Abercrombie Essential Popover Hoodie
Pros
- Fabric is ultra-soft like your favorite pillow
- Extra room in the body and waist
- Looks great with all types of pants: jeans, joggers, chinos
- Spacious front pouch can warm hands or store belongings
- Available in 40 different colors
Cons
- No drawstring to cinch hood
Abercrombie’s hoodie nabs the top spot because it perfectly merges comfort, durability, and style. I’ve had mine for a couple years now, and the cotton-polyester fabric still feels as soft as the day I unboxed it—kind of like my favorite pillow after a Sunday nap. I’ve put it through countless washes, coffee spills, and lazy weekends, and yet the color and shape haven’t budged.
One of our editors even wore it during a chilly fall photoshoot and said it held up against the wind better than half of the performance hoodies we tested. The fit runs a little oversized, which is back in style. You get extra room in the body and waist with the option to layer anything that’s slim-fitting or slightly bulky. If you like a closer fit, just size down. Despite the roomy cut, it’s breathable, lightweight, and doesn’t make you look like you’re wearing a puffy trash bag.
Style-wise, it’s one of those hoodies that just works with anything—sweatpants, jeans, joggers, or even chino pants when you’re dressing up for casual Fridays. The washed finish gives it a vintage, lived-in vibe that looks polished, not sloppy. And while it skips the drawstring, I’ve never once wished it had one—the hood stays put even when the wind kicks up. The front pouch pocket is spacious enough to keep your hands warm up on cold morning errand runs. Plus, this hoodie comes in an insane amount of colors to choose from—I’m talking at least 40.
Read More: Best Joggers for Men
Features at a Glance
| Material | 70% Cotton, 30% Polyester |
| Sizes | XXS—XXXL |
| Fit | Oversized |
| Fabric Weight | Midweight |
| Colors | 22 |
Pros
- Moisture-wicking, stretchy, and soft fabric
- Extra room in the chest and at the waist
- Naturally breathable
- Versatile for everyday or workouts
- Brushed interior provides warmth
Cons
- Costly, but has lots of wearability and retains shape
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. We found there’s plenty of room in the chest and at the waist, meaning you can easily layer long sleeve t-shirts and still receive a great deal of breathability. Plus, the fabric cotton-blend has a hint of stretch, so it’s perfect for guys with broader shoulder and bigger biceps.
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. Thanks to the brushed interior, you get that next-to-skin warmth that keeps you feeling toasty when the temps dip. 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.
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: Lululemon Hoodie Review
| Material | 89% nylon, 11% elastane |
| Sizes | XS—XXL |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Fabric Weight | Midweight |
| Colors | 8 |
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Pros
- Most affordable ticket on this list
- Loose cut increases breathability and layering potential
- Uses a unique manufacturing process to boosts its lifespan
- Made to reduce shrinking wash after wash
Cons
- Might be too heavy for a cool summer’s night
When it comes to hoodies, Champion wrote the playbook. More than a decade after my college years, the brand’s still cranking out affordable sweats like this one that feel anything but cheap. The cotton-polyester blend is thick, soft, and surprisingly resilient, while the patented reverse weave technique (a unique manufacturing process) boosts its lifespan and reduces shrinking, wash after wash. After six washing cycles, the fabric held up nicely without becoming dingy or pilling. Compared to other hoodies that we’ve tested, this might be the heaviest option on the list, meaning you get all the cozy vibes without feeling weighed down.
The loose cut leaves room to layer over basics, and the hoodie stretches just enough for reaching, bending, or grabbing a coffee on the go. While it might be too warm for a cool summer night, it’s perfect for fall walks, weekend errands, or casual hangouts. Either way, it keeps you toasty during shoulder season without needing a fleece jacket. We also love how effortlessly it pairs with jeans, sweats, or relaxed trousers—making it a reliable, everyday hoodie that delivers serious quality without breaking the bank.
