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More practical than pullovers, these open at the front to let cool air in, but only when you need it.
By Evan Malachosky
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The zip-up hoodie is the convertible of clothes — like if an all-terrain SUV came with a soft top if that makes sense. They boast the same hard-wearing capabilities as pullover hoodies (aka ones without zippers), but they come with their own temperature-regulating technology (a zipper).
Products in the Guide
Best Overall Zip-Up Hoodie: American Giant Carolina Midweight Full Zip
Read moreBest Upgrade Zip-Up Hoodie: Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie
Read moreBest Affordable Zip-Up Hoodie: Gildan Heavy Blend 8 oz. Full-Zip Hoodie
Read moreBest Vintage Feel Zip-Up Hoodie: Buck Mason Interloop Zip-Up Sweatshirt
Read moreBest Under-the-Radar Zip-Up Hoodie: Asket Zip Hoodie
Read moreBest Mall Find Zip-Up Hoodie: Abercrombie & Fitch Oversized Zip Hoodie
Read moreBest Reverse Weave Zip-Up Hoodie: Todd Snyder Midweight Full Zip Hoodie
Read moreBest Sportswear Zip-Up Hoodie: Tracksmith Trackhouse Zip Sweatshirt
Read moreBest Heavyweight Zip-Up Hoodie: Les Tien Heavyweight Zip Core Hoodie
Read moreBest Midweight Hoodie: Carhartt Midweight Hooded Zip Front Sweatshirt
Read moreSoftest Full-Zip Hoodie: Marine Layer Afternoon Full Zip Hoodie
Read moreBest Tall Zip-Up Hoodie: Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie
Read moreBest Retro Zip-Up Hoodie: The Real McCoy’s Ball Park Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
Read moreBest Outdoor Zip-Up Hoodie: Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody
Read moreBest Slim Fit Zip-Up Hoodie: Reigning Champ Full Zip Hoodie
Read moreBest Softest Cotton Zip-Up Hoodie: Sunspel Men’s Cotton Loopback Zip Hoody
Read more
They’re also arguably a little more adult. The zipper, while sometimes a little annoying, especially at the neck, breaks up the blockiness of a big pullover hoodie. It’s a trimmer silhouette as long it’s the right size. But that isn’t the only perk.
Best Overall Zip-Up Hoodie: American Giant Carolina Midweight Full Zip
$120.00 at american-giant.com
Pros
- Flattering in the mid-section and great for all body types
- Comfortable with attractive contrasting strings and zipper
- Users say the warranty is great, with one saying broken zippers were replaced two years after purchase
Cons
- Some say their hoodies shrank after wash
- Thin fabric isn’t the best for winter
- Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Fit: Regular
- Material(s): 100% cotton
- Colors: Black, gray, blue, plus rotating seasonal colors
Made in Middlesex, North Carolina, hence the name, American Giant’s classic Carolina Midweight Full-Zip is cut from 100 percent cotton. It references vintage American sportswear, but updates the silhouettes with modern styling.
There’s a pesky tag that disrupts the otherwise logo-less look, however, and our tester asked their tailor to remove it. Nap fleece lines the inside, it has contrasting strings and zipper, and two pockets on the front, and our tester finds it comfortable. It’s slimming, too. Because while most sweatshirts add width, this one flatters through most mens’ mid sections, even on bigger builds. It’s a straight fit that doesn’t lose its shape halfway down your side. Plus, the sleeves are the right length and the underarms are tight enough to layer beneath another garment relatively easily.
Best Upgrade Zip-Up Hoodie: Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie
$128.00 at Huckberry
Pros
- Exceptionally warm and heavyweight
- Roomy but without an unflattering bagginess
Cons
- Some say the pockets are too small
- Hood is overly large, according to a few user reviews
- Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Fit: Relaxed
- Material(s): 70% cotton, 30% polyester
- Colors: Oatmeal, navy, black, oak, rust, green, gray
Flint and Tinder’s 10-Year Hoodie comes with a few refined details: a double-lined hood, a media pocket on the inside, reinforced seams, and metal-tipped drawcords.
