The 7 Best Men’s Hoodies – [2021 Reviews]

Complete your wardrobe with this essential piece, we break down the year's top men's hoodies

Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.

One of the most essential articles of clothing of the modern-day man is the hoodie. The best men’s hoodies are stylish, warm and go with just about anything.

Not only that, but the trend shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. You’ll find that while each hooded sweatshirt is similar to the next, there are notable differences between each model and manufacturer.

That’s why we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Lets get started!

Best Hoodies For Men

 Nike Sportswear Club Pullover HoodieCarhartt Midweight Hooded SweatshirtAdidas Essentials Full Zip Fleece Hoodie
editors choice
Fabric:Cotton/PolyesterCotton/PolyesterPolyester
Style:PulloverPulloverZip Up
Pockets:Kangaroo Kangaroo Split Pockets
Colors:181112

For more of my top gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Softshell Jackets, Windbreaker Jackets, Rain Jackets.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Men’s Hoodies For 2021

  1. Nike Men’s Sportswear Club Pullover Hoodie
  2. Carhartt Men’s Midweight Sleeve Logo Hooded Sweatshirt
  3. Champion Men’s Powerblend Fleece Pullover Hoodie
  4. Adidas Originals Men’s Trefoil Hoodie
  5. Under Armour Men’s Armour Fleece Pullover Hoodie
  6. Adidas Men’s Essentials 3-Stripe Full Zip Fleece Hoodie
  7. Nike Men’s Therma Training Hoodie

Our reviews of the top rated men’s hoodies with a comparison table and buyers guide below will help you choose the right hoodie for you.


Men’s Hoodie Reviews

Nike Men’s Sportswear Club Pullover Hoodie at a Glance:

  • Fabric: 80% Cotton/20% Polyester
  • Type: Pullover
  • Pockets: Kangaroo Pocket
  • Colors: 18

Nike is undoubtedly one of the top sportswear companies in the world, due to their relentless style and consistent quality.

While they have countless types of hoodies, their original Men’s Sportswear Club Pullover is our favorite from the brand.

Coming in 18 different colors, you get to choose from quite basic shades from greys, blues, reds, whites, and blacks. While they’re not the most exciting colors, you still receive quite a variety.

Made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester, the fabric is quite soft yet durable. It allows for quite a bit of stretch, making it great for working out, running errands, or going camping.

The fleece fabric brushed on the back also makes it perfectly warm for crisp autumn days.

Despite being so comfortable, it has a very flattering cut, with a slim ribbed hem and cuffs to provide a bit of a sleeker look.

The paneled hood and drawcord also makes sure cold wind doesn’t get in, allowing you to adjust coverage as you’d like. To keep your hands warm, the kangaroo pocket is located conveniently in the front.

Considering everything, this is one of the top products, even among the best mens hoodies.


Carhartt Men’s Midweight Sleeve Logo Hooded Sweatshirt at a Glance:

  • Fabric: 50% Cotton/50% Polyester
  • Type: Pullover
  • Pockets: Kangaroo Pocket
  • Colors: 11

Easily one of the warmest hoodies out there, the Carhartt Men’s Midweight Sleeve Logo Hooded Sweatshirt is significantly heavier than the previous hoodie.

This model is ideal for those bone-chilling mornings and evenings, when you have to go to work or work outside.

Coming in 11 different shades, it’s not quite as versatile as some others on our guide. However, we felt they were slightly more attractive than most, with natural, earthy colors.

You’ll also find a substantial array of sizes and lengths, so if you’re tall, you’ll still get the perfect fit.

Made of half cotton and half polyester, you’ll notice it’s a bit thicker and denser than many. Not only that, but it’s one of the most sturdy and durable. Despite being so long-lasting, it’s quite comfortable.

You’ll find that this men’s pullover hoodie isn’t quite as luxurious as those with fleece, but it’s ideal if you’re going to be working in it. The adjustable drawstring on the midweight three-piece hood lets you keep the wind out and keep your ears warm.

When you need to roll up your sleeves, you’ll also appreciate the stretchy spandex-reinforced rib-knit cuffs and waistband. Finally, the main seams are all triple-stitched to ensure you can put it through the ringer.


Champion Men’s Powerblend Fleece Pullover Hoodie at a Glance:

  • Fabric: 50% Cotton/50% Polyester
  • Type: Pullover
  • Pockets: Kangaroo Pocket
  • Colors: 27

The best men’s sweatshirts should be comfortable, good-looking, and ideally affordable.

