What is the best type of hoodie?
The best type of hoodie is going to depend on what you are going to use it for and the temperature you plan on wearing it in.
Here are the types of hoodies and their notable features.
Hoodie Fabrics
- Cotton Fleece Hoodies – Fleece hoodies are the most common. They have a tight-woven exterior and the interior is fuzzy brushed cotton. They are very soft on the inside and they trap heat inside keeping you warm. The main downside is that they are not very breathable and you can quickly overheat in them if you are doing exercise.
- French Terry Hoodies – French Terry hoodies are similar to fleece hoodies on the exterior but instead of a brushed cotton texture on the inside, the cotton threads are left as small loops. This gives the inside a soft feeling but greatly improves the breathability of the sweatshirt.
- Synthetic blend – Many clothing brands nowadays use fabric blends of cotton and polyester to alter the texture and improve the durability of their hoodies. Incorporating polyester also helps reduce the amount of shrinking the hoodie may experience in the washing machine and dryer.
- Bamboo – Hoodies made from Bamboo viscose are not common, but they are becoming increasingly popular because of their amazing comfort, breathability, and sustainability. However, the great features and benefits do come with a high price tag.
Hoodie Styles
- Pullover Hoodie – Pullover hoodies are the classic hoodie style. You are required to pull the hoodie over your head to put it on and they typically include one large kangaroo pocket in the front.
- Zip-up Hoodie – Zip-up hoodies feature a large zipper in the front running from top to bottom. This allows you to put the hoodie on without pulling it over your head. Because of the zipper in the front, zip-up hoodies usually include two pockets. One on each side of the zipper.
Hoodie Features
Drawstrings – Drawstrings are an iconic attribute of the hoodie. If you’re not familiar with the term, they are the two strings that hang down from the holes in the hood. Although they appear to be two strings, it is one string that runs through the rim of the hood. This allows you to tighten the hood around your head, but the drawstrings are mainly for looks. Many people pull the drawstring out because they prefer the look without them. There is no harm in doing this because there is very little functional use for the drawstrings.
Hood – The hood is a very important part of a hoodie. It is in fact what makes a sweatshirt a hoodie. Depending on the brand and style, the hoodie might be small or large. Small hoods will tightly cover your head and large hoods completely engulf your head.
Pockets – The most common pocket on a hoodie is the classic “kangaroo pocket”, which means there is one large pocket in the front. Some hoodies feature individual pockets on each side and some have no pockets at all.
Ribbed Side Panels – Many higher-end hoodies will include stretchy, ribbed side panels to improve comfort and maneuverability.
Hoodie Weight
Understanding the weight of a hoodie will help you figure out the ideal use and temperature for wearing it.
Lightweight Hoodies – Lightweight hoodies are ideal for warm weather and working out. They won’t retain much heat but the breathability will also be dependent on the fabric type.
Mid-Weight Hoodies – Mid-weight hoodies are perfect for brisk or chilly weather or exercising during the winter. This is also the ideal weight for lounging indoors during the winter or in an air-conditioned home during the summer.
Heavyweight Hoodies – Heavyweight hoodies are designed to keep you warm during cold weather conditions. The fabric should also be considered because heavyweight fleece hoodies are warmer than heavyweight french terry hoodies.