The darkest days of winter ship us looking although our closets seeking the warmest, coziest and comfiest layers we are able to discover. Despite tempting sweaters and flannels, time and time once more we discover ourselves slipping into the sleeves of our favourite hoodies. The good hoodie shouldn’t solely envelop our head and limbs in softness, serving to to maintain seasonal chills at bay, however be trendy sufficient to sport exterior the home.
Whether you’re seeking to refresh your winter wardrobe fundamentals, have your eye on a brand new loungey travel piece or nonetheless haven’t discovered the model that hangs completely in your body, we imagine that your holy-grail hoodie is on the market ready for you. To assist navigate a buying terrain flooded with various cuts, colours and kinds, we tapped style stylists, in addition to our personal editors, to share a few of their favourite hoodies for on a regular basis put on. We additionally requested for recommendations on the sweatshirt options to think about to make sure you get the precise look and really feel you’re after.
“This might be the most perfect hoodie for petite gals like me, making the higher price tag worth it in my book,” mentioned NCS Underscored style and magnificence editor Sophie Shaw, who additionally likes that the minimize of this Perfectwhitetee hoodie doesn’t overwhelm or swallow her body. Cassandra Sethi, a private stylist and the founding father of Next Level Wardrobe, can be a fan and mentioned that the easy design and midweight material make this sweatshirt an extremely versatile model for on a regular basis put on. She additionally echoed Shaw’s sentiment that this hoodie nails the lived-in, slouchier look whereas nonetheless wanting polished sufficient to pair with denims, trousers or sweats.
Made from Lululemon’s signature Nulu material, which is a mix of nylon and lycra, this cropped hoodie is tender, breathable and designed to maneuver with you. “The fitted silhouette layers beautifully with high-waisted leggings or joggers, making it a go-to for women who want comfort without sacrificing shape,” private stylist and make-up artist Teresa Foss mentioned.
NCS Underscored updates author Ellen McAlpine mentioned this Gap hoodie is the coziest sweatshirt she owns and loves how good the model’s total VintageSoft line feels. “It stayed just as soft after washing it, which is a huge win,” she mentioned. “The zip-up strikes the balance of being cozy without being too thick, and while I love pairing it with the coordinating pants, I’ve also styled it with leggings and jeans while running errands.”
Another favourite of Shaw’s, this hoodie is made with a cotton mix that she mentioned feels tender and fleece-like on the within. Available in seven muted colours, the full-zip model is straightforward for those that discover themselves taking layers on and off so much. It has an outsized match so Shaw sized down and mentioned doing so labored completely for a slouchy match that also will be layered below heavier winter coats.
Hoodies don’t must be all fleece or cotton. Naadam has taken the signature Mongolian cashmere present in its viral sweaters and reworked it right into a hoodie type. Personal stylist Amanda Vargus mentioned she prefers the impartial shades of this hoodie, since they’re simpler to decorate up or down, however you can even seize this model in bolder limited-edition colours like Peacock Blue or Peony.
NCS Underscored testing and updates author Michelle Rae Uy mentioned she reaches for this ribbed Alo Muse hoodie throughout spring and early summer time days in Southern California. The mild layer retains her heat within the face of breezier temperatures, and she particularly likes sporting this hoodie throughout lengthy journey days, because the flattering minimize makes her really feel equally trendy and snug.
Personal stylist Zoë Zimmitti mentioned this drapey hoodie from Aerie has remodeled her winter wardrobe. “The hoodie is thinner than others I own, but the shape and sleeve details perfectly flatter the female figure,” she mentioned. “[It’s] bubbly, comfortable and effortlessly elevating, all at an amazing price.” You can presently seize this hoodie in one in all 4 impartial colours, all of which make nice selections for a goes-with-anything closet staple.
Personal stylist Anita Colon mentioned the cropped silhouette on this Everlane hoodie provides it a extra fashion-forward model that’s straightforward to pair with high-waisted jeans or trousers. It’s designed with a barely outsized and relaxed match that can be thrown over leggings or bike shorts for a sporty-chic look. Plus, the brushed fleece lining will assist hold you heat and cozy.
