Hoodies have come a long way from their humble sportswear origins, but the best hoodies for men still do what hoodies do best: provide a level of swaddly bliss on par with a steaming cup of mulled wine. These days, of course, hoodies run the gamut, and their stylistic range is broader than Mariah Carey's. They can hold you down whether you're indulging in a little well-deserved couch potato time or venturing out into the world to see and by seen by real people. Hidden beneath a big ol' puffer, paired with matching sweatpants—or even baggy cargos and beat-up sneakers—the best of the best hoodies can finesse any outfit with the style and grace of a world-class gymnast.
This shouldn't be news to you. Heck, we'd go so far as to say that we're living in a golden age of hoodies, and brands of all stripes keep pushing the silhouette to new heights. That's great when it comes to variety, but it doesn't make choosing the right hoodie for you any easier. So we parsed through 'em all—from the cheap and cheerful to the over-the-top and entirely unnecessary—to find the only options worth your dollars.
The Best Men's Hoodies, According to GQ
Best Hoodie Overall: Reigning Champ Pullover Hoodie
If you haven't had the chance—or, more accurately, the patience to line up for a chance—to wear a Supreme hoodie, you've been missing out. But the fashion gods have heard of this plight because just over a decade ago, Vancouver's CYC Design Corp—the former manufacturer behind Supreme's superior sweats—launched Reigning Champ, which churns out the same heavy-duty athleticwear minus the thirst-inducing branding and highly limited supply. I’m talking about dense, heavy fleece, industrial-strength ribbed hems that deliver a healthy amount of give, and perfectly-proportioned hood. All the game-raising coziness, zero risk of inciting an actual riot.
Out of all the men’s hoodies I tested, Reigning Champ's terry hoodies were clearly the best quality, even at its steep price tag of $125. The fabric was softer than Champion's Reverse Weave hoodie and the fit was ever so slightly better. And even if the classic fit isn’t your speed, RC offers it in a couple of other silhouettes. Huge plus.
But the real kicker is the construction. I’m always blown away by Reigning Champ’s quality and the hoodie is its crown jewel. The flatlock stitching is impeccable and super smooth, a unique sleeve made of a set-in construction from the front and a raglan construction at the back which brought both fit and comfort to the hoodie, and extra details like herringbone seam taping at the neck. And, the fact that the hood overlaps ever so slightly at the neck shows the brand’s commitment to detail. The price is multiple factors more expensive than most other hoodies here, but if you think if it as an investment, it’s money truly well spent.
| Materials | 100% cotton |
| Fabric weight | 390 GSM |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Color | Varies |
Best Classic Hoodie: Champion Reverse Weave Pullover Hoodie
Do I really need to sell you on this one? Champion sweatshirts, like 501s and Chucks, have probably been a fixture in your wardrobe since before you could spell "wardrobe." Instead, let's use this space to reaffirm why they've been worthy of your loyalty all these years. Mainly, it's the construction: way back in the '30s, Champion introduced their patented reverse weave technique, a process that jacks ups the fleece's durability and makes it impervious to shrinking. That one innovation instantly made Champion's sweats the go-to outfitter for every college sports program in the country, and a favorite of Japanese vintage hunters many decades later. They still make 'em the same way, and their hoodies still last damn near forever—and deserve a spot on this list—because of it.
In my experience, Champion’s Reverse Weave fabric is almost as rough as it is iconic. That’s a bit of an exaggeration, but the hefty cotton-poly blend is so unique that I could easily pick it out of a pile of hoodies on feel alone. Maybe that says something about me.
Regardless, I know from first-hand experience that what you sacrifice in handfeel you make back in durability ten times over. And despite the burly exterior, the brushed interior is as fluffy as a cloud and very warm. The kangaroo pocket is quite large, like, large enough to store a housecat or a couple of fully loaded hoagies. For dudes under 5'10", this may be a touch long, but I find that the stretchy ribbing at the hem made it easy to adjust.
| Materials | 82% cotton, 18% polyester |
| Fabric weight | 12 oz. |
| Sizes | XS-3XL |
| Color | Varies |
Best Zip-Up Hoodie: Uniqlo Sweat Full-zip Hoodie
We're well-known fanboys of Uniqlo U, the fashion-forward Uniqlo sub-label headed up by the esteemed Christophe Lemaire. In the midst of all the (deserved) praise, we should remind you that Uniqlo's mainline still slaps—and the full-zip hoodie is among its best products. It's surprisingly well built for a hoodie that costs a very approachable $50, outpacing hoodies that cost more than double. And the silhouette is worthy of the juiciest chef's kiss. It's relaxed but not oversized, precisely cropped for a vintage feel, but not so cropped that it enters Fashion territory. And it's hard to find a hoodie at this price made of 100% cotton, especially cotton that's as soft as this one is.