If you’re on a tight budget, there aren’t as many options as there should be, but the Champion Men’s Powerblend Fleece Pullover Hoodie is the most attractive if you want to save some cash.

The selection of shades is more than sufficient with almost 30 options to choose from. You’ll find basics like blacks and greys, interspersed with more interesting colors like Swiss Blue, Team Gold, Dark Green, and more.

One of our favorite characteristics of this men’s hoodie is that you can wash it over and over and not have to worry about it losing its original good looks.

This is thanks to the 50/50 cotton-polyester blend that reduces pilling and shrinkage. The fabric is brushed inside, so you can count on a tough exterior and a soft-against-your skin feel at all times.

This model is a bit more relaxed than the others we’ve covered so far, with a wider rib cuff and bottom hem designed for your comfort while hanging out or being active.

The two-ply hood is also notably thick, making it perfect for keeping in heat on days when it feels as if your ears will freeze off.

The pouch pocket located right on the belly is the ideal location for hanging your arms and keeping your hands warm, too.


Adidas Originals Men’s Trefoil Hoodie at a Glance:

  • Fabric: 70% Cotton/30% Polyester
  • Type: Pullover
  • Pockets: Kangaroo Pocket
  • Colors: 2

If we were to select one sports brand and name it as the most trendy currently, it would have to be Adidas. It’s spotted on the world’s top athletes, celebrities, to just about everyone else in the world.

Aside from looking good, though, it always features quality materials and designs. Their Adidas Originals Men’s Trefoil Hoodie is a classic that goes with any kind of look or outfit you want.

Due to the ultra-soft 70% cotton, 30% polyester blend, it’s earned the ranking of “most comfortable hoodie” by us, as well as countless other consumers.

The pull-on closure means that no cold wind will get in, providing excellent coverage.

The model unfortunately doesn’t come in many colors, but it does feature an attractive style with one solid color throughout, and the large Trefoil logo front and center on the chest.

The raglan sleeves with ribbed cuffs and hem add a slightly “classier” feel to the hoodie that can easily be dressed up or down.

In an effort to keep your warmth from escaping, the drawcord-adjustable hood and kangaroo pocket are there to keep your extremities and head from getting a cold draft.


Under Armour Men’s Armour Fleece Pullover Hoodie at a Glance:

  • Fabric: Polyester
  • Type: Pullover
  • Pockets: Kangaroo Pocket
  • Colors: 8

While Nike and Adidas have spread to become known as a more “stylish” brand, Under Armour has stuck to its roots and perfected sportswear.

They consistently outfit pro sports teams, which gives you an idea of the level of quality you’re receiving. Their fleece pullover hoodie is quite possibly the best pullover hoodie if you want to keep in heat while wicking away moisture.

The 100% polyester design is very durable and will easily hold up for many seasons. The Armour Fleece is surprisingly lightweight, remaining stretchy so you can have the best range of motion possible.

Many of us go through a constant struggle when it’s cold out. You want to keep warm, but you don’t want to feel all sweaty. The breathable fabric allows for superior airflow, while the soft inner layer traps heat to keep you comfy.

The hood is easy to adjust to lock out coldness, while still looking good. The unique snorkel neckline not only serves for extra protection and warmth, it also looks more modern and trendy.

The ribbed cuffs and hem also do a good job at keeping heat in, while streamlining the design more against the body. Finally, it comes with an extra-large kangaroo pocket to easily keep your hands or keep valuables close by.


Adidas Men’s Essentials 3-Stripe Full Zip Fleece Hoodie at a Glance:

  • Fabric: Polyester
  • Type: Zip Up
  • Pockets: 2 Split Kangaroo Pockets
  • Colors: 12

We couldn’t have a comprehensive list of the best men’s sweatshirts without including a zip-up model!

Unfortunately, there weren’t many excellent choices out there, but there was one which stood out to us, in particular.

The Adidas Men’s Essentials 3-Stripe Full Zip Fleece Hoodie easily won the spot of “best zip up hoodie” thanks to the excellent craftsmanship, relatively affordable price, and classic look.

Coming in 12 different colors, there aren’t a ton of options, but you will get the essentials. Greys, whites, reds, and blues are all available for you to choose what fits your wardrobe or personality best.

Made of recycled polyester fibers, the company is part of the Adidas Sustainable Product Program which works to save resources and decrease emissions.