But the first thing you should know about Flint and Tinder’s 10-Year Full Zip Hoodie is its heavy. It’s constructed from beefy 23 oz. fleece fabric made in South Carolina — where American Giant gets its fabric, too — but this thing’s like a weighted blanket for your body, not a compact mid-layer.
It doesn’t feel like it sags or like it dominates your entire outfit the way a Carhartt or even Camber sweatshirt can. It sits on top of what you have on underneath, offering warmth and a cozy protective coating against the elements. As such, it’s almost a jacket. Our tester found themself wearing it (and just it, with just a T-shirt on underneath) well into November (when highs were in the mid-40s). It kept them plenty warm and comfortable, too.
Best Affordable Zip-Up Hoodie: Gildan Heavy Blend 8 oz. Full-Zip Hoodie
$13.00 at Amazon
$34.00(61% off)
Pros
- Very affordable, with specific colors being even cheaper than others
- An incredibly wide array of colors
Cons
- Sizing runs small
- Too lightweight and thin for warmth, according to several users
- Country of Manufacture: China
- Fit: Classic
- Material(s): 50% cotton, 50% polyester
- Colors: 12+
Does it get better than Gildan? Well, yes, but that’s beside the point. For the price of an NYC co*cktail, there isn’t a better a sweatshirt. The Gildan Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hoodie weighs in at 8 oz., comes in over a dozen colors and won’t pill as much because of its cotton-polyester blend construction. Several users say that while this is a bargain buy, it’s also too thin for much warmth and runs on the smaller side.
Best Vintage Feel Zip-Up Hoodie: Buck Mason Interloop Zip-Up Sweatshirt
$90.00 at Buck Mason
Pros
- Superb fit and sporty, vintage worn-in look
- Top-quality cotton
Cons
- At the time of writing, only available in gray
- Somewhat shallow pockets
- Country of Manufacture: China
- Fit: Classic
- Material(s): 100%
- Colors: Gray
This hoodie by Buck Mason has a vintage look and feel, meaning it’s full in some places but flattering in others. It has a straightforward zipper setup, two angled pockets, mid-sized cuffs and tonal, metal-tipped strings. It’s also got some good heft to it, in true Buck Mason fashion. If you want vintage but prefer your clothes new, this is your best bet.
Best Under-the-Radar Zip-Up Hoodie: Asket Zip Hoodie
$155.00 at asket.com
Pros
- Double-sized hood for a large covering
- Terrific fit and feel
Cons
- Large hood may not be for everyone
- Users say its durability is questionable
- Country of Manufacture: Portugal
- Fit: Straight
- Material(s): 100% organic cotton
- Colors: Black, navy, green, gray
Go fully incognito in this hoodie from Asket, which is all-black except for its metal components, the zipper and two tips that finish each drawstring. There’s also a double-sized hood, too, which offers a place to hide when you don’t want to be seen (by the paparazzi, of course). Users say that while it’s comfy and soft, the construction isn’t up to par, with one saying their zip-up’s pocket is coming apart after minimal wear. However, many say it’s the best fitted and feeling hoodie they’ve ever purchased.
Best Mall Find Zip-Up Hoodie: Abercrombie & Fitch Oversized Zip Hoodie
$80.00 at Abercrombie
Pros
- Slightly oversized for a roomy, cozy feel
- Double-zipped for custom breeziness
Cons
- No drawstrings for the hoodie, which is a dealbreaker for some
- Some users say it has very thin fabric
- Country of Manufacture: China
- Fit: Relaxed
- Material(s): 70% cotton, 30% polyester
- Colors: 8+
Slightly oversized, Abercrombie & Fitch’s standard fare zip hoodie doesn’t come with logos or graphics. (Shocking, right? It’s a solid plain color, save for the silver hardware. This option does billow out a bit at the sides, though, which makes you look wider than you truly are. You should still be able to find your perfect fit, however, thanks to tall options and a wide size range spanning from XXS to XXXL.
