Don't Sleep on These 17 Versatile, Actually-Cool Zip-Up Hoodies (2024)

In the typical Lululemon athleisure manner, this full-zip hoodie is made for movement with a roomy fit and innate breathability. The cotton-blend in a classic relaxed fit also feels great for all-day-wearing. And don't be fooled by the sleek silhouette though, this one has been blended with elastane for extra stretch. Its soft, lightweight fabric also makes it a top option for all-day wear, from the gym to the bar.

What Do Buyers Say? "Any City Sweat garment (short, jogger, crewneck, pullover or full-zip hoodie) is a must-have—lovely soft, yet durable fabric. I appreciate the lighter-weight fabric lining the hood and inside of the pockets. Fit and silhouette allow for this to be worn out on errands or to a casual meet-up, a class or the gym. Great for air travel, too," says one customer on lululemon.com.

As Hanes proves, a great zip-up hoodie doesn’t have to break the bank. This pill-resistant medium-weight fleece is made from a blend of cotton and recycled polyester that’s soft and insulating. The midweight fabric feels nice against the skin without weighing you down. At this price, it’s also quite durable thanks to the double-needle stitching and ribbed cuffs and hems.

What Do Buyers Say? "It’s so comfortable, warm, it held up really well in the washer and dryer and didn’t shrink at all!! it goes with almost everything. I could wear this for days on end if I really wanted," says one customer on amazon.com

This zip-up hoodie is part of the brand’s Ace Collection, which challenges our misconceptions about sweats through the crafting of pieces in Mack Weldon’s own micro-brushed (read: extra soft) French terry fabric that is also stretchy for movement. We’d say the results speak for themselves—aces all over. In a classic fit, it's made for easy layering.

What Do Buyers Say? "Slim but long body length. Not too boxy or drapey. The side pockets are great. Deep to keep your phone from falling out too easily. Great fabric weight for breezy San Francisco summer weather," says one customer.

Alo designed this zip-up hoodie with details necessary for winter: soft and heavyweight French terry, laying potential, enough versatility to pair with all of your favorite jeans and sweats. Yes, it comes in an oversized fit, but that's convenient for days of brisk temperatures. Plus, there's a split kangaroo pocket that makes smaller essentials like your phone or Airpods, readily accessible.

What Do Buyers Say? "I love the weight of this zip-up, it's perfect for layering before or after a workout during those cold months," says one customer on aloyoga.com

“The Midweight terry hoodie from Reigning Champ is one of my top picks because it's cozy like a hoodie should be, but because of its slim fit, it can seamlessly transition to a casual setting without looking out of place,” says personal stylist Turner Allen. The fabric also feels incredibly soft and comfortable to wear all year long. “The hoodie's trim fit is universally flattering on all body types because it has some structure without feeling restrictive,” adds Allen.

What Do Buyers Say? "An absolute classic. I turn to Reigning Champ for anything like classic sweats. A well-constructed, comfy, casual hoodie," says personal menswear stylist Patrick Kenger.

Flint and Tinder's zip hoodie offers a wonderfully thick feel (23 oz extra soft fleece) and sturdy design that gets better with each wash. As the name suggests, this hoodie is meant to be in your closet for 10 years (and then some) because that’s how durable it is. So if you’re the kind of guy who values cost-per-wear, look no further than this Flint and Tinder fleece hoodie. The durable heavyweight wonder is guaranteed to last you wear after wear with a flattering fit and soft feel. Really, this is the type of zip-up hoodie you're going to want to keep in your bag or car at all times.

What Do Buyers Say? "Hands down the highest quality hoodie I have ever owned. From the weight and quality of fabric to the smallest details like the aglets this thing is solid and will definitely stand the test of time," says one customer on huckberry.com.

Sourced and made in the USA, American Giant's zip-up hoodie comes in a timeless look that only gets more comfortable with age. The brand also added limited edition colors, double-lining in the hood, and custom metal zippers and drawcord tips in order to combat all sorts of wear and tear. Nice and cozy and not bulky at all, it’s an absolutely reliable hoodie that’ll have compliments rolling in for your everyday outfit.

What Do Buyers Say? "Fantastic hoodie. Softer than the Classic Hoodie, and slightly more roomy. Great for mild days, and I can see this one lasting me for 10 years for sure," says one customer on american-giant.com.

This half zip-up hoodie from Vuori has a 4-way stretch that ensures a full range of movement. Cut from recycled polyester, it wears with a cozy, unrestricted feel for anything from lounging to running errands. The perfect weight and softness will color you smitten. All in all, this zip-up hoodie works like a jacket to accompany your outdoor activities.

What Do Buyers Say? "The Half Zip checks all the boxes. Comfort, versatility, style, performance. You can just as easily play golf in the hoodie as you can use it for a night out. It's perfect for layering or by itself," says one customer on vuori.com.

For our active guys, Nike is bringing the heat for your cold weather workout with their zip-up hoodie. It's packed with Therma-FIT technology, which helps manage your body’s natural temperature to keep you warm in freezing conditions. Plus, the relax fit means no limitations on your exercise routine.

What Do Buyers Say? "It’s really lightweight but very insulated. The quality is superb," says one customer on nike.com.

In true Carhartt workwear fashion, this zip-up hoodie is tough, versatile, and more importantly, it just gets the job done—in this case, that’s to keep you warm (even in front pockets) and comfortable. Not to mention, the relaxed fit makes it easy to layer, and even easier to lounge or WFH in.

What Do Buyers Say? "It is comfortable, warm and stands up to all the abuse I throw at it... Pockets have a perfect depth to them. Hoodie stays in place even in inclement weather. You can wash it a million times and it develops a really cool patina to it," says one customer on amazon.com.