“This is a luxe, minimal hoodie with beautiful drape and a slim, feminine silhouette,” Sethi mentioned. She added this model additionally layers cleanly beneath coats and feels extra elevated than customary hoodies because of its extra refined material and considerate proportions.
Pinstripes aren’t simply for enterprise garments anymore; now you may rock the traditional print in a extra laid-back type. Vargus mentioned the pinstripe detailing helps make this Alo hoodie really feel extra fashion-forward, however if you wish to lean laborious into the athleisure really feel, you may scoop up the corresponding sweatpants as effectively.
Made of a modal and polyester mix, this contemporary Nike jacket has an exaggerated form that’s extra structural than most zip-ups. Colon is a fan of the sporty and clear silhouette, which she mentioned is straightforward to model for on a regular basis put on. If you totally wish to decide to the look, you may even seize the matching pleated sweatpants to go together with it.
My brother wears this Rhoback hoodie primarily nonstop. Whether we’re going out for an informal household exercise, hanging at residence or weaving by the airport, this hoodie is on his again (or on the very least packed in his bag). He raves about how snug and light-weight the blanket-soft materials is. This hoodie additionally has a barely tighter match by the shoulders and higher arms, which makes it simpler to layer beneath jackets. The total design is straightforward and undoubtedly leans a bit extra athletic, however you may nonetheless pair it with slacks, chinos or denims for a pulled-together however laid-back look.
If you’re looking for a barely extra elevated and fitted hoodie, Patrick Kenger, a private stylist and the founding father of Pivot Image, recommends this feature from Reiss. It’s made from 100% wool, delivering heat and breathability with a slimmer total profile. The luxe materials is right for layering with trousers or slacks and may even work its method into your rotation of relaxed however nonetheless refined officewear.
Beyond Yoga’s line of snug and flattering women’s activewear is already well-liked amongst our editors, however its newly launched men’s attire assortment has additionally been getting rave evaluations from our employees. “I’ve been wearing the LuxeFleece hoodie nearly every day since I got it,” our outdoor, sustainable dwelling and pet editor, Kai Burkhardt, mentioned. “Its heavyweight feel paired with the incredibly soft fleece interior makes it the layer I reach for first whenever I’m relaxing at the house.”
Carhartt has had a little bit of a style renaissance as of late, with its rugged, workwear-inspired kinds giving guys a option to look pulled-together with out feeling overly formal. Kenger is a fan of this barely outsized hoodie from the model, which has a traditional look and cozy fleece lining that’s good for winter layering.
Personal stylist Kelly Peters mentioned she likes that American Giant consciously produces its clothes within the US with out compromising on high quality or model. This 100% cotton hoodie is a lighter-weight model of the model’s bestselling fleece hoodie, however each are designed with a timeless silhouette that’s made to be worn once more and once more.
For consolation and mobility, Kenger likes this stretchy and moisture-wicking hoodie from Rhone. The clear traces and deep shade choices make this an awesome selection for throwing on beneath bombers, denim jackets or longer overcoats. Plus, the material is engineered with antimicrobial know-how, so if you wish to sport it to or from the gymnasium, it ought to keep recent a bit longer than different sweatshirts.
Our editors are massive followers of Quince’s trendy, heat and reasonably priced Mongolian cashmere pieces. Colon likes that this hoodie presents a extra refined tackle conventional loungewear with its traditional minimize and tender really feel. It’s a flexible winter piece that you would be able to really feel snug carrying throughout the confines of your house or sporting with different informal apparel whenever you wish to step out.
I discover that hoodies made for women are typically extra cropped, snug-fitting and tapered on my body than I’d care for them to be, which is why I’m not afraid to buy within the men’s part. When I roll off the bed, have to run an errand or am winding down at night time, this Abercrombie hoodie is the very first thing I seize. I like that the twin zippers permit me to chuck the hoodie on and off simply, and mess around with completely different styling choices. I’m very happy with how this jacket drapes from my shoulders and skims the skin of my hips, giving me the relaxed however nonetheless flattering silhouette I would like in an on a regular basis hoodie. Though, as a result of it’s a men’s model, I did order a dimension down from my typical women’s dimension.