Best Reverse Weave Zip-Up Hoodie: Todd Snyder Midweight Full Zip Hoodie
$158.00 at Todd Snyder
Pros
- Side seam panels add extra stretch and mobility
- Reverse weave adds durability and prevents shrinkage
Cons
- Although labeled as midweight, very heavy
- Sizing runs on the smaller side, according to user reviews
- Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
- Fit: Classic
- Material(s): 100%
- Colors: Navy, antique gray, black, green, almond, antique gray, antique white
If you’re a fan of Todd Snyder, you should know about his collabs with Champion already. If not, it’s the American designer’s way of updating some of his favorite items from the venerable brand. This Midweight Full Zip Hoodie, for example, trades typical fabrics for rich, garment-dyed 18 oz. French Terry. And don’t fret: the famous reverse weave construction remains, so it won’t shrink after wash.
Best Sportswear Zip-Up Hoodie: Tracksmith Trackhouse Zip Sweatshirt
$130.00 at Tracksmith
Pros
- Internal pocket fits modern smartphones
- Throwback style leans into smart athletic aesthetic
Cons
- No drawstrings
- Graphic logo on the front is distracting for those who want a blank basic
- Country of Manufacture: Portugal
- Fit: Classic
- Material(s): 80% cotton, 20% polyester
- Colors: Navy, black, tamarind, honey, pine
Running brand Tracksmith makes a zip-up hoodie runners and non-runners alike will adore, because of its tremendous weight, long ribbed cuffs, internal iPhone pocket and double layer hood. Plus, there’s something decidedly retro about this design, from the empty antique brass eyelets to the coated metal zipper and the embroidered logo.
Best Heavyweight Zip-Up Hoodie: Les Tien Heavyweight Zip Core Hoodie
$275.00 at lestien.com
Pros
- Extremely relaxed and hefty fit
- Excellent details like gold grommets make it stand out
Cons
- Very pricey
- Stacked cuffs may be a drawback for some
- Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Fit: Relaxed
- Material(s): 100% cotton
- Colors: 10+
Want weight? Go with Les Tien’s Heavyweight Core Hoodie, a style with serious heft, stacked cuffs and shiny gold hardware, a finishing touch that truly does stand out. It’s hefty and a favorite of celebs like Ye and Drake, and it’s got an oversized fit perfect for those who prefer streetwear to pure menswear.
Best Midweight Hoodie: Carhartt Midweight Hooded Zip Front Sweatshirt
$55.00 at Amazon
Pros
- Available in various colors and big and tall sizes
- Ultra-warm and thick fabric
Cons
- Sizing is tough to nail down due to its loose fit
- Actual color varies from hoodie pictured
- Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
- Fit: Relaxed
- Material(s): 50% cotton, 50% polyester
- Colors: 10+
Carhartt is a classic. Its Midweight Hooded Zip Front Sweatshirt may not have the recognizability its beanie or B01 pants do, but this hoodie is still Carhartt — representative of everything that comes with that name. It’s tough, oversized, available in a plethora of sizes and built to be worn into the ground — for better and for worse. Many users say sizing is hard to get down due to its roomy fit.
Softest Full-Zip Hoodie: Marine Layer Afternoon Full Zip Hoodie
$98.00 at marinelayer.com
Pros
- Extremely soft and cooling due to its blend of Supima cotton and micromodal
- Lightweight and comfy enough for lounging or casual outings
Cons
- Only available in gray
- Some users say it’s too snug
- Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Fit: Straight
- Material(s): 50% Supima cotton, 50% micromodal
- Colors: Gray
Marine Layer’s basic Afternoon Full Zip is the ideal accessory for lounging around the house… or hitting the gym. It’s soft, warm and gives with you when you move, all without looking neither too lazy nor too technical. Micromodal makes this hoodie softer than others on this list, as well as cool to the touch.
