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Whether you’re shopping for athleisure or streetwear, we’ve found top hoodies to suit
Though they may seem modern, hoodies have been around sine the 1930s. The idea for the hoodie first came from American brand Champion, which whipped up some hooded sweatshirts to keep its warehouse workers warm in cold New York.
Since its workwear roots, the hoodie has risen to become a true menswear staple, straddling a range of styles, from sportswear and streetwear, to outerwear and loungewear.
With so many options on the market, what makes one hoodie stand out from the rest? Versatility, warmth, and fit are the most important markers, in our book.
With this mind, we road-tested and reviewed some of the best men’s hoodies out there, from a range of brands at different price points, all to help you in your search for a top hoodie this season. Keep scrolling for our pick of the best hoodies that will continue to stand the test of time.
In this guide, we wanted to cover the full range of hoodies – from budget buys to luxury pieces, and assess them all on their quality, practicality, price and versatility. This meant road-testing them in a number of scenarios, from drinks down the pub and casual days in the office to gym sessions and long runs.
Richard Jones has been writing feature reviews for IndyBest since 2022. With a keen eye for style, he specialises in menswear, including the best men’s wallets, sunglasses and joggers. He prioritises high-quality materials when selecting items for his reviews, making sure each product delivers both fashion and function.
On the surface, this piece by the waterproof accessories brand Sealskinz is just your normal hoodie – albeit a very smart-looking one, with a deep rich navy hue, a slim fit, and great details such as buttons at the pockets, to keep your phone and wallet from sliding out.
However, get caught in a shower while wearing this and, unlike the other hoodies on this list, you won’t end up completely drenched. Watch as droplets just bounce off the water-repellent material, which rather ingeniously feels like any other silky smooth cotton hoodie you might own.
The result is one of the most versatile items of clothing you can own, with a style that can fit into any look or activity. While it sits at the pricier end of the spectrum, compared with others on this list, that versatility means there is real value for money here. It’s a do-it-all hoodie that’s comfortable and looks great.
When it comes to buying basics, finding the right balance between price and quality can be tricky. That’s where high street stalwart Marks and Spencer comes in – it’s a strong contender for the best brand around when it comes to affordable, well-made basics.
This cotton-rich hoodie isn’t flashy but it hits all the points above and more. The not too slim, not too baggy fit makes it ideal for styling underneath jackets and coats, while the range of colourways available further boosts its versatility. Do note it’s not 100 per cent cotton, although the polyester mix might have something to do with the super soft handle. If you’re looking for a simple, versatile hoodie at a budget price point, this will serve you well.
Norwegian brand Helly Hansen was founded in 1877 and has an illustrious history as one of the most pioneering and innovative brands in outerwear.
Even in pieces such as this fleece hoodie, you can tell the thought that goes into the design, from the snug-fit hood that’s perfect for keeping you protected from any winter chills to the grid fleece lining that keeps the hoodie light but warm. It’s also Bluesign certified, meaning it’s been manufactured to strict safety and environmental requirements.
It would work for any and every outdoor sport – from golfing to long runs, skiing to mountainous hikes – but might not have the looks for a trip down to the pub. However, if you’re looking for a versatile sports hoodie, this is hard to beat.
Manchester-born streetwear brand Couture Club has had a stratospheric rise since launching in 2015, buoyed by a huge social media following, celebrity endorsements, and a clean but bold aesthetic that plays perfectly into current trends (think Fear of God at an accessible price point).
With its oversized fit, dropped shoulders, and neutral shades, this hoodie from the brand encapsulates what it’s all about. The material is like one of your well-loved winter knits, with a lovely soft handle and good weight. The fluffy jacquard logo is a nice touch, and makes the hoodie stand out, without dominating the look. At a snip less than £100, it’s pretty close to perfection, with the only potential downside being the polyester-acrylic blend fabric composition, with only 10 per cent wool. That puts question marks over its longevity and sustainability (polyester blended knits don’t tend to wash well over time), so, something to bear in mind when buying.
Unlike most luxury brands, Sandbanks doesn’t exactly have years of heritage to back up the price tag. Named after the mega-wealthy seaside town on the Dorset coast, the brand was only founded in 2019.
It has built a loyal fan base since then, though – this has been largely down to its puffer jackets and endorsements with sports stars (a number of premier league managers have been seen stylishly sporting the brand on the sidelines).
This hoodie is less seaside resort and more Val d’Isère, with its snow-peaked mountains graphic on the back. The brushed lining and 400gsm cotton, along with brand touches such as a rubber logo on the sleeve and multicoloured trim under the collar, make this stand out as a hoodie that’s a cut above the rest. The fit is equally fantastic – modern but understated.
If it wasn’t for the price, this hoodie would have topped this list. From the very first impression, it felt high-quality and well-made. Is it worth the extra money? That’s up to you to decide.
New Balance is a heavyweight in sportswear, which means any piece of clothing by the US brand comes with high expectations. This tech knit hoodie lives up to the billing, with a slim, well-proportioned fit that makes it great for working out or playing sports, and a fast-drying fabric that wicks moisture away from your body. The feel is silky smooth but it’s not the thickest or warmest. This is ideal for running but some might want more protection from the cold. The three zipped pockets – one on the chest, two at the pouch – are plenty big enough to keep your smartphone secure, without it moving around.
Unlike other sportswear hoodies, the fit and fabric is smart enough that you could potentially wear this casually, making it one of the most versatile hoodies on this list.
We’ve already touched on the hoodie’s workwear origins, and when it comes to iconic workwear brands, Wrangler is one that instantly stands out.
This hoodie leans into those workwear roots with a retro-inspired vintage fit, heavyweight unbrushed fleece, and a good-looking printed graphic to the chest, in honour of American rail rider and folk hero Casey Jones.
While the unbrushed fleece feels tough, it is a little thinner than others on this list and feels a bit like a loopback French terry. It results in a hoodie that, while still comfy, isn’t as cosy as the competition.
The fit is large and oversized, with lots of room around the shoulders – those with slimmer frames might want to size down, for a better fit.
Workwear purveyors Dickies are true kings of the genre, with an illustrious history that stretches back more than a century. Now, workwear is nothing if not hardy and comfortable, and this hoodie from the brand has these two characteristics aplenty.
The inside is warm and cosy, while the fit is regular to a tee, with lots of room around the shoulders and to the sides, without straying into oversized territory. At the price point, you might expect better drawstring tips but we really are talking fine measures here.
For versatility, fit and comfort, the Sealskinz Quentin hoodie ticks all the boxes, while its genius water-repellent technology means it can even double up as a rain jacket. The Helly Hansen versalite fleece hoodie is another good choice if you’re looking for a hoodie to workout or run in, while the Marks and Spencer oversized cotton rich hoodie offers unbeatable value, thanks to its soft touch, great fit and affordable price point.
Keep warm during the colder months, with one of the best men’s winter coats