Our editors aren’t any strangers to Old Navy’s line of loungewear. We love that the model presents reasonably priced choices for updating the closet staples that you simply or your loved ones members have outgrown, together with trendy hoodies. This one is made from 88% cotton and is available in over 20 colours and prints, a few of which also have a washed therapy to provide them a extra “lived-in” look.
Personal stylist Paula Newlands mentioned she finds hoodies with out logos and designed with a tailor-made match — versus being boxy, tight or outsized — to be probably the most versatile. This Lululemon hoodie checks all these packing containers, and although it’d look fundamental on first look, the waffle knit material offers a textural contact that makes for a extra attention-grabbing layering piece in your chilly climate wardrobe.
Colon mentioned this Nike Tech hoodie nails the fashionable, streetwear aesthetic and added that it’s outsized sufficient to maintain you cozy and snug whereas nonetheless being structured sufficient to look deliberately cool.
“Akimbo Club makes amazing 100% cotton hoodies that are super comfortable and soft, retain their structure after every wear, have a bubbly fit and are exceptionally well made,” Zimmitti mentioned. This unisex model is available in 20 colours and prints, and there’s additionally a full-zip version should you’re not a fan of the pull-on design.
Sethi mentioned this unisex possibility from Los Angeles Apparel is a real heavyweight hoodie that will provide you with heat with out an excessive amount of bulk. “The garment-dyed finish gives it a modern, elevated streetwear vibe while keeping the silhouette clean and timeless,” she mentioned.
After finishing her first half-marathon, Uy mentioned this Hoka hoodie gave her the precise plush wrapping her physique wanted to relaxation and get better. She paired this thick fleece hoodie with the matching joggers for an ultra-cozy head-to-toe look. “As a bonus, the hoodie has a small secure pocket inside its big pocket so that your keys and valuables don’t fall out,” Uy added.
Finding a stable hoodie may appear so simple as going surfing and buying the primary one you want; it may be that straightforward if you would like it to be. However, to ensure you don’t find yourself spending your hard-earned {dollars} on a garment that received’t final or keep in vogue after subsequent season, our model specialists suggest conserving these key issues in thoughts:
Cotton, or cotton blends, are typically the preferred selection for hoodies since they’re snug and good for year-round put on. A 100% cotton hoodie will provide sturdiness and breathability, plus cotton materials are likely to get softer and look extra lived-in over time. However, Peters mentioned 100% cotton clothes can shrink, fade or lose their form if not cared for correctly. “Blends reduce those issues, often lasting longer, but may sacrifice breathability or that natural, luxurious feel,” she mentioned.
Hoodies made with a material mix — like one thing within the neighborhood of 70% cotton and 30% polyester — have a tendency to carry their form longer and resist shrinking and pilling, in response to Foss. These polyblend materials additionally are typically simpler to take care of if you would like a sweatshirt you may simply throw within the wash.
If you’re primarily wanting for a hoodie to maintain you heat, the stylists we spoke to suggest fleece-lined or brushed-back cotton choices. “[It’s] the coziest option because it traps heat without feeling too heavy,” Foss mentioned. “If you know you’re going to be outside and on-the-go, that’s what I reach for.”
Other supplies to think about embody French terry, bamboo or hemp mix hoodies, which Peters mentioned provide completely different textures and drapes, and are extra eco-conscious materials. For cooler climate, Kenger likes merino wool or cashmere, which is able to assist hold you heat whereas additionally offering an elevated look and really feel.
While many hoodies look the identical on first look, our specialists mentioned the important thing to discovering a top quality garment is within the particulars. First, check out the burden of the material. Foss mentioned to buy for dense, tightly knit materials that don’t really feel flimsy. Typically, midweight or heavyweight materials point out {that a} hoodie will provide extra construction, sturdiness and heat. It’s additionally price attempting the hoodie on in-person should you can, as Kenger mentioned you wish to make certain the material feels tender in your pores and skin reasonably than scratchy.
Regardless of the fabric, a well-made hoodie ought to have clear, tight and straight stitching. “Double-needle stitching and reinforced seams, especially at stress points like pockets, cuffs and zippers, are all signs a garment has been crafted with the intention to last,” Peters mentioned. Other options to look for embody double-lined hoods, steel zippers and {hardware}, and ribbed cuffs and hems that may resist stretching out.
