Last Updated April, 2020.
The hoodie is a pillar of the casual wardrobe. It has transcended its roots as a sportswear staple and is an essential garment regardless of social class or aesthetic taste. Though the design hasn’t changed much over the years, brands are offering versions of the hoodie in a range of quality fabrics not present in previous decades. Still comfortable and durable, these sweatshirts show the depth of quality fabrics available in French terry, fleece-back and double-face constructions. Whether you’re a fan of pullover or zip-up styles, quality fabric is what makes the garment. So explore the range of options below and invest in a hoodie worth wearing for years.
Important Fabric Terms
French Terry: Sometimes referred to as loopback cotton, this fabric is warp knitted with a flat face and loops on the underside, which serve the same purpose as the loops on a towel: to absorb moisture and sweat. Most commonly offered in 100 percent cotton, French terry can also include added elastane for stretch.
Fleece-Back: To create fleece-back fabrics, the underside of a knitted fabric is brushed with sandpaper or wire brushes until the yarn becomes soft and fleecy. This technique can be applied to a large range of knitted cotton fabrics and is utilized for its velvety hand feel.
Double-Face: This material is made up of two interlocking knitted fabrics. A double-knitted jersey, for example, is made up of two single jerseys knitted together so that both the underside and outside of the fabric are flat. Domestically, the Northwestern Knitting Co. has a proprietary knitted fabric made of two distinct layers, while internationally, brands like Norse Projects utilize this material.
Best Pullover Hoodies
Russell Athletic Dri-Power Pullover Fleece Hoodie
Russell Athletic is best-known for literally inventing the sweatshirt, so if you’re one to gravitate to the real deal, look no further. Its Dri-Power Pullover Fleece Hoodie comes with baby soft fleece fabric and vintage details like the v-insert, drawstring and a comfortably relaxed fit.
Uniqlo U Wide Fit Hoodie
Uniqlo’s popular U sublabel is one of the best-kept non-secrets in fashion. Designed by lauded designer Christophe Lemaire, the Wide Fit Hoodie is inspired by vintage hoodies in fit and fashion. And the fabric stands up to the competition in higher price brackets.
J.Crew Garment Dyed Slub Hoodie
Made from garment-dyed slub cotton, this hoodie features ribbed trims and a drawstring hood. The garment-dyed process given to it means it’ll patina over time like a good pair of jeans, plus it comes in a wide spectrum of colors to choose from.
Champion Reverse Weave Hoodie Sweatshirt
Champion literally invented the hoodie, so it makes sense that the century-old company makes a pretty good one. It has the signature reverse weave fabric for which the brand is known, which is tough and won’t shrink in the length.
Hill City Heavyweight Fleece Hoodie
Hill City’s contribution to the hoodie world is much-appreciated thanks to some its twill jersey fabric that’s both beefy and brushed on the inside for softness. A secret pocket just for your keys also shows that Hill City is designing for the times.
Standard Issue Hoody
If only hoodies like Standard Issue’s were actually the standard. The fabric weighs in at a seriously hefty 24 ounces which is twice that of your average hoodie.
Flint + Tinder 10-Year Pullover
The name says it all. Flint and Tinder’s 10 Year Hoodie is built to last a decade. At 23 ounces of beefy fleece, a double-lined hood and raglan sleeves, this made-in-Los-Angeles pullover is a major value others are slow to catch up to.
Save Khaki Fleece-Back Supima Cotton-Jersey Hoodie
Save Khaki United’s American-made hoodie starts with premium Supima cotton, one of the world’s softest cottons. From there, comfort is added thanks to the naturally-fitting raglan sleeves and flatlock stitching throughout. Plus, we love the refreshingly clean look that forgoes the near-requisite kangaroo pockets.
Velva Sheen Pullover Hoodie
Established in 1932, Velva Sheen originally produced tees, sweatshirts and other basics for schools, camps and the military. Its American-made hoodie is made from incomparably soft tri-blend of cotton, polyester and rayon, outfitted with ribbed hems and cuffs as well as a vintage-style kangaroo pocket.
3sixteen Indigo-Dyed Heavyweight Hoodie
From the makers of some of the finest jeans on the market comes one of the finest hoodies on the market, made with a seriously hefty fleece that’s been dyed with indigo and just begging for you to fade it yourself. It’s crafted in Canada with a unique 3-piece hood construction and discreet, on-seam hand pockets.
Best Zip-Up Hoodies
Hanes Full Zip Heavyweight Fleece Hoodie
Cut with a burly blend of cotton and polyester, Hanes’ zip up can keep up with other hoodies in price ranges beyond itself.
Carhartt Midweight Hooded Zip Front Sweatshirt
Stalwart workwear brand Carhartt’s hoodie is, like the rest of its range, built to last. The 50/50 cotton-poly fabric is a hardy blend that doesn’t sacrifice on comfort and it won’t break the bank, either.
Champion Reverse Weave Classic Zip Hoodie
The classic made the pullover list and it was hard to ignore its zipped version. The tried-and-true Champion hoodie remains one of the best out there thanks to its the burly-yet-comfy reverse weave fabric which prevents shrinkage. It’s a classic that won’t go away any time soon.
Outerknown Sur Zip Hoodie
Made from an all-natural blend of hemp and organic cotton, this hoodie features ribbed hems and cuffs, a sturdy zipper and kangaroo pockets. When the weather get a bit too windy, the drawstring hood helps keep it tight.
Theory Layer Zip Hoodie
Theory’s Layer Zip Hoodie is a mid-weight year-round option with more fabric character than most others thanks to its slubby cotton jersey. With a two-way zip, relaxed fit and lowkey hand pockets, it’s a perfect hoodie for lounging or layering.
Reigning Champ Trim Fit Full Zip Hoodie
Reigning Champ’s Canadian-made zip-up hoodie combines the comfort of a raglan sleeve with the tailored look of an in-set sleeve, all packed into an inimitable loopback cotton-jersey fabric. Bartack stitching reinforces the pockets while flatlock stitching ensures a the fabric lays comfortably flush against the skin.
Handvaerk Alpaca Cotton Zip-Up Hoodie
While most of the hoodies on this list use some form of loopback terry, Handvaerk’s zip-up is a luxe rib-knit made with a blend of alpaca and cotton. The royal mix of alpaca gives the hoodie a cashmere-like feel with the versatility of cotton you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
John Elliott Flash 2 Relaxed Fit Zip Hoodie
Though it’s labeled as a relaxed fit, it really is the perfect-fitting zip-up hoodie. The premium loopback French terry, two-way zipper and substantial kangaroo pockets are three cherries on top.
The Real McCoy’s 10oz Loopwheel Zip Hoody
Japanese-based repro brand The Real McCoy’s is known for its insane levels of detail and its hoodie is a standout. Made using rare loopwheel machines, the fabric is unrivaled in its density and softness.