Buying guide for Best hoodies for men
There are certain articles of clothing that can be worn in a wide variety of social settings. While a hoodie might not be suitable for a black tie affair, it is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing a man can own.
When shopping for a men's hoodie, there are a number of decisions you will need to make that go beyond simply choosing the right size. You will want to consider the type of activity you will be doing while wearing the hoodie as well as the color you prefer. Several other elements should be considered as well, which we explore in depth in this review.
Learn about the features to look for in a men's hoodie. In addition to tips, we provide advice about how to make a hoodie work for a variety of looks.
The purpose of the hoodie
The type of hoodie you purchase should hinge on what you plan to do in it. The functionality of hoodies may be broken into four general categories.
For relaxing
If you want a hoodie for lounging around the house or apartment on a lazy afternoon, your main concern will be comfort. A cotton or polyester hoodie works well for many people. If you have a favorite material that feels good against your skin, seek that first.
For being active
A hoodie for workouts or other activities that require a full range of motion should either be breathable or have moisture-wicking capabilities. You will want something durable that can withstand rigorous conditions. Poly-cotton and wool are both suitable choices.
For keeping warm
If your primary concern is staying warm, look for a thicker hoodie with a fabric of medium or heavy weight. The idea is to choose a material that provides weather resistance and/or wind resistance. A warm inner lining is also a plus. For keeping warm, consider a hoodie made of fleece or wool.
For making a fashion statement
If your main purpose is to make a fashion statement, a hoodie made from merino wool or cashmere is a good choice. Alternatively, you could choose your favorite designer brand.
If you are planning on rolling up the sleeves of your hoodie, choose one that features cuffs, as this will make it easier to achieve that look.
Staff
BestReviews
Fit
Just as there are four general reasons for wearing a hoodie, there are four types of fit: regular, oversized, tailored, and slim.
Regular
This is the fit a typical hoodie provides: a relaxed and mostly straight fit. It is best for casual events but can be paired with higher-end items to create a more fashionable look.
Oversized
An oversized hoodie still fits in the arms and the chest region, so it isn't wider — just longer. This baggy style gives the wearer more of a street look. It is best for taller individuals because it can appear bunched up or messy on shorter individuals. Additionally, it can hide too much leg, which may make the wearer seem shorter than they are.
Tailored
A tailored hoodie is designed to be form-fitting. Specifically, it is slimmer around the waist. This type of hoodie gives the wearer a stylized look. In fact, some tailored hoodies may be considered office wear.
Slim
Despite the name, a slim-fit hoodie is not as form-fitting as a tailored hoodie. However, it does provide a tighter fit than a regular hoodie. A slim-fit hoodie offers the best of both worlds: a comfortable fit and a somewhat tailored look.
Did You Know?
A growing number of hoodies incorporate built-in face masks, some of which are claimed to be equivalent of wearing an N95 mask.
Staff
BestReviews
Features
Size: Hoodies typically come in small, medium, large, X-large, and XX-large. Simply choose the size that is the best for you. Some brands offer XS or 3X, 4X, and even 5X sizes.
Pullover: A pullover hoodie is like a sweatshirt: you put it on by pulling it over your head. The downside to this type of hoodie is that if you get too hot, your only option is to take it off to cool down.
Zippered: A zippered hoodie is much more versatile when it comes to pairing it with other articles of clothing. What’s more, if you're hot, you can unzip it without having to take it off. Some fancier hoodies feature an asymmetrical zipper for added pizzazz.
Pockets: Both pullover and zippered hoodies may feature pockets. Deep pockets with zippers are best for securing important items such as your smartphone, keys, and wallet.
Pouch: A pullover hoodie may feature a single pouch in the front to stash your personal items (or your hands, if they get cold). The problem with a pouch is that it opens on each end, so important personal items like your phone, keys, or wallet are more likely to fall out.
Sleeves: You can purchase a hoodie that has long sleeves, regular sleeves, short sleeves, or no sleeves. The type of sleeves you choose is a matter of personal preference and climate.
Color: Most hoodies are available in colors such as gray, black, and navy. You can also get hoodies in off-white, brown, camouflage, and more. If you want to stand out, consider a hoodie in a bold or pastel color.