This is my go-to hoodie. On most days below 70-degrees, you will catch me wearing this exact hoodie. What Uniqlo nails that other household names don’t is the combo of fit and fabric. The fabric is soft from the jump, the color is spot on, and most importantly, the fit is perfectly roomy but just short enough to make your legs look long. While most other hoodies are cut for the average male model, Uniqlo’s are actually cut with average-height dudes in mind. My main gripe, however, is that Uniqlo tends to update its core styles from fairly regularly. That means that if you like this season’s hoodie, you’d better consider buying another colorway or doubling up because it may not fit or feel the same the next time around.
| Materials | 100% cotton |
| Fabric Weight | N/A |
| Sizes | XXS-3XL |
| Colors | Black, Gray, Light Gray, Blue |
Best Budget Hoodie: Russell Athletic Dri-Power Fleece Pullover Hoodie
As far as affordable sweats go, it's hard to beat the fleece OGs from Russell Athletic. Would you expect anything less from the brand that actually invented the hoodie? While Russell Athletic sweats have become a vintage grail for hoodie enthusiasts in the past few years (including a few in-the-know celebs), the box-fresh hoodies you'll find today are still just as good, even if they don't come with their own pre-loved patina. They've got the classic V-insert detail at the neck, ribbed hems and cuffs, kangaroo pockets, and drawstring hoods. (And unlike its Champion counterpart, the Russell tag is a little more discreet.)
The mid-weight fleece is made of a 50-50 cotton-poly blend with a near-vintage hand and the Dri-Power materials means it'll help wick away moisture, keeping you dry and warm. At just around $20, this is the hoodie to beat if you're on a budget. Though the fit of the modern Russell hoodie is pretty good, it’s not quite as cropped as I would like, but that’s almost nitpicking. At just around twenty bucks, there aren’t better value hoodies out there. That said, the fabric is a bit flimsier than I’d normally prefer.
| Materials | 50% cotton, 50% polyester |
| Weight | 9 oz. |
| Sizes | S-4XL |
| Color | Varies |
Best Hoodie for the Gym: Nike Dri-FIT Trail Running Hoodie
If there’s any brand geared towards performance, it’s Nike. And the Swoosh’s Dri-FIT Trail Running Hoodie is proof that hoodies can push your workouts to the next level just as much as they can make Me Time almost as good as a spa. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, but not flimsy, and because it’s Nike’s Dri-FIT material, it’ll wick away moisture to keep you dry even on your most brutal gym sessions. And if you prefer to take your workouts outdoors, you can rest assured that you’ll be protected from harmful UV rays.
While I prefer to have my personal belongings out of my pockets while running, I do appreciate that this hoodie includes a discrete zipper pocket to keep my phone, keys, and energy bars secure. Most hoodies that are designed for the gym look corny, IMO, so I also appreciate that Nike’s hoodie looks fairly classic, especially in heather gray and navy.
| Materials | 78% polyester, 22% cotton |
| Fabric weight | N/A |
| Sizes | XS-4XL, and tall lengths |
| Color | Varies |
Best Cashmere Hoodie: J.Crew Cashmere Hoodie
Calibrating your wardrobe for the WFH era is all about finding those Swiss Army garms that look and feel right in the widest possible range of situations. J.Crew's hoodie fits that mold perfectly: the ultra-soft Mongolian cashmere is warm but refined like your best business casual sweaters, but it's still, you know, a hoodie. Which means you can wear it on an important Zoom call with a client, out to the dog park for a little fresh air, and then cinch it up on the couch for a long night of The Crown without anyone ever blinking an eye.