Made of sturdy midweight French Terry in Champion’s signature Reverse Weave technique that guarantees maximum softness, this Todd Snyder hoodie is a workhorse that is nicely hefted but feels soft and breathable. Knitted to resist vertical shrinkage, with rib across the seams for durability, it is burly enough for a day's hard labor outside, but the brushed feel ensures there’s no drop in its comfy factor. In a timeless collegiate-inspired design and garment-dyed fabric, it's also got a long lifespan to last you. Oh, and it looks better with each wear.

What Do Buyers Say? "This hoodie has a great worn-in feel and vintage vibe. It's part of a collaboration with Champion, with a knit that is resistant to shrinking and retains its shape over time—a very comfortable option to wear," says lifestyle influencer Steven Fingar.

There’s no messing about when it comes to Uniqlo’s take on the menswear staple. This brushed pile-lined sweatshirt with plenty of stretch and shoulder room is a solid addition to any guy’s wardrobe. But what we really like about it is the brand's signature HEATTECH feature, which is useful for everyday wear in cold seasons.

What Do Buyers Say? "Great color feels comfortable covers the neck and keeps me warm in 30-40° weather," says one customer on uniqlo.com.

Made from a polyester-blend to be moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and movement-friendly with four-way stretch, this golf zip-up hoodie also comes with zippered pockets to hold your stuff securely. We found this performance hoodie great for guys on the go since it not only lets you stretch and flex while keeping you cool, cozy, and dry but it’s also designed to look super slick for everyday layering.

What Do Buyers Say? "The materials are so soft and comfortable. I am 5.4" and the jacket is a little bit too long but is keeping it. It works when I wear an untucked shirt and I like the jacket just a bit longer than the shirt," says one customer on bonobos.com.

Public Rec is the best of the best when it comes to bringing together athleisure style with comfortable everyday garments. For instance, here we love how its zip-up hoodie is designed to go all the way, every time, with one of the softest French Terry knit we’ve ever felt to give you a weekend lounging vibe every day of the week.

What Do Buyers Say? "This hoodie is great - it fits well, and it's the perfect weight for cool nights out on the porch. The French terry is super soft, but still structured. I also really loved the smaller cuffs on the sleeves. Definitely a few steps up from your average hoodie," says one customer on publicrec.com.

Cashmere clothing that doesn't cost an arm or a leg is where Naadam excels, and we'll be damned if you don't feel like a king (of self-indulgence) in its cashmere hoodie. Our testers ranked the softness of Naadam’s cashmere hoodie as “divine” and agreed that it’s perfect for cold weather. The fit is also flattering: just right and great for layering.

What Do Buyers Say? "So soft and comfy. I love it. Fits perfectly and it is warm. The hoodie is casual but it exudes class. People just want to touch it when they see it," says one customer on naadam.co.

Not only is Patagonia’s zip-up hoodie made with a smooth, abrasion-resistant hemp outer, but it’s warm fleece interior will also provide extra softness against the skin or cozy up your layers. Crafted with spandex too, we found it stretchy and easy to move in. Overall, tough on the outside and warm on the inside, it’s the kind of workwear zip-up hoodie you’ll wear to tackle a hard day’s work.

What Do Buyers Say? "Soft, comfy, easy-to-wear hoodie that will keep you warm. Recycled Poly-cotton blend that feels great and fits for every event," says one customer.

Cut from premium loopback cotton, Sunspel's zip hoody provides top-tier comfort while giving a stylish collegiate-inspired look. It makes for great layering and can be worn with a pair of your favorite denim or chinos.

What Do Buyers Say? "I’ve long been a fan of Sunspel shirts. While they’re usually more on the relaxed side, this sweater fits exceptionally. More of a modern fit - not too tight, but not too loose. Holds heat when outside in chilly weather really well too," says one customer on altitude-sports.com.

Materials: The best zip-up hoodies are made from high-quality materials that will keep you warm and comfortable. Look for hoodies made from cotton fleece, Terry cloth, or a cotton-polyester blend. It’s also best to seek out naturally breathable, soft, long-lasting, durable material that can be worn for years and then breaks down naturally over time. You can also find lighter-weight hoodies made with moisture-wicking nylon blends designed for layering and working out.

Fit: There are three primary fits: regular, slim, and relaxed. A regular fit is standard and suits most body types. A slim fit is more form-fitting and stylish. A relaxed fit is looser and offers more room for movement and loose chic. Ideally, your hoodies should fit not too tight but also not too loose. The fit should align with your lifestyle—choose between a relaxed fit for casual outings or a more athletic fit for active engagements.

Weight: Hoodies can range from lightweight to heavyweight fabrics depending on the weather conditions. Lightweight materials may be better for indoor use, while heavyweight fabrics are better for outdoor activities. So consider the fabric and bulk for your weather needs.

Are Zip-up Hoodies Better Than Hoodies?
Zip-up hoodies definitely have some advantages over pullover hoodies as well as their own unique benefits. Zip-up hoodies offer convenience with their easy-on, easy-off zipper design, making them great for layering and quick outfit changes. They provide versatility and can function as both outerwear and a mid-layer, making them suitable for various weather conditions. However, unlike pullover hoodies which can be worn on its own or as a layer, zip-up hoodies are mostly only worn as a layer.

Ultimately, whether zip-up hoodies are better than pullover hoodies depends on your personal style, comfort needs, and practicality preferences.

What to Wear With Zip-up Hoodies for Men?

At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.

In addition, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to test out the products.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from.