Graphics: If you prefer graphics or brand logos on your hoodie, that is an option. These may cost a little more and, depending on the artwork, some may not be suitable for all social situations.
Accessorizing your hoodie
Looking sharp is all about accessorizing. Following are a few items that go particularly well with hoodies.
Sunglasses: Oakley Men's Gascan Sunglasses
This sleek pair of stylish sunglasses from Oakley not only looks great, but the lenses block UVA, UVB, and UVC rays as well as blue light.
Baseball cap: adidas Ultimate Hat
A baseball cap adds interest to your outfit and helps keep the sun out of your eyes. This adidas cap is manufactured using cotton twill and features a moisture-wicking inner band to offer a dry, comfortable feel.
Duffle bag: Under Armour Undeniable Duffle
This weather-resistant bag can go wherever you need to go. It is the perfect functional accessory for the active individual.
Backpack: SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart TSA Laptop Backpack
If you need to bring your laptop with you, and you want to do it in a style that fits well with your hoodie, this fashionable backpack could be the perfect match.
Sometimes, the drawstring on a hoodie gets “lost” inside the fabric. Try using a drinking straw or a pair of needle nose pliers to pull it out.
Staff
BestReviews
Hoodies for men: prices
Inexpensive: Even inexpensive hoodies can be well-made. It is possible to get a great product for $35, and some decent purchases are available for $20 or less. These will be generic hoodies that may not provide a great deal of warmth.
Mid-range: In the mid-price range of $40 to $100, hoodies are stylish and often thicker for added warmth. Some feature logo branding.
High-end: Hoodies from $100 to $200 border on winter coat territory and can be made from materials such as cashmere. The biggest difference in these high-end hoodies is that you’re paying for a designer name and not necessarily increased functionality.
Tips
While anyone can throw on a hoodie for lounging around the house, making a fashion statement is a little more involved. Following are a few tips for wearing a hoodie with style.
- Choose a complementary undershirt. Whether it's a stylish t-shirt or a button down, choosing the right top to wear beneath your zippered hoodie is all it takes to give the hoodie a sense of purpose.
- Shoes make the man. A hoodie worn with sneaks makes a completely different statement than that same hoodie worn with Timberland boots.
- Contrast your clothing. An oversized hoodie with baggy pants can come across as sloppy. However, contrasting that same oversized hoodie with a pair of form-fitting jeans can give you a street-wise chic.
- Add some denim. Layering a gray hoodie with a denim jacket is a quick and easy way to level up your casual coolness factor.
- Leather works, too. Layering a casual black or gray hoodie with a stylish black leather jacket is a great way to turn heads in your direction.
- Unbutton that overcoat. Wearing a dark unbuttoned overcoat over a light pullover hoodie gives you a smart and sleek look that can be worn in a wide variety of social settings.
FAQ
Q. Why would I want to wear a hoodie?
A. There are three main reasons a man might want to wear a hoodie. One: hoodies are comfortable. This soft sweatshirt allows a full range of motion, making it perfect for around the house or at the gym. Two: hoodies are warm. This is an ideal piece when you need to go from chilly to toasty. Three: hoodies are stylish. If worn correctly and matched with the proper clothing, a hoodie can be used to make a powerful yet casual fashion statement.
Q. At what age should I stop wearing a hoodie?
A. Never. A hoodie can be worn at any stage of life. However, since bodies change over time, it is important to purchase one that is designed to fit your current body type and preferred style.
Q. How should a hoodie fit?
A. Even if you’re wearing a hoodie as a fashion statement, it should be relaxed and comfortable — not too tight and not too loose. The bottom should cover a small section of the top of your pants, falling just below the waist. A hoodie that is too long may make your legs look short. The other main concern is the sleeves. The wrists should be located at the wrist.
Q. Can a hoodie be flattering?
A. Yes. If you are not overly muscular but wish to add a little perceived bulk to your upper body, a hoodie can help you achieve that. Likewise, the right hoodie can also have a slimming effect. In short, a hoodie does a great job at suggesting a body type rather than revealing it. If that is what you seek, a hoodie might be your best option.
