Buying guide for Best hoodies for women
Written by Ariel Lynch
Updated March 2023
Hoodies have evolved from being a practical, comfortable cover-up to an understated fashion statement, and for women, the choices for hoodies are abundant. Women’s hoodies can be worn in almost any environment — they can be dressed up or snuggled in on cold winter nights.
When it comes to women’s clothes, the options are sometimes so overwhelming that simply throwing on a hoodie is an easy, welcome relief. However, there’s more that goes into choosing the best women’s hoodie than you might think.
Women’s hoodies sport various features that affect their purpose, comfort, and style. Buyers should consider not only sizing, fit, and materials, but also pricing and maintenance. As you begin your search for your ideal women’s hoodie, evaluate these factors and learn the various ways to shift your women’s hoodie from casual to contemporary.
How to buy the best women’s hoodie
Environment and purpose
As you consider which women’s hoodie is right for you, take into account the types of climates and settings you might wear your hoodie in. If you live somewhere with colder temperatures, you might want a thick, warm hoodie that keeps you well-insulated. However, if you live somewhere more temperate, look for a lightweight hoodie with more breathability.
Determine if you want a women’s hoodie that’s more functional or fashionable. Your preferences for practicality and appearance affect the type of hoodie you choose, so having a clear understanding of your needs can simplify the buying process.
Materials
There are a variety of materials used to make women’s hoodies, but the most common include cotton, polyester, poly-cotton blends, jersey, rayon, wool, and fleece.
Cotton and polyester are cheap, easily available, and lightweight, so they’re popular hoodie materials. Poly-cotton blends are a common choice for warmer climates, while wool or fleece is more suitable for cold weather.
The material you choose for your hoodie depends on your personal preference — some people prefer the weight or feel of some materials over others. When deciding between a few different materials, try on each hoodie to see how the materials feel on your skin and how light or breathable they are.
Sizing and fit
Standard sizing for hoodies is measured from XS to larger XL sizes, or by dress sizes from 0 to 18. Sizing varies depending on the brand, so be sure to check the size chart, especially when buying online.
When it comes to fit, women’s hoodies are generally more tight-fitting and designed to flatter the female form. However, there are a few different common fit types for women’s hoodies:
- Regular: Regular fit hoodies feature a straight cut and a relaxed fit that isn’t too tight. Regular fit hoodies are comfortable for moderate weather and are suitable to wear over a thin undershirt.
- Cropped: Cropped hoodies are much shorter than other hoodies, with the hem falling just over the waist near the ribcage. Cropped fit hoodies are more stylish than functional and are a great choice for warmer weather.
- Slim: Slim fit hoodies boast a tailored fit and are less roomy than regular fit hoodies. They’re thinner and more form-fitting in the arms and midsection, making them excellent for layering underneath thicker coats.
- Oversized: Oversized hoodies are very roomy and used as a fashion statement. They’re perfect layering hoodies and are very comfortable due to their drapey fit.
Colors and graphics
Women’s hoodies come in every color and pattern you can imagine, and the design you choose reflects the style or look you’re trying to achieve. If you want to make a bold statement, try bright, vibrant colors like neons, yellows, or oranges. For something more subtle, try cool or neutral colors. If you want energetic and busy, go for a floral, striped, or colorblock pattern. You may want to promote a band or movie you enjoy by choosing a hoodie with a logo or graphic design.
Keep in mind that there are different popular colors for different seasons, so you might want a warm, neutral-colored hoodie during autumn and a brightly colored hoodie for spring or summer. Ultimately, you should choose a color or pattern that you really like, since you’re the one wearing it.
DID YOU KNOW?
Women’s hoodies are more form-fitting, with slimmer sleeves and a shorter hem. Men’s hoodies are roomier in the arms and midsection and longer in the hem and sleeves. A unisex hoodie is similar in fit to a men’s hoodie.
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Features of women’s hoodies
Sleeve length
Your hoodie’s sleeve length corresponds to the size you choose. Unless your hoodie is a short-sleeve or three-quarter-sleeve length, the standard is that sleeves are cut just higher or lower than the wrists. If you’re on the taller side or you have longer arms, it might serve you to size up so the sleeves are long enough.
If you prefer shorter sleeves, go for a three-quarter-sleeve length, where the cuffs rest just past the elbow and near the middle of the forearm.