The zipper is also very high-quality, with a thick build that won’t snag or come apart which is crucial on windy days. The drawcord on the hood does work, but we noticed that after 30 minutes or so it would start to come a bit loose so re-adjustment is needed throughout the day.

The ribbed cuffs and hem fit slim against the body and are thick, to keep in heat. As this is a zip up design the kangaroo pocket is obviously going to be split in two, but we felt that the style was more reliable and secure for keeping valuables.


Nike Men’s Therma Training Hoodie at a Glance:

  • Fabric: Polyester
  • Type: Pullover
  • Pockets: Kangaroo Pocket
  • Colors: 12

We’re back again with yet another Nike best hooded sweatshirt, but this time with the Therma Training Hoodie.

Coming in 12 different colors, this design probably offers the most interesting selections of the bunch. Bright Yellow, Light Blue, Carbon Heather, and various others work to add some more character to your wardrobe.

The 100% polyester composition is very smooth yet strong. The fibers are tightly woven together to lock out coldness while also working to wick moisture away from the skin to allow for it to evaporate.

In fact, the Nike Therma fabric works to manage your natural heat so you’re neither too hot nor too frigid.

The pullover design is perfect for those days when you’re in a hurry and don’t know what to wear Jeans, sweatpants, and more – it all jives well with the Therma Training Hoodie.

Much like the Under Armour model, this design also comes with a 3-panel scuba hood to keep the elements outside, where they belong.

Raglan sleeves allow for excellent motion, so whether you’re just lifting your arm to change the channel or to shoot a free throw, you won’t be restrained.

The only downside for us was that it was a bit more expensive than most competitor products.


Men’s Hoodie Comparison Table

Men's Hoodie FabricTypePocketsColorsRating
Nike Club Pullover HoodieCotton/PolyesterPulloverKangaroo 184.4 / 5.0
Carhartt Midweight SweatshirtCotton/PolyesterPulloverKangaroo 114.7 / 5.0
Champion Powerblend Fleece HoodieCotton/PolyesterPulloverKangaroo 274.5 / 5.0
Adidas Trefoil HoodieCotton/PolyesterPulloverKangaroo 24.3 / 5.0
Under Armour Fleece Pullover HoodiePolyesterPulloverKangaroo 84.5 / 5.0
Adidas Full Zip Fleece HoodiePolyesterZip UpSplit Pockets124.7 / 5.0
Nike Therma Training HoodiePolyesterPulloverKangaroo 123.0 / 5.0

Considerations for Choosing a Men’s Hoodie – Buyer’s Guide

Best Hoodies For Men

Now that you’ve had the chance to look through all of the best sweatshirts for men, have you decided which one is right for you?

If you’re still on-the-fence, then not to worry. We realize that there are a lot of great options here and it can be overwhelming trying to choose between them.

That’s why we’ve decided to take things into our own hands, and write up a handy buying guide for you. This guide will ensure that by the end, you’re 100% certain about the right hoodie for you.

Style of Hoodie

You’ll find that you get two styles to select from: pullover or zip up. They’re both very different but also have many similarities. Let’s take a look.

Pullover

Pullover models are the type that you pull over your head to put on. This is quick and easy, but some people don’t like risking messing up their hair. You also don’t have to worry about running into the chance that a zipper will let cold air in, breaking or getting stuck.

mens hoodie type

Zip Up

Zip ups are also very convenient, as they come with a zipper to take the sweatshirt on and off. They’re easy to use and also very quick.

In a fashion sense, they can be left unzipped to where you can see the shirt you’re wearing underneath, allowing for you to create attractive contrasting combinations. The downside is that zippers can also let in a bit of cold air if they’re not thick and/or tight enough.

There isn’t really one that’s “better” than the other, and it all comes down to your personal tastes.

Fabrics

This is probably the most important aspect when it comes to choosing the perfect hoodie for you or the man in your life.

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most popular selections for hoodies, due to how soft and naturally breathable they are. They work to keep in body heat well, acting as insulation. However, they don’t leave you sweaty, as airflow is more than sufficient.

Wool

If you need more warmth than cotton can allow for, then wool may be the right option. However, don’t plan on using it while working out as you’ll quickly become overheated due to wool not ventilating properly.

Polyester

Aside from cotton, polyester is the most popular material for quality hoodies. However, it’s more common to see a poly/cotton blend rather than 100% polyester products.

