teal Vibe, Ultra Orange
5. Fjallraven Men's Greenland Zip Hoodie
Perhaps what I like most about this medium weight hoodie is the cut. While it’s certainly a regular fit, it’s also unique in the sense that the pocket entrances are not readily visible when looking at the hoodie head-on. I very much like this cut style on men’s hoodies. This cut is excellent at betraying the eye into thinking that the hoodie’s body is slimmer than actual. Perhaps something that we all need a bit of. This classic zippered hoodie is made from ultra-soft organic cotton whose pockets are zipped and include an additional mesh pocket for small items. I can pretty much assure you that you won’t be disappointed with the quality of this warm and sexy hoodie.
Key Features
Organic cotton construction
Roomy pockets
Rib-knitted cuffs and hem
Drawcord string in the hood
Specifications
Brand: Fjallraven
Model: Men’s Greenland Zip Hoodie
Available Colours: Dusk, Grey
6. Flint and Tinder - 10 Year Hoodie
In my entire apparel hawking career, which spanned about nine years, I can count on one hand the number of times I saw a clothing company pull off an astronomically brilliant marketing maneuver. The naming choice and positioning of this men’s hoodie by American brand Flint and Tinder was one of those times. Think about it. When was the last time that a hoodie stood the test of time for you that it looked almost brand new after ten years of continual use? That’s the conceit behind this men’s hoodie that uses uncompromising construction to create a premium sweatshirt designed to last for over a decade. Featuring a beefy but comfortable 23 oz fleece fabric, you can’t go wrong with this warm, stylish and ultra-comfortable men’s hoodie.
Key Features
23 oz cotton (70%) / polyester (30%) fleece construction
Structured and flattering fit
Double-lined hood
Media pocket inside
Metal tipped drawcords
Specifications
Brand: Flint and Tinder
Model: 10-Year Hoodie
Available Colours: Black, Grey, Heather Grey, Navy, Baby Blue, Cardinal Red, Forest
7. Alyx 9SM Storm Flap Hoodie
Remember when I said that many more clothing makers have started to experiment with the fundamental hoodie shape? This hoodie from Alyx is but just one excellent example. The contemporary styling features a brushed fleece interior, drawstring hood, and a water-resistant storm flap. Manufactured in Italy, this hoodie is not exactly the most affordable of the bunch, but it’s something unique in the clothing world, and often worth paying for.
Key Features
100% cotton
Fleeceback Jersey
Drawstring Hood
Zip-Up hoodie
Water-resistant Storm Flap
Ribbed Trims
Specifications
Brand: Alyx
Model: 9SM Storm Flap Hoodie
Available Colours: Black
8. The North Face Men's Graphic Half Dome Pullover Hoodie
The North Face brand has gained some serious traction in recent years. The logo mark and brand are no longer seen as a niche endeavor in the apparel world. In fact, the brand has transformed itself into a bastion of cool and trendy apparel worn by celebrities and fashion icons worldwide. This pullover hoodie features the signature half dome logo and is available in four colour options.
Key Features
100% cotton
Drawstring Hood
Specifications
Brand: The North Face
Model: Men’s Graphic Half Dome Pullover Hoodie
Available Colours: Yellow, Blue, Garnet, Taupe Green
9. Ecologyst - The Sitka Peak Hoody
I’m not entirely sure when this brand undertook its name transformation, but Ecologyst used to be called Sitka (a name I much preferred). Originating in Victoria, British Columbia, this company has over twenty years of experience and roots in creating awesome men’s hoodies and other fine apparel. Their values are deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest mentality, meaning they are deeply committed to sustainability ideals. I can attest to this particular hoodie’s comfort and stylish nature, as I still own its predecessor that I bought when living in Vancouver. It’s a warm men’s hoodie that has one unique feature which I treasure the most. A high neck that protects you from the elements when things get a bit chilly or wet outside. This men’s zip-up hoodie is made of Organic cotton and is manufactured in Canada.
