The 5 Best Sweatshirts for Men

Every man needs at least one quality sweatshirt. Whether it's for lounging around the house on the weekends or for keeping toasty during those autumn jogs, a well-fitting sweatshirt provides invaluable convenience and comfort. They're a vastly popular piece of apparel, and it can be overwhelming to comb through the seemingly-infinite options to try to find the right one. That's why we've done the research and whittled down the list to the best of the best. Here, you'll find our top five favorites in men's hoodies, from the inexpensive to the premium pick.

Hanes Men’s Ecosmart Fleece Sweatshirt

Ecosmart is the smart choice

This fleece sweatshirt from Hanes Men's has everything we look for in a sweatshirt, from its extreme softness to its durable materials.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

This fleece sweatshirt is a paradox. It’s somehow lightweight yet warm at the same time. Even better, the dense fleece material doesn’t develop the little pills, so it lasts a long time (if not a lifetime). Best of all, the half-cotton, half-polyester construction won’t shrink in the wash and feels super soft to the touch. We also love how it’s made out of 5% recycled materials, so it’s a great choice for those that value eco-friendly options. With such a huge range of colors and sizes to pick from, it’s no wonder why Hane’s Men’s Ecosmart line of sweatshirts is one of the most popular choices on the market.

Pros

Durable
Warm
Affordable

Cons

Sizes run a little on the small size

Amazon Essentials Men’s Full-Zip Hooded Fleece Sweatshirt

A good hoodie is Essential

Though they're not the flashiest and don't feature any name-brand logos, these hoodies from Amazon Essentials are shockingly well-made and warm.

Best Hoodie

Find on Amazon

Those that value the convenience of a zipper should consider this pick from Amazon Essentials. This line of zippered, hooded sweatshirts sports a smooth zipper, a kangaroo pocket, and a warm hood. Although it wouldn’t be enough for your next arctic trek, this hoodie does provide quite a lot of warmth and is a welcome companion on brisk autumn nights. The elastic cuffs and hem trap in heat nicely and the hood features a drawstring for bundling up. Made out of a blend of cotton and polyester, it wicks off moisture and has minimal shrinking in the wash. Amazon Essentials proves yet again that generic brands sometimes offer the best products.

Pros

Durable zipper
Thick and warm

Cons

Pockets are small

Under Armour, Armour Fleece Pullover Hoodie Big Logo Graphic Hoodie

Armour for the modern knight

Fashionable, extra-warm, and breathable, this Under Armour fleece pullover is a premium pick for a premium price.

Best Premium

Find on Amazon

Though it may cost a bit more than the other options on our list, this hoodie from Under Armour is worth every penny. For starters, the snorkel neckline looks really stylish and adds an extra degree of warmth. Speaking of warmth, this hoodie is one of the toastiest picks on our list. That’s because it features a soft inner layer of fleece that breathes during activities, yet also retains body heat on chilly nights. And though it’s hard to tell through a computer screen, the polyester material is super smooth and soft. Plus, the dense outer layer even wicks off moisture in a light drizzle. Although it’s not a rain jacket nor a winter coat, this versatile hoodie can hold its own in most weather conditions. Thus, if you’ve got a little extra cash to spend, this warm and athletic option is worth the investment.

Pros

Extra warmth
Fashionable design
Polyester won’t shrink

Cons

Order a size larger for a relaxed fit

Amazon Essentials Men’s Long-Sleeve Crewneck Fleece Sweatshirt

Don't sweat the cost of your sweatshirt

This crewneck sweatshirt from Amazon Essentials is not only soft, durable, and warm, it's also the cheapest option we've come across.

Best Budget

Find on Amazon

Amazon essentials has made it onto our list twice, this time with their super-affordable crewneck sweatshirt. Most size and color combinations cost less than fifteen bucks, so it’s really an inexpensive way to stay warm and look stylin’ along the way. These comfy crewnecks might be inexpensive, but they’re definitely not cheaply made. In fact, the polyester and cotton material from which they’re constructed is flexible and durable and holds up better than many of the pricier competitors. The only drawback is that the tag says “dry flat,” which means it will definitely shrink in size in the drier. You may be able to get away with drying it on the “cool” or “tumble dry” settings, but if you’re concerned about the size, it can’t hurt to go a size up.

Pros

Stylish
Well-fitting
Super affordable

Cons

Inner material “pills” over time

Russell Athletic Men’s Dri-Power Fleece Sweatshirts & Hoodies

Warm and dry is how we like it

Those looking for a crewneck designed for physical activities should consider this fast-drying athletic fleece from Russell Athletic.

Best Activewear

Find on Amazon

Don’t let the cold weather keep you from being active. Those of us always on the move need a sweatshirt that will keep us warm and dry. That’s why we recommend Russell Athletic’s Dri-Power Fleece Sweatshirt. At only 9 ounces in weight, it’s light enough that it won’t feel too baggy or cumbersome, but the material is dense enough to trap in heat. For an extra degree of heat retention, the cuffs and waistband are ribbed and form-fitting. Ideal for the outdoors, the “Dri-Power” refers to the moisture-wicking material on the outside of the sweatshirt. That means no more seeking shelter during your jog the next time a light rain breaks out. Even if you don’t plan on using this pick during exercise, it’s a stylish and comfortable option that’s popular among people of all walks of life.

Pros

Breathable
Moisture-wicking
Classic crewneck design

Cons

Baggy style

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure I get the right size?

Getting the right size when ordering a sweatshirt online can sometimes seem like an impossible task, but with the right amount of research, anything is possible. A good rule of thumb is that any material made out of cotton, even those of 50% cotton, will inevitably shrink in a hot drier. Polyester, on the other hand, doesn’t shrink but can be damaged or misshapen by the wrong wash cycle. Thus, if you are ordering a cotton sweatshirt, consider getting a size larger than you typically wear. You may also find useful information in the customer reviews regarding just how true-to-size a particular garment runs.

Certain companies will process their cotton clothing so that it won’t shrink upon washing. For example, although it isn’t a fancy name-brand, Amazon Essentials usually does a fairly good job of ensuring that their clothing is true-to-size. Those that are frustrated with trying to find the perfect fit should consider getting something that guarantees a true-to-size fit, or even make the switch to 100% polyester clothing.

Which sweatshirt is best for exercise?

Not all sweatshirts are made the same. If you plan on wearing your hoodie or crewneck to the basketball court, you’re going to want something with breathability. That’s because if your sweat can’t escape through the fabric of your clothing, it will cling to your body and eventually make you colder than if you were wearing nothing at all. Moisture is the enemy of the outdoorsman, since it absorbs body heat. Thus, if you want the perfect sweatshirt for exercising, we once again recommend polyester or cotton-polyester hybrids. All-cotton clothing will absorb moisture and won’t breathe as well as its polyester cousins.