Front closure
There are a few main closure options for your hoodie:
- Zipper: Zippered closure means that a zipper runs through the center of the front of your hoodie. Many enjoy zippered hoodies because the zipper can be adjusted to allow more airflow or to keep body heat in. Zippers are also quick and easy to use.
- Buttons or snaps: Button or snap closure hoodies are also useful for their ability to customize the fit and look of the hoodie in different environments. The front of the hoodie is lined with buttons or snaps. These might be slightly more stylish than a zipper, but they can also take more time to adjust.
- Pullover: Pullover hoodies are simple in design — they feature no front opening or closure feature and are meant to be slipped over the head. Pullover hoodies are more insulating and warm and may be too hot in warmer weather. Their lack of adjustability makes them best for colder conditions.
Pockets
The majority of women’s hoodies have pockets, which are helpful for storing small personal items and keeping the hands warm. Depending on the style of your hoodie, there are three main types of pockets:
- Pouch: Pouch pockets are a single large pocket located on the front of pullover hoodies with an opening on each side for hands to enter and meet in the middle.
- Hand (front or side): Front or side hand pockets are individual pockets for each hand and can be found on zippered, buttoned, and pullover hoodies. The pockets can be open or zippered, and some even feature a soft lining to keep hands cozy.
- Hidden: Hidden pockets are bonus pockets located along the interior of some women’s hoodies. These are often zippered and are great for keeping personal items like phones or wallets secure.
Hood
The hood of your women’s hoodie is an important feature because it’s what makes it a hoodie. Many hoods are adjustable, using drawstrings, snaps, or buttons near the neck so the wearer can customize the fit. Some hoods have insulated linings like fleece or faux fur which may be removable.
Depending on your preference and intended use for your hoodie, you might prefer a smaller or larger hood. If you live in cold weather, having a roomier hood proves useful when wearing a beanie or scarf underneath.
If you prefer a hoodie with longer sleeves for cold weather, consider looking for one with thumb holes. These sleeves are longer since they’re designed to cover your hands and help keep your hands and arms warm.
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How much do women’s hoodies cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable women’s hoodies cost $10 to $40. These are made from cotton, polyester, and rayon blends and are of the lowest quality. They vary in fit and style but are usually thin and lightweight. Women’s hoodies in this price range are mostly solid colors or basic patterns and graphics.
Mid-range
Mid-range women’s hoodies cost $40 to $90. These are better in quality and have more features like pockets, zippers, and inner linings. They’re more intricate in color and design and made of thicker material. They’re made from a variety of fabrics, including some more high-end materials like wool and fleece.
Expensive
The most expensive women’s hoodies range from $100 to $180. These are the highest-quality hoodies with reliable stitching and durable zippers or buttons. Women’s hoodies in this category include those made by popular, distinguished brands. They often have additional features like soft interior linings, hidden pockets, and thumb holes.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can dress up or dress down your hoodie with a simple change in footwear — sneakers or slippers for a more casual look and wedges, boots, or heels for a chic twist.
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Tips
- Always hang dry your hoodie. Since most hoodies are made using cotton, they’re prone to shrinking when exposed to high levels of heat. When laundering your hoodie, always hang dry in an area with lots of ventilation. If you need to dry your hoodie in the dryer, put it on the lowest heat setting or use fluff dry.
- Layer your look. Layering not only prepares you for changes in climate but plays a part in your style. Choosing a color-coordinated undershirt or a contrasting overcoat are creative examples of stylish layering.
- Mix and match. For a chic look, choose contrasting style choices. For example, wear your oversized hoodie with form-fitting jeans or leggings, or pair your cropped, slim fit hoodie with some baggy trousers and a belt.
FAQ
Q. Can I wear my hoodie in summer?
A. You can wear your hoodie any time of the year as long as you’re comfortable. For summer, cotton is the most breathable material, so look for hoodies made from 100% cotton, or blends with a high percentage of cotton.
Q. What makes a hoodie warm?
A. The warmth of your hoodie depends on its material and inner lining. The warmest hoodies are thicker and typically lined with fleece, which is soft and insulating. You can make yourself warmer by wearing layers, a beanie, and gloves.
Q. How often should I wash my hoodie?
A. You can wear your hoodie a number of times before washing it, but since washing actually wears out your clothes, it’s best to limit this until it’s necessary. Most people can wear their hoodie five to six times before washing it. You should wash your hoodie if you notice any spills, stains, or odors starting to develop.