Key Features
100% cotton
Cotton twill-taped neckline
Extended neck
Raglan sleeves
YKK zipper
Self-lined hood
Braided cotton drawcord
Classic tree logo embroidery on back left
Specifications
Brand: Ecologyst
Model: The Sitka Peak Hoody
Available Colours: Black, Dusk Blue, Green
10. Alternative Apparel - Rocky Eco-Fleece Zip Hoodie
This affordable men’s hoodie comes to us courtesy of Alternative Apparel, a company that decided to challenge the supremacy of a little company known as American Apparel. And while American Apparel went through multiple bankruptcies and is now a shadow of its former self, Alternative Apparel has continued to thrive. In part, this has been due to the production of low-cost, but high-quality garments like this Rocky Eco-Fleece Zip hoodie. This men’s hoodie is made from a super soft Eco-fleece blend available in a huge amount of colours.
Key Features
50% Polyester, 46% Cotton, 4% Rayon
Split Kangaroo pocket
Hood with drawstrings
YKK zipper
Specifications
Brand: Alternative Apparel
Model: Rocky Eco-Fleece Zip Hoodie
Available Colours: Black, Grey, True Black, True Navy, Pacific Blue, True Red, Dusty Pine, Currant, Purple, White, Army Green, Quartz, Light Grey, Acqua
11. Mack Weldon - Ace Hooded Sweatshirt
Do you listen to podcasts? Like a few other companies, Mack Weldon has grown its business off the back of podcast advertisements. That’s where I first heard about the brand. Having now purchased a few items from them, including this Men’s Ace Hooded Sweatshirt, I can comfortably say it’s in the top three or four of my all-time favourite hoodies. Mack Weldon has taken some sort of unique approach to creating this garment using a micro-sanded french terry material. I’m not entirely sure what it means, but it seems like that method is responsible for this hoodie’s ultra-soft feel.
Key Features
Micro-sanded French Terry
Tailored Fit
Ribbed Wrist Cuffs
Specifications
Brand: Mack Weldon
Model: Ace Hooded Sweatshirt
Available Colours: Indigo, Dark Forest Green, Eclipse Blue, Dark Rum, Black, Grey Heather, Charcoal Heather, Sand Heather, Iron, Stonewash, White
12. Carhartt Men's Rain Defender Rockland Sherpa Lined Hooded Sweatshirt
Carhartt is a brand known for its mostly workwear and outdoor lineup of apparel and accessories. Perhaps it’s a bit of surprise that I decided to include one of their hoodies on this list. Do you know how things that were clearly designed for a different purpose sometimes become inexplicably fashionable and chic? Such is the case with this men’s hoodie. That’s not to say this isn’t a terrific garment, because it is! Made to withstand the elements and the daily rigour of outdoor work, this extra-warm men’s hoodie is well worth the price if you’re looking for a men’s hoodie that will likely last for many years. The fleece sherpa lined interior will ensure that you stay warm even during the coldest of months.
Key Features
50% Cotton / 50% Polyester construction
Zip-front hoodie
Sherpa lining
Split kangaroo pockets
Specifications
Brand: Carhartt
Model: Men’s Rain Defender Rockland Sherpa Lined Hooded Sweatshirt
Available Colours: Carbon, Navy, Peat, Black
13. Todd Snyder + Champion - Heavyweight Popover Hoodie
This classic hoodie is a perfect example of what minimalistic design can do for a garment like the men’s hoodie. It’s simple, it’s made of quality materials, and it’s made in Canada. So really, what’s not to love? It’s a comfortable, warm, and well-made hoodie, available in six neutral-tone colors and crafted from a softly structured fleece. And you’ll be just as comfortable in it going for a quick fall-time jaunt to grab a coffee or wear it as a post-workout warm-down hoodie.