Features at a Glance
| Material | 82% Cotton, 18% Polyester; |
| Sizes | XS—XXXL |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Fabric Weight | Heavyweight |
| Colors | 8 |
Pros
- Has a clean, smooth drape
- Feels like your favorite PJs
- Stays plush after multiple wash cycles
- Allows you to stretch your arms without restriction
Cons
- Subtle branding on the chest (not a dealbreaker)
Cozy Earth’s hoodie has that sink-into-the-couch kind of comfort you get from the brand’s pajamas and sheets. It’s made from a unique trifecta blend of modal, cotton, and polyester, which is soft, supple, and weighted just right, giving it a drapey, almost cloud-like feel against the skin. Unlike Reigning Champ’s hoodie, which has a more structured build, Cozy’s Earth version feels more forgiving and relaxed like a wearable hug, perfect for lazy mornings in bed or weekend binge-watching sessions.
The subtle branding on the chest keeps the look minimal and versatile. Our editors note it has that weightless feel that makes you never want to take it off. Even without spandex, the hoodie lets us lift the suitcase into an overhead bin. Not to mention, its relaxed fit is perfect to layer underneath and wear on a flight as it tends to get cold on the aircraft. The inside has stayed plush wash after wash, while the outside keeps a smooth, lived-in softness that drapes neatly without looking sloppy.
Features at a Glance
| Material | 60% Modal, 24% Cotton, 16% Recycled Poly |
| Sizes | S—3XL |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Fabric Weight | Lightweight |
| Colors | 7 |
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Pros
- Super durable and heavy enough to handle strong winds
- Made with a water-repellent finish
- Three-piece jersey-lined hood
- Oversized yet cozy fit, perfect for the fall/winter season
- Inclusive sizing (big and tall available)
Cons
- Not ideal if you want a closer fit
When the weather really goes rogue in the winter, Carhartt’s heavyweight hoodie might be your best defense. It’s seriously thick—built to take on wind, cold, and even a bit of drizzle, thanks to the durable water-repellent finish. Our editors noted how it shrugged off light rain on a walk to the gym without soaking through. Another editor wore it for a weekend cabin trip and said it kept him perfectly comfortable chopping wood outside in 40-degree weather. It feels insulated without weighing you down like a full-on parka. This is on brand for Carhartt, which specializes in producing durable workwear that can handle all sorts of conditions.
Instead of the hood being cut from one flat piece of fabric, it’s paneled to better contour to your head and neck, meaning it doesn’t bunch up or blow off when the wind picks up. The inside jersey lining feels soft like your favorite tee, and even with a beanie underneath the hood didn’t feel tight or floppy. We also love the deep front handwarmer pocket—it’s great for thawing frozen hands or stashing gloves. Plus, there’s a hidden security pocket inside that’s perfect for stashing your phone or wallet.
Features at a Glance
| Material | 75% Cotton, 25% Polyester |
| Sizes | S—5XL |
| Fit | Loose, Oversized |
| Fabric Weight | Heavyweight |
| Colors | 12 |
Pros
- Substantial fabric that doesn’t heavy
- Comes with dual-layered hood that stays put
- Offered in three different fits
- Universally flattering on all body types
Cons
- Pricey but you’ll have it for years to come
The Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Standard Hoodie is built to last thanks to its 100% cotton 390 GSM (grams per square meter) fabric—midweight for a hoodie, meaning it feels substantial and durable without being too heavy. It’s soft against the skin yet holds its shape and resists pilling, even after half a dozen washes. I’ve worn mine on brisk morning walks, light workouts, and errands, and it still looks and feels like new.
This hoodie doesn’t skimp on details starting with the semi-raglan sleeves, which are a hybrid cut where the shoulder seams sit slightly off the top of your shoulder, giving you more freedom to move without that overly sporty look. Then there’s the dual-layer hood that adds structure and warmth—it’s made from two layers of fabric, so it actually keeps its shape and stays put instead of falling off. And the flatlock seams? They sit flush against your skin to cut down on bulk and rubbing, all while adding serious durability to prevent stretching out or fraying over time.
The midweight terry hits the sweet spot between structure and comfort: heavier than a Uniqlo hoodie but lighter than a full heavyweight pullover. Falling between slim and relaxed, it contours to the body without feeling tight, and I can easily layer a T-shirt or light long sleeve underneath. 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.
Features at a Glance
| Material | 100% Cotton |
| Sizes | XS—XXL |
| Fit | Standard, Slim, Relaxed |
| Fabric Weight | Midweight |
| Colors | 9 |
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Pros
- Garment-dyed for that broken-in feel
- Perfect for year-round wear
- Fabric is dense yet plush even after being washed
- Flatters guys with athletic builds
Cons
- On the pricier side, but has long-lasting quality
Among the midweight hoodies we tested, Flint and Tinder’s style easily takes the crown. It hits that perfect balance between structure and softness, you get some weight and shape without the stiffness. This style is made from French terry, a cotton fabric known for its tiny loops on the inside that trap air and help regulate body temperature.