By far, this is easily the most comfortable hoodie we tested. Is that a surprise though? The thing is made out of cashmere! If I were trying to take my lounging game to the major leagues, this would be the hoodie I’d wear. The fabric is lightweight, luscious, and as comforting as congee and a sitcom you’ve seen a million times.
| Materials | 100% cashmere |
| Fabric weight | N/A |
| Sizes | XS-2XL |
| Colors | Heather gray, navy |
Best Heavyweight Hoodie: Camber 232 Cross-Knit Heavyweight Hooded Sweatshirt
Camber's shored up a sizable following over the decades, even with months-long lead times that have become par for the course. Though the patience required to get your own Camber hoodie certainly adds to the lore, the proof is in the hoodie. The custom-developed cross-knit fabric is incredibly dense and impressively durable (we're talking decades-long-wear-durable).
Not only does Camber produce all of its hoodies in its Pennsylvania factory, the brand does it using US-made materials. Each piece is cut with obsessive craftsmanship by sewers who have been with the company for longer than most people have been at multiple companies. The cross-knit hoodie was originally built off the inspiration of the iconic Champion Reverse Weave hoodie, but time and customer enthusiasm has proven that it has far exceeded its muse. Are there heavier hoodies on this list? Yes. Are there any that do it better? No.
| Materials | 100% cotton |
| Fabric weight | 12 oz. |
| Sizes | S-6XL |
| Colors | 11 different options |
More Hoodies We Love
Abercrombie & Fitch
Essential Popover Hoodie
Abercrombie’s steady pace toward taking over the modern menswear closet is full steam ahead and it’s staples like this hoodie that are fueling the engine. The fabric is proper beefy, the silhouette is relaxed but not sloppy, and the hood is perfectly proportioned. Plus, for just $70, it’s basically a no-brainer.
Gap
VintageSoft Arch Logo Full-Zip Hoodie
There are many versions of a classic hoodie. You’ve got your no-frills gray Champion-types. You’ve got your old-school, throwback cotton hoodies, the kind that Japanese brands reproduce with painstakingly accurate details. And then you’ve got Gap’s iconic arch logo hoodies. Few brands have actually exploded their logo to everlasting success, but the mall brand’s dominance in the 1990s cemented its collegiate-inspired hoodie as a new classic. The cotton-blend hoodie features a zip-front design with kangaroo pockets, smooth face, brushed terry interior, and relaxed fit that pairs so well with some wide-legged pants.
Carhartt WIP
Chase Cotton Blend Zip Up Hoodie
While we do love mainline Carhartt for its unyielding durability, we do prefer the silhouettes of its contemporary offshoot, Carhartt Work In Progress. Case in point, the Chase hoodie features a burly cotton-blend brushed fleece that’s as comfy as it is weighty. And with an updated fit that’s clean and roomy, there aren’t many other options that can hold a candle.
Merz B. Schwanen
Organic Cotton Hoodie
Merz B. Schwanen’s lauded for its Michelin-starred tees that co-starred in The Bear and launched a million Google searches for ‘Carmy’s T-shirt’. And the old-school German label is just as adept at making hoodies. The label’s Organic Cotton Hoodie features vintage details with unique ribbing and hand pockets, all wrapped up in a meaty 540gsm cotton fleece that’ll have you contemplating whether you should swap your bedding.
3Sixteen
Heavyweight Hoody
3Sixteen make better jeans, better tees, better knits, and now a better hoody. This one, in an incredibly beefy 500gsm fleece, comes with leather zipper pulls that will soften charmingly with time—and which add just enough formality to make this office-friendly. Our office, at least.
Lady White Co.
Super Weighted Hoodie Black
Lady White Co.'s Super Weighted Hoodie is indeed one of the densest, beefiest hoodies you'll ever encounter. From the seeds that make up the cotton to factory that knits the fabric to the cutting and sewing, every part of this behemoth of a hoodie is crafted in California.
HAVEN
Ascent Hoodie - Polartec® Alpha® Fleece Iron
HAVEN brand's third-wave gorp-y hoodie is made from Polartec Alpha fleece, a material that's as light as it is toasty. The fluffy fleece piles are knit in a way to maximize warmth to weight while increasing breathability and if that ain't insanely cool, we don't know what is.