Key Features
80% cotton and 20% polyester construction
16 oz fleece
Champion logo on sleeve
Made in Canada
Specifications
Brand: Todd Snyder + Champion
Model: Heavyweight Popover Hoodie Sweatshirt
Available Colours: White, Navy, Light Grey, Eggshell, Black, Salt & Pepper
14. Reigning Champ - Tiger Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie
Once you go Tiger Fleece, you’re going to have a hard time wearing anything else. It’s incredibly warm, brilliantly soft, and styled so you can rock this zip-up to most dressier occasions without looking out of place. Just, maybe, toss a nice blazer on overtop. Made in Vancouver, this fleece is intended to keep out that damp-chill that sets into everyone’s bones that lives in the Pacific North West. With flatlock seams, the Tiger Fleece eliminates chafing and increases the garment’s durability, so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Key Features
Handcrafted in Vancouver
Set-in / Raglan sleeves
Premium rib
Split zipper opens from the top or bottom
Specifications
Brand: Reigning Champ
Model: Tiger Fleece Full Zip Hoodie
Available Colours: Light Grey, Black
15. H2H Men's Casual Slim Fit Hoodie
This hoodie from H2H is a colour lover’s best friend. And while I love the slightly slim fit of this hoodie and adjustable drawcord, sleeve cuffs, and deep pockets, the real standout feature of this pullover hoodie is the sheer amount of colours it is available in. Suitable for Spring, Autumn, and casual occasions or outdoor treks, the H2H men’s hoodie comes in over forty different colours. After trying one, if you fall in love with it as I have, you’ll have over forty more reasons to get a few more.
Key Features
60% cotton, 40% polyester construction
Adjustable drawstring
Sleeve cuffs and waistband
Specifications
Brand: H2H
Model: Men’s Casual Slim Fit Hoodie
Available Colours: Too many to list
16. lululemon City Sweat Pullover Hoodie French Terry
Like most lululemon Athletica products, this stretchy and simple hoodie is simple, elegant, and breathes well. Designed to bring comfort to the next level, you won’t regret donning this stretch terry fabric designed to keep you comfortable while on the move. The added Lycra fibre which is proprietary to LuluLemon garments, allows for stretch and shape retention while the hidden media and coin pockets provide added security for your belongings.
Key Features
50% Polyester, 45% Cotton, 5% Lycra construction
Coin and media pockets
Specifications
Brand: lululemon
Model: City Sweat Pullover Hoodie French Terry
Available Colours: Heathered Ultra Light, Heathered Sedona Sunset, Vapor, Black, Heathered True Navy
17. Reiwen - Superfleece Hoodie
If you were planning an arctic expedition and only had room for one hoodie, this would be the one. Don’t ask why you can only take one; just pick this one. A casual, cotton-jersey hoodie lined with a layer of warm sherpa knit, that’s a pullover with top snaps to fit based on the weather you encounter. A blend of classic military styling and technical functionality, this super-warm Superfleece is equipped with a functional deep chest pocket with snap closure to fill with your EDC gear.
Key Features
Functional snap closure at the hood keeps your neck warm when the wind picks up
Knit polyester tape at neck and shoulder seams for a comfortable, clean finish
Straddle stitched seams finished with bartacks for durability
Finished with black oxidized snaps
Specifications
Brand: Reiwen
Model: Superfleece Hoodie
Available Colours: Crimson, Charcoal Heather, Navy, Black
18. The North Face - Men's Surgent P/O Hoodie
Sometimes all I need to know about a piece of clothing is how it feels. Other times I want to know how it ages. Does it fall apart after a year of wear, or was it made with the utmost care to stand the test of time? This fantastic men’s zip hoodie is made primarily of recycled polyester, which is kind of a wonder material. It’s soft, breathable, and wicking in warmer temperatures, yet somehow remains warm in the cold, even drenched with sweat. But even more importantly, the two-toned look this hoodie sports, is a unique fashion and style statement. While it looks amazing in some of the colour options like the two-toned grey pictured above, there are a few colour combinations that don’t work as well.