One tester said it kept them warm when the temps spiked but never felt stuffy when they were indoors or layering up. Most hoodies go too heavy and stiff or too thin and flimsy; this one lands right in the middle. The regular fit is not baggy or muscle-hugging, it sits comfortably on the shoulders and chest and drapes cleanly down the torso. It flatters guys with athletic builds but still leaves room to layer a tee or henley underneath without feeling bulky.
It’s also garment-dyed for that already broken-in feel right off the rack. The cotton feels dense yet plush, like a favorite sweatshirt that’s already been through a few perfect washes. In our testing, this hoodie held up beautifully. It didn’t stretch out at the cuffs or hem, and the color kept its rich tone even after multiple washes—a perk of the garment-dye process.
We wore it everywhere: morning coffee runs, cool evening walks, even to the office on casual Fridays. In fact, it’s one of those hoodies that can be worn year-round. Plus, the kangaroo pocket is deep enough to hold your phone, wallet, or even your hands when it’s brisk out.
Features at a Glance
| Material | 100% Cotton |
| Sizes | S—XXL |
| Fit | Regular |
| Fabric Weight | Midweight |
| Colors | 7 |
Pros
- One of the softest fabrics we’ve tested
- Moisture-wicking, thin, and dries in minutes
- Layers easily over workout tees
- Contours the shoulders and torso without feeling restrictive
Cons
- Not the warmest option to wear in freezing temps
Vuori is one of our favorite athleisure brands because it’s known for sweat-wicking basics that honor its laid-back SoCal roots. That’s why we love the Strato Tech Hoodie. Our Deputy Editor, Christian Gollayan, ran five miles in it, and the polyester-elastane blend stayed relatively dry even by the fourth mile, with only minimal dampness by the time he finished. He didn’t feel so gross that he had to change before knocking out a grocery run.
The slim fit sits close to the body, so it contours to your shoulders and torso without feeling restrictive. Because of that close cut, you can comfortably wear a long sleeve, workout tee, or undershirt, but anything bulky will start to feel tight. The arms are cut narrow too, but thanks to the added stretch, you still get full mobility—though stacking too many layers on top can make the sleeve feel snug.
Gollayan was able to throw a gym bag over his shoulder and swing his arms while walking. Compared to Uniqlo’s fabric, this hoodie has a much thinner—a lightweight layer you barely notice, but not so thin that it feels flimsy. The fabric is also incredibly soft, probably one of the softest on the list next to Cozy Earth.
Features at a Glance
| Material | 96% Polyester, 4% Elastane |
| Sizes | XXS—3XL |
| Fit | Slim |
| Fabric Weight | Lightweight |
| Colors | 9 |
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Pros
- Made with unique chrome branding on chest
- Roomy fit allows easy layering
- Perfect for shoulder season
- Soft French terry exterior and smooth fleece interior
Cons
- We recommend sizing down for closer fit
In typical Alo fashion, the brand’s Accolade Hoodie nails that sweet spot between streetwear and luxury. From the chrome branding on the chest to the hefty cotton-polyester fabric that feels soft and substantial, it has that premium vibe you notice the second you pull it on. The french terry—inside and out—has this plush, fuzzy texture that amps up its comfort factor and makes you want to lounge in it all day.
This one’s got a boxy, oversized cut that gives me full freedom to move how I want, whether I’m reaching overhead to grab a coffee mug and bending to tie my sneakers without the fabric pulling under the arms. Despite the larger relaxed fit, I don’t feel stuffy or like I’m swimming in fabric. Plus, it has an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, keeping me cozy without overheating during those weird in-between weather days. It’s ideal for guys who prefer a looser feel, whether you’re layering over a tee or a crewneck. If you prefer a slimmer fit, I’d recommend going down a size (or even two).
