Hoodies Are Much More Than Loungewear — Here Are Nine Examples to Prove It

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Joining the ranks of T-shirts, sneakers, and other casual staples, the best hoodies are now more than loungewear essentials: they’re an integral part of every wardrobe.

Although it was accelerated by pandemic-era lockdowns, the hoodie’s journey from gyms and lazy Sundays to offices and date nights has been in the making for decades. In the Nineties, rappers, skaters, surfers, started making convincing cases for rocking hoodies as a fashion statement, and clothing labels caught on soon after. Now, you’ll see hoodies worn well in just about any setting, with everything from sweats and sneakers to dress pants and a leather jacket.

Related: The Best Sweatshirts to Buy Right Now

But only select hoodies have this newfound talent for sartorial seriousness (and others are not worth the closet space). To help find the former, we’ve rounded up some of the best hoodies to buy online right now, whether you’re hitting the bar, the gym, the couch, or all of the above.

The Best Hoodies to Buy Right Now

Now that everyone from Gildan to Gucci is making hoodies, it can be tough to find the right one for your personal look and lifestyle. Here are some of the best hoodies we found online, including budget picks, designer pullovers, and office-ready options.

Best Overall: Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Pullover

Best Pullover: Everlane Track Hoodie

Best Zip-Up: BDG Bonfire Zip-Up Hoodie

Best for Workouts: Lululemon Drysense Hoodie

Best Oversized Hoodie: Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Popover Hoodie

Best Budget Hoodie: Hanes EcoSmart Fleece Hoodie

Best for the Office: Naked Cashmere Jameson Hoodie

Most Durable: Carhartt Rain Defender Heavyweight Sweatshirt

Best Designer Pick: The Elder Statesman Tie-Dyed Hoodie

Editor’s picks

1. Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Pullover

Reigning Champ was launched by CYC Design Corp — the same manufacturer behind Supreme’s outstanding early-days hoodies. Unlike Supreme gear, however, Reigning Champ hoodies are easy to secure and low-key enough to wear with anything. Handmade in Vancouver, the RC hoodie is in a class of its own as far as build quality goes, lending god-tier comfort and an overall “nicer” appearance than your average sweater.

Buy Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Pullover $145

2. Everlane Track Hoodie

With raglan sleeves, a dense, luxurious cotton construction, and great color options, Everlane’s Track Hoodie is a winner. We like it most for everyday outfits — think, paired with jeans or chinos and sneakers or boots — but it also comes in handy for workouts too.

Buy Everlane Track Hoodie $47

3. BDG Bonfire Zip-Up Hoodie

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With Oughts fashion surging back into style, zip-up hoodies are poised for a major comeback this year. This BDG hoodie nails the look with a garment-washed cotton build, an exposed zipper, and a lived-in look. It comes in a few great colors, but we recommend this washed black for maximum versatility.

Buy BDG Bonfire Zip-Up Hoodie $59

4. Lululemon Drysense Hoodie

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If you’re in need of a layer for warmups at the gym or chilly runs, check out this Drysense hoodie from Lululemon. The sweatshirt’s odor-eliminating, sweat-wicking fabric is a massive upgrade over its cotton counterparts, and it even has added stretch for better mobility. Plus, it features Lululemon’s signature athletic style for post-workout trips to the coffee shop or grocery store.

Buy Lululemon Drysense Hoodie $108

5. Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Popover Hoodie

As part of its brand overhaul, Abercrombie & Fitch has quietly become masters at wardrobe essentials. This Popover hoodie, for example, showcases a modern, oversized fit and a dense, high-quality construction. You also get some great colors to choose from, including classics and unique hues like this orange-brown.

Buy Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Popover… $60

6. Hanes EcoSmart Fleece Hoodie

One of the great things about hoodies is that you can get them for cheap — really cheap — as proven by this Hanes EcoSmart hoodie, currently on sale at Amazon for $17. Despite its price, the hoodie is still a durable workhorse of a layer, and the lack of branding means you can team it with dressier pieces as well as casual outfits.

Buy Hanes EcoSmart Hoodie $17.00

7. Naked Cashmere Jameson Hoodie

Yes, you can wear a hoodie into the office — so long as it’s the right hoodie. This Jameson hoodie from Naked Cashmere fits the bill, easily beating stuffy V-necks or half-zips in terms of workplace style. It’s made of ridiculously soft five-guage knit cashmere, ensuring you’ll stay extra comfy during long work days. Try pairing it with slacks or chinos and minimal boots or office-friendly sneakers.

Buy Naked Cashmere Jameson Hoodie $450

8. Carhartt Rain Defender Heavyweight Sweatshirt

If you need a more rugged hoodie, pick up this heavyweight sweatshirt from Carhartt. The 13-ounce cotton material is as tough as cotton comes, and it even features a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish to keep you dry.

Buy Carhartt Rain Defender Hoodie $59.19

9. The Elder Statesman Tie-Dyed Hoodie

The Elder Statesman’s sweaters are essentially modern versions of handmade Italian suits. The brand’s bold, hand-tie-dyed designs are a fashion statement that needs no signage, as those familiar with the brand will instantly recognize a Statesman sweater. This grail-level hoodie from the LA brand is a great way to add some flair to casual outfits, and we think it’s well worth the price if you can swing it.

Buy The Elder Statesman Tie-Dyed Hoodie $715