Key Features
100% polyester construction
Pullover hoodie
Kangaroo pockets
Specifications
Brand: The North Face
Model: Men’s Surgent Bloc Pullover Hoodie
Available Colours: Various colour combinations
19. Outerknown - Sur Zip Hoodie
Available in five subtle colors, including this Smoke coloured version, as shown above, the Sur Zip Hoodie from Outerknown is the ultimate comfort garment. It looks like a hoodie on the outside, but the inside feels like the most comfortable towel you’ve ever worn. That’s probably because the blend of materials used in this stylish men’s hoodie is rather unconventional. It’s a mix of organic cotton and hemp.
Key Features
55% Hemp and 45% Organic Cotton construction
Classic fit
Specifications
Brand: Outerknown
Model: Sur Zip Hoodie
Dimensions: Available Colours: Deep Blue, Black, Smoke, Salt, Scout Green
20. Uniqlo - Men Long-Sleeve Hooded Sweatshirt
Uniqlo is a massive brand. They’re also a little weird. They so very rarely stick with changes to their designs that some people wonder how the hell they’ve been so successful as a clothing brand. Yet this is perhaps one of the true secrets to their success. Once they find a winning cut, they milk it for a long time. Occasionally they’ll throw in some minor modifications and call it an updated design, but more often than not, the changes are more under the hood so-to-speak. In the case of this classic men’s hoodie, Uniqlo has decided to use thicker yarns, thus increasing the overall thickness and softness of this fabric.
Key Features
100% French terry cotton
Relaxed fit
Ribbed waist and sleeves
Matching drawcord string in the hood
Specifications
Brand: Uniqlo
Model: Men Long-Sleeve Hooded Sweatshirt
Available Colours: Navy, Off-White, Gray, Black, Beige, Yellow, Dark Green, Blue, Navy
21. American Giant - Classic Full-Zip Hoodie
I suppose that when a magazine like Slate calls your garment, “the greatest hoodie ever made,” you garner a bit of attention for said garment. That’s this product here, from another up-and-coming brand called American Giant. They’re still relatively small, but they’re starting to make some bigger splashes in the American garment scene. With three locations in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, this company started making hoodies. Designed for durability and sustainability, the Classic Full Zip Hoodie is made of a custom-developed 100% cotton fleece and sports a ton of great features.
Key Features
Premium metal hardware including zipper, grommets and drawcord tips
Slim fit, body skimming
100% combed ringspun cotton
Reinforced elbow patches and a double-lined hood
Double-needle stitching throughout
Specifications
Brand: American Giant
Model: Classic Full-Zip Hoodie
Available Colours: Black, Phantom Grey, Iron, Tar, Navy, Oxford Blue, Dark Elm
22. James Perse - Supima Cotton-Jersey Hoodie
When every detail of an object, particularly a hoodie, is obsessed over, it’s easy to notice. That seems to be the case with this piece of essential casual wear. The quality and slubbed finish (a sort of organic and tactile look and feel) of this cotton hoodie makes for a stylish look that easily lands it in the pantheon of some of the best men’s hoodies the retail web. Available in three colour combinations, the contrasting colour between the hoodie and drawstring is tasteful and subtle. With a regular cut and designed for a comfortable fit and extra-long sleeves, don’t miss out on this minimalist hoodie for men.
Key Features
100% Supima cotton construction
Drawstring hood
Front pouch pockets
Specifications
Brand: James Perse
Model: Supima Cotton-Jersey Hoodie
Available Colours: Storm Blue, Black, Charcoal
23. Ecologyst - The 400 Pullover Hoodie
With sizing that goes from XS to XXL – this is more of a Unisex hoodie than strictly a hoodie for men. Made in Canada with a sleek brushed finish, this hoodie is perfect for layering up or simply wearing over top of your favourite t-shirt as you seek ultimate warmth and comfort. This brand, formerly known as Sitka, has never let me down in the quality department, so I wholeheartedly endorse this stylish pullover hoodie, which is available in three colours.