I’ve worn mine to grab breakfast in Soho and to and from workouts, and it always looks on point. While it comes in a bunch of slick tones, I’m especially into the rich brown. This color makes it feel a bit dressier than your average hoodie and on trend for fall, so I’m never shy about wearing it out in public.
| Materials | 65% Cotton, 35% Polyester |
| Sizes | XXS—XXL |
| Fit | Oversized |
| Fabric Weight | Midweight |
| Colors | 8 |
Pros
- Affordable yet feels premium
- Sturdy and thick fabric
- Dropped shoulders gives it roomy fit across the upper body
Cons
- Size down if you want a more snug fit
Uniqlo’s built its reputation on timeless basics that feel just as current now as they will years from now—all without breaking the bank. Enter the brand’s oversized hoodie, which doesn’t swallow you, but feels soft, roomy, and easy to move in. The cotton-polyester fabric is sturdy and thick, but not heavy enough to make you feel you’re wearing a wool blanket on a mild day. Like Alo’s hoodie, it features dropped shoulders, where the seam falls lower on the arm and gives it a relaxed, roomy fit across the upper body. This way you can layer a crewneck or even a windbreaker.
The interior has a smooth texture that feels like a technical workout tee but with more structure. It’s not fluffy like a traditional hoodie yet it’s lightweight and breathable to wear in a muggy subway. I wore mine on a quick walk to the cafe, and unlike most bulky hoodies, I stayed cozy without breaking a sweat. The cut is longer, so I’d size down if you want it to fit a little more snug. Given how premium the fabric feels, you’d expect it to be pricier, but it’s reasonable enough to stock up on a couple at a time.
Features at a Glance
| Material | 67% Polyester, 33% Cotton |
| Sizes | XXS—3XL |
| Fit | Oversized |
| Fabric Weight | Midweight |
| Colors | 7 |
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Pros
- Zip style offers lots of versatility and convenience
- Fabric has that luxurious five-star hotel sheet softness
- Packs down easier than others in suitcase
- Flattering fit on jacked bodies
Cons
- Most priciest option, but exceptional quality and versatility
Beyond looking casually fly, Maison Wheat’s zip-up hoodie offers a lot of comfort and convenience. Unlike the pullovers on this list that’ll mess up your brushed hair, the full zipper makes it easy to take on and off. I like that you can zip it all the way up to my chin to trap heat on chilly mornings or leave it partially open to stay cool when it warms up. Because it opens completely, it layers cleanly under jackets or over heavier pieces—something most pullover hoodies can’t pull off without making you look stuffed.
What also sets this style apart is the Tencel modal fabric. It’s got that luxuriously five-star hotel sheet softness, drapey and smooth like a second skin. It’s lighter than fleece and French terry, but heavier and silker than a basic cotton jersey, so it feels premium without the bulk. During our testing, we found it packs down easily into a suitcase and doesn’t take up any space. Yes, it’s more expensive than other options, but you’re paying for a high-quality piece that’s super versatile and feels great on the skin.
Features at a Glance
| Material | 95% Tencel™ Modal, 5% Spandex |
| Sizes | XS—XXL |
| Fit | Slim |
| Fabric Weight | Lightweight |
| Colors | 4 |
What Exactly Are Hoodies?
Hoodies are casual sweatshirts with a built-in hood, often made from soft, comfortable materials like cotton, polyester, or fleece. They typically feature a front pocket (often a kangaroo pouch), ribbed cuffs, and a drawstring to adjust the hood’s fit. Hoodies come in various styles: a pullover, full zip, or sometimes even a half-zip. You can find lightweight versions perfect for layering to heavier, insulated ones for warmth.
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How to Style Men’s Hoodies
Hoodies are all about casual comfort, so don’t stray too far from that lane. Pairing one with other relaxed staples like jeans, chinos, or joggers keeps your look laid-back without appearing like you’re trying too hard. We also love layering hoodies under winter coats for a balanced contrast.
Some of the hoodies on our list, including Alo’s and Lululemon’s, have matching sweatpants and joggers if you’re going for a full set. For a more elevated look, try a Merino wool or cashmere hoodie, which instantly dress things up. And if you want something more classic and casual, stick with a 100% cotton hoodie, it’s timeless and easy to wear year-round.
When it comes to layering, the trick to dressing up a hoodie is balancing its relaxed feel with something more structured. Think a blazer, bomber, or denim jacket. Even a sleek leather jacket or wool coat can take things up a notch.
As the Style and Commerce Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.