Shape and match
If you’re hoping for a hoodie that reads extra effortlessly stylish as a substitute of pajama adjoining, selecting the best match could make all of the distinction. “Look for a hoodie that skims the body — roomy enough for comfort but not so oversized that it loses shape,” Sethi mentioned. “The shoulder seam should align with your shoulders and the length should hit at the hip for a clean, flattering line.”
Kenger mentioned that almost all hoodies are minimize equally, particularly should you’re taking a look at men’s kinds. “It’s all about how it fits the wearer and the fabric weight,” he mentioned. “If you want to show off your physique more, a slim fit, thinner hoodie, such as one made from merino wool, is a good option.”
For a extra relaxed however nonetheless polished look, Foss recommends wanting for hoodies with barely dropped shoulder seams. If you need a cozier and extra outsized vibe, you may choose one dimension up out of your customary clothes dimension, which is able to preserve the model of the sweatshirt and hold the match from wanting sloppy.
A impartial hoodie shade, akin to black, grey, brown, cream or beige, will provide you with probably the most styling choices, in response to our stylists. Plus, as a result of impartial shades are timeless, you received’t have to fret about them wanting outdated a couple of years down the road. However, the best shade for a hoodie is the one which makes you excited to put on it.
“While versatility matters, I prioritize personal preference,” Peters mentioned. “If you have a favorite color, buy a hoodie in that. And if you’re unsure, look at your closet and notice what color or tone it appears that you wear most often. That’s the color you will naturally reach for, meaning you will actually wear it.”
The traditional companion for a hoodie is a pair of sweatpants, however there are many different, extra trendy combos too. “A hoodie is one of my favorite ‘elevate without trying’ pieces,” Colon mentioned. “Try layering it under a long coat for a modern, off-duty look, pairing it with wide-leg trousers or adding simple gold jewelry to soften the sporty vibe. Little tweaks can make the whole outfit feel more intentional.”
Selecting a method that appears simply pretty much as good together with your favourite slacks because it does with leggings or joggers could make a hoodie a extra worthwhile piece in your closet. Keep in thoughts how the colour, material, form and minimize of the hoodie you select may play with a few of your different mostly worn items.
The following FAQs have been answered by stylists Teresa Foss, Patrick Kenger, Cassandra Sethi and Amanda Vargus.
For a superb mixture of sturdiness and affordability, our specialists really helpful wanting for 100% cotton hoodies, or kinds made with a material mix that accommodates a excessive cotton proportion. You also needs to assess the smaller particulars of the hoodie, just like the linings, stitches and hems, to see if there are any inconsistencies or unfastened threads.
“I pay attention to fabric weight, tight stitching, a clean neckline and hardware that feels substantial,” Sethi mentioned. “A double-lined hood, reinforced seams and ribbing that doesn’t stretch out over time are signs of a well-made hoodie.”
For heat, Kenger recommends wanting for heavyweight fleece hoodie choices. Though, for a extra luxe look and really feel, he additionally likes merino wool and cashmere kinds. Sethi recommends hoodies made from brushed fleece or ones that use a dense knit cotton and polyester mix for conserving heat.
For optimum versatility, the specialists we spoke to favored impartial hoodie colours like black, chocolate brown and beige, as these will be simply paired with different neutrals and brighter hues. However, grey was additionally a steadily talked about selection, because it pairs effectively with most issues and can simply transition by seasonal wardrobes.
“You can never go wrong with heather gray,” Foss mentioned. “It works with every wash of denim, every neutral and every sneaker. Black is a close second for a more polished look, but gray is universally flattering and easy to style up or down.”
For this text, we consulted the next specialists to achieve their skilled insights.
NCS Underscored has a crew of expert writers and editors who’ve a few years of expertise testing, researching and recommending merchandise, and they guarantee every article is rigorously edited and merchandise are correctly vetted. We speak to high specialists when related to make sure we’re testing every product precisely, recommending solely the best merchandise and contemplating the professionals and cons of every merchandise.
For this story, affiliate editor Jillian Tracy consulted eight skilled stylists on what to think about when buying for a hoodie and requested them to share a few of their favourite kinds for on a regular basis put on. She additionally tapped NCS Underscored editors to share their very own go-to hoodies.