Our Legacy
Level Ribbed Hooded Jacket
Fleece and terry hoodies are all well and good, but a chunky knit hoodie is the extra boost of texture and character that's been missing from your winter knitwear. This one from Our Legacy features an all-over thick ribbed knit with a striped effect, cut into a deftly cropped silhouette.
What to Look for in a Great Hoodie
A hoodie is a hoodie is a hoodie, right? Not exactly. The details that separate the bad from the good from the great might seem inconsequential, but they add up fast. It all comes down to materials, construction, and fit. Mike Belgue, Brand Director for Reigning Champ says it all starts with the raw materials. “Superior cotton creates superior yarns, which are knit into the best terrys and fleeces.”
If you're after a really warm hoodie, it's all about the fabric. The warmest hoodies will use thick, heavyweight fabrics which normally start at about 12 ounces, or 400 GSM, and go up from there. Oftentimes, warmer hoodies are made of a brushed fleece which has made using an industrial comb that brushes one side of the fleece for a fluffy feel that also improves heat retention. For even better heat retention, some hoodies use a double-faced fabric, often with some kind of jersey or French terry for the exterior and a waffle-knit thermal fabric for the interior. But hoodies come in more materials than the usual cotton or cotton-poly French terry you're used to seeing.
Designers are crafting hoodies from all kind of materials like cashmere, wool, fleece, even super technical performance fabrics, each with their own unique properties and advantages. Regardless of the material, high-quality fabrics use long staple fibers which are both strong and smooth.
The most sought-after hoodies will use extremely rare loopwheel machines which are famed for their particular knitting style which uses the natural tension of gravity to knit a fabric that's unparalleled density and softness. Additionally, loopwheel fabrics are knit without any side seams which makes them more durable and comfortable.
After fabric comes construction. Belgium says details like gussets and flatlock stitching “create a garment that feels great from the inside out, while allowing freedom of movement, without any funny draping.” Flatlock stitching is often seen on higher-end hoodies since they’re produce a smoother, flatter seam that sits more flush and comfortably against the body.
Ribbing at the hem and cuffs should stretch and retain their shape after years of wear. Zippers should operate smoothly without jamming or snapping (obviously). Here, YKK zippers are a great option, but fancy hoodies will use zippers from brands like RiRi or Lampo. Grommets for drawstrings should be flush with smooth edges.
When it comes to fit, it’s all subjective. But generally speaking, the shoulder should sit at or just below your shoulder bones. The body should have room for range of motion and potential capacity for burritos. Classic lengths should fall right at the hips or just below your belt line. Belgue keeps it simple and says, “The fit is personal. It’s whatever feels best for what your vibe is.”
How We Test and Review Products
Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.
Our staffers aren’t able to try on every single piece of clothing you read about on GQ.com (fashion moves fast these days), but we have an intimate knowledge of each brand’s strengths and know the hallmarks of quality clothing—from materials and sourcing, to craftsmanship, to sustainability efforts that aren’t just greenwashing. GQ Recommends heavily emphasizes our own editorial experience with those brands, how they make their clothes, and how those clothes have been reviewed by customers. Bottom line: GQ wouldn’t tell you to wear it if we wouldn’t.
How We Make These Picks
We make every effort to cast as wide of a net as possible, with an eye on identifying the best options across three key categories: quality, fit, and price.
To kick off the process, we enlist the GQ Recommends braintrust to vote on our contenders. Some of the folks involved have worked in retail, slinging clothes to the masses; others have toiled for small-batch menswear labels; all spend way too much time thinking about what hangs in their closets.
We lean on that collective experience to guide our search, culling a mix of household names, indie favorites, and the artisanal imprints on the bleeding-edge of the genre. Then we narrow down the assortment to the picks that scored the highest across quality, fit, and price.
Across the majority of our buying guides, our team boasts firsthand experience with the bulk of our selects, but a handful are totally new to us. So after several months of intense debate, we tally the votes, collate the anecdotal evidence, and emerge with a list of what we believe to be the absolute best of the category right now, from the tried-and-true stalwarts to the modern disruptors, the affordable beaters to the wildly expensive (but wildly worth-it) designer riffs.
Whatever your preferences, whatever your style, there's bound to be a superlative version on this list for you. (Read more about GQ's testing process here.)