Best Tall Zip-Up Hoodie: Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie
$60.00 at Nike
Pros
- Wide range of sizes, available up to 4XL Tall
- Ultra-soft lightweight fleece
Cons
- Construction and quality vary, as some users report stitching issues
- Shrinks plenty in the wash
- Country of Manufacture: China
- Fit: Straight
- Material(s): 82% cotton, 18% polyester
- Colors: 8
I’d all but guarantee most men aged 18-35 have owned at least one Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie. At $70, it’s hard to beat. The fleece is soft and light, the sweatshirt itself has some structure and it’s pretty warm for its weight. Plus, this version comes in plenty of colors, whether to match your sneakers or your favorite sports team. Several users do note quality control issues, with some saying their zipper broke apart during wash.
Best Retro Zip-Up Hoodie: The Real McCoy’s Ball Park Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
$270.00 at standardandstrange.com
Pros
- No side seams and flatlock stitching for added comfort
- Heavyweight body and durable, hefty hood
Cons
- Very expensive
- Only available in gray
- Country of Manufacture: Japan
- Fit: Straight
- Material(s): 100% cotton
- Colors: Gray
There’s truly no other hoodie quite like The Real McCoy’s Japanese-made Ball Park zip-up sweatshirt. Its Sinker weave tubular construction gives it a super-tight, ultra-durable front with a soft interior. Over time, it’ll look like a fine sweater, but it won’t pill, rip or snag like a normal knit. There are no side seams and the bucket pockets — my favorite style — is big enough for a cold can of beer or a phone and a wallet. With the upright orientation, nothing will fall out unless you bend over.
Best Outdoor Zip-Up Hoodie: Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody
$179.00 at Patagonia
Pros
- Highly breathable and quick-drying for active lifestyles
- Slim and compressible, making it easy to pack and for travel
Cons
- Not as durable as some customers had hoped
- Wrinkles too easily after packing
- Country of Manufacture: Sri Lanka
- Fit: Slim
- Material(s): 100% recycled polyester
- Colors: 9
If you’re a frequent hiker or general outdoorsmen, Patagonia’s R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is built for your adventures. It’s made with recycled polyester that quickly releases moisture when you’re working up a sweat. Meanwhile, its zigzag-like exterior works like seersucker by keeping fabric off the skin and inviting airflow, thus, keeping you cool. It’s slim fit for preventing snags on a hike, plus it compresses for easy packing. Even if it’s made for the outdoors, some customers say it’s a bit fragile and won’t hold shape well after being compressed.
Best Slim Fit Zip-Up Hoodie: Reigning Champ Full Zip Hoodie
$170.00 at
Pros
- Half-raglan sleeve and side panels for mobility
- French terry absorbs and wicks sweat
Cons
- Visible logo is distracting
- Slim fit not for everyone
- Country of Manufacture: Canada
- Fit: Slim
- Material(s): 100% cotton
- Colors: 10+
Made in Canada at the brand’s own factory, Reigning Champ’s Full Zip Hoodie is an irrefutable classic — and a must-have for every man. It’s soft, sturdy, and plenty structured, ensuring it can stand alone as its own top layer or be tucked beneath bulkier jackets.
Best Softest Cotton Zip-Up Hoodie: Sunspel Men’s Cotton Loopback Zip Hoody
$235.00 at Sunspel
Pros
- Incredibly soft, high-quality fabric
- Superb fit that’s flattering on all body types
Cons
- Air-dry only, which is a dealbreaker for those who prefer dry cycles
- Expensive
- Country of Manufacture: Portugal
- Fit: Classic
- Material(s): 100% cotton
- Colors: Gray, black, navy
Sunspel makes some of the best basics, and its Cotton Loopback Zip Hoody may be one of the softest. It’s got a great fit, according to many customers, and its cotton is top-notch and luxuriously soft. The rib cuffs, drawstrings and zip closure give the jacket more of a vintage sport style, while its loopback provides extra warmth throughout. This is a certified classic.
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