Polyester jackets generally have a slick, elastic feel to them which makes them difficult to wrinkle or lose their shape. Polyester is often seen as the best option if you’re aiming for sheer strength and durability.

Fleece

Fleece is perfect on freezing days and nights, offering similar insulation to cotton and wool, while remaining lightweight and comfortable.

Body Type

No matter who you are, you want something that looks good on you. Take into consideration your body type, to get the most flattering fit possible.

Slim: If you’re slim or “average” build, then try to find a more slender, fitted hoodie to compliment that. If it’s really baggy around the waist, it’ll do the opposite, and make you look bulkier.

Muscular: If you’re muscular, it’s also a good idea to stick with more form-fitting styles that still allow you enough room and stretch to comfortably move around and have a wide range of motion. Another good option is a zip up hoodie to allow for extra space.

Heavier: If you don’t feel like having something tight against your body, then you’ll want to opt for comfort above anything else, while still searching for something that compliments your shape.

Also consider your height when purchasing the best men’s hoodie. If you’re taller than average, you can usually find designs specifically made to suit you. If you’re on the shorter side, avoid oversized hoodies. These often make you look even shorter and/or wider.

Hood

If you’re trying to keep out the wind and cold from your sensitive head and ears, then you need a high-quality hood. A scuba hood is our favorite, due to the extra coverage it provides as well as a modern, trendy style that looks good dressed up or down.

Aside from that, make sure it can easily be adjusted at a moment’s notice for unexpected rainfall or heavy winds.

best sweatshirts for men

Price

How much are you willing to spend on one of the best men’s hoodies currently available today? If it’s something you know you’ll wear frequently, will last a long time, and keep you comfortable, then there’s no problem in spending a little more than you normally would. After all, if it’s going to be made of higher quality materials and last longer, it will eventually pay for itself!

FAQs About Hoodies

Q: What’s the difference between a hoodie and a jacket?

A: A hoodie is going to be made of different materials, such as cotton or polyester. Jackets are typically more lightweight and can often be used as a layer over a hoodie. Jackets are often missing the most iconic part of the hoodie: well, the hood. Jackets are typically zip-up while the other can be a pullover or zip-up.

Q: Can I use my hoodie in the gym and on the street?

A: Absolutely. Hoodies are perfectly versatile, and can be used with sneakers and shorts, or with a pair of jeans, boots and a leather jacket to go on top for the fashion-forward street styles you see today.

Q: Will it actually keep me warm?

A: We’ve tested each of the products above, and can say confidently that “yes” they will. However, if you live in a particularly frigid/windy climate and that icey air is still getting through, layers help immensely.

Tips For Wearing Your Hoodie

#1: To keep your hoodie looking good for years to come, try to hand-wash it.

Using the machine can create pilling, but also start to break down the fabric due to the heavy impact of it being thrown around in a shaking metal machine. Always use cold water, too.

#2: Even if you’re using it for casual use, make sure the hoodie allows for great range of motion.

You probably don’t want to rip the armpit of your new clothes just because you wanted it to be as tight as possible. Make sure to review the manufacturer’s sizing information as a few companies listed tend to run a bit small and/or short.

#3: Opt for form-fitting but not too tight.

This goes more or less for everyone, but you do not want to stretch your hoodie out. It’s not going to look good, it’s just going to look bulky and old.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know all about the top men’s hoodies on the market today, which one will you be making a stable in your closet? If you’re still on-the-fence, know that all of these are high-performers that know what quality means.

What’s most important, though, is that you’re happy with the one you choose. We hope that this article has helped you select the right hoodie! Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you again shortly.

How We Researched

To come up with the top men’s hoodies we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas and Backcountry along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The author, Casey Fiedler has been leading backpacking trips for over a decade in his native state of Michigan.

To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from fellow guides and outfitters.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources


Notice:

OutsidePursuits.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. OutsidePursuits.com earns fees from products sold through qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links.

Richard Remick

Richard is the founder and the chief editor of Outside Pursuits. Passionate about the great outdoors, Richard spends much of his time in Colorado enjoying skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, cycling, hiking, and camping. When at home in Florida, he is most often found in the water. He loves water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. He is a certified scuba diver. Because of his wealth of knowledge and experience, Richard has been invited to contribute articles to many outdoor-focused websites, such as Florida Rambler, and has been profiled on travel websites such as JohnnyJet.

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