Key Features
100% certified organic cotton
Set-in sleeves
Flatlock stitched seams
Bartacks at garment stress points add to the durability of this hoodie
Front kangaroo pocket
Self-lined hood
Braided cotton drawcord
Specifications
Brand: Ecologyst
Model: The 400 Pullover
Available Colours: Black, Blue, Pink Rose
24. Amazon Essentials Standard Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
If budget is an issue and you’re more of the kind of person who treats their hoodies as semi-disposable items, this hoodie from Amazon’s first-party Essentials brand is just the right fit for your lifestyle. With relatively basic styling but a rather good fit, this Amazon Essentials hoodie is affordable enough that you can probably buy it in all ten colours and be set for your hoodie wardrobe for years to come.
Key Features
52% cotton, 48% polyester construction
Zip-up hoodie
Split kangaroo pocket
Ribbed cuffs and waist
Drawstring at hood
Specifications
Brand: Amazon Essentials
Model: Standard Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
Available Colours: Blue Heather, Burgundy, Navy, Blue, Black, Charcoal Heather, Light Grey Heather, Olive Heather, Pink, Red
25. Mission Workshop - The Grandmaster II High-Performance Hoodie
Normally, a list of what I consider to be some of the best hoodies for men would try to veer away from garments that are too technical. That’s mostly because they are often too narrow in their application and too expensive for anyone looking for a fashionable hoodie. And while this hoodie from Mission Workshop is on the higher-end of cost amongst the other hoodies featured here, it’s also a superb product I thought you should know about. Designed to be worn throughout the year almost anywhere globally, this men’s hoodie is made from a proprietary material called Cordura 4Ever fleece. That makes the exterior of the fabric sleek and silky to the touch. It’s designed to perform at a higher level to keep you warm, cool, and dry in all conditions. That includes wicking sweat away from your body in just the right amount. The level of panel detailing and small but beautiful touches make this perhaps my favourite hoodie thus far.
Key Features
Cordura 4Ever Fleece
Cotton / Polyester blend on inside of the hoodie
2 zippered handwarmer pockets
Hood with drawstring
Made in New York City
Lifetime guarantee
Specifications
Brand: Mission Workshop
Model: The Grandmaster II
Available Colours: Black, Moss Grey
26. Cotton Citizen - Bronx Hoodie
I somewhat agonized over including this hoodie on this list. Not because of anything related to the brand or construction quality. Rather, those are well-assured. It was more the style that I didn’t know what to make of at first. This heavy-weight french terry features an oversized, comfortable, and relaxing fit. Its two-toned kangaroo pocket and hood also add a flair level that I wasn’t quite sure about at first. I suppose what finally won me over was the completely wacky level of various two-tone colour options you have when buying this men’s hoodie. Go ahead, have a look, some of the colours are going to blow you away.
Key Features
Ribbed cuffs and waist
Heavy 18oz french terry
Relaxed, oversized fit
Vintage washed
Specifications
Brand: Cotton Citizen
Model: Bronx Hoodie
Available Colours: Too many to list.
27. Reigning Champ - Midweight Terry Pullover Hoodie
It would seem inevitable that I keep coming back to the Reigning Champ brand. There’s just something about their men’s hoodies that has enchanted me in a way that perhaps no other brand has. This is the company’s signature pullover hoodie. It’s gorgeous, simple, and available in just enough colours for me to recommend it. It is handcrafted in Canada, now a surprisingly and increasingly fashion brand mecca. I never thought I’d see the day that I would write the previous sentence, yet here we are.
Key Features
Abrasion flatlocked seams
Set-in Raglan Sleeves
Durable 100% cotton rib
Woven crest label
100% Cotton construction
Specifications
Brand: Reigning Champ
Model: Midweight Terry Pullover Hoodie
Available Colours: Heather Grey, Black, Navy