The Best Sweatshirts For Men

Common sense dictates that any man's wardrobe is woefully incomplete without a varied selection of sweatshirts. Primarily, this is because the sweatshirt is one of the most versatile and essential articles of clothing a person can have. Depending on the weather, sweatshirts work just as well under a jacket as they do on their own. Not to mention, they're most folks' first and best choice for loungewear around the house. To help you choose the best sweatshirt for your needs, we've assembled this list of our favorites. Read on to discover more.
What To Look For
While doing our research for this piece, we sought out products that would surpass our expectations in three critical categories: warmth, softness, and durability. If a sweatshirt can’t offer you those essentials, it’s not worth the space in your closet. With these key attributes in mind, we decided that Champion’s crewneck sweatshirt was the best overall. With an ultra-soft fleece fabric blend and a layer-friendly midweight construction, this item does everything a first-rate sweatshirt should do and then some. On the flip side, if you’re interested in something even more casual, you can’t go wrong with this hoodie from Adidas. We love the relaxed fit and wide selection of color options that make it easy to mix and match. Keep reading to see what works about the rest of our top picks.
Champion Crewneck Sweatshirt
Sturdy and stylish
Champion has been providing the public with first-rate athletic and loungewear for decades, and this crewneck is no exception. With a cotton/polyester fabric blend and extra stitching for sturdy construction, this is the kind of sweatshirt that should have a long lifespan. The blended fleece inner layer is soft to the touch and should be comfortable enough to wear with or without an undershirt. We also appreciate the fact that Champion offers this item in such a wide variety of color options.
Pros:
- Tends not to pill or lose its soft texture in the wash
- The relaxed fit finds a happy medium between form-fitting and oversized
Cons:
- The sizing may run large
Hanes Crewneck Sweatshirt
Comfy in cotton
For generations, Hanes has earned its way into millions of wardrobes through consistency, quality, and comfort. This crewneck sweatshirt is another fine offering from Hanes, featuring a breathable, lightweight construction and a soft fleece lining. The pill-resistant fabric tends to stay intact and free of frays for longer than many of Hanes’ competitors. We also appreciate the thinner construction, making this sweatshirt an ideal choice for layering in cold weather.
Pros:
- The ribbed design of the cuffs, hem, and neck helps to keep their shape over time
- Available in multiple color options
Cons:
- The lightweight construction makes this sweatshirt considerably less warm than bulkier alternatives
The North Face Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt
Classy and cozy
When it comes to cozy, warm, and comfortable sweatshirts, The North Face has the market cornered. Made from eco-friendly recycled fibers, this quarter-zip sweatshirt features a durable fabric blend of cotton and polyester with an ultra-soft fleece lining. The mid-weight construction makes this a versatile option ideal for layering or just wearing on its own. We’re also big fans of the reliable, well-constructed zipper that tends to stay on track without getting stuck.
Pros:
- It has more of a formal aesthetic than many comparable sweatshirts
- The collar offers neck coverage when temperatures drop
Cons:
- The pocket-free design leaves us wanting more space for storing personal items
Adidas Hooded Active Sweatshirt
Flexible fit
Most people know and love Adidas for its superb shoes, but this brand has much more to offer than just footwear. This relaxed-fit hoodie from Adidas utilizes a blend of cotton and polyester as well as a roomy kangaroo pocket on the front side. Made from sustainably sourced cotton, this sweatshirt is not only supremely comfortable also but eco-friendly. On top of all that, we appreciate that Adidas offers this versatile hoodie in an eclectic variety of vibrant color options.
Pros:
- Tends to keep its shape after multiple cycles in the dryer
- The fit is relaxed without being overly baggy
Cons:
- The sizing may run a bit small
Carhartt Rain Defender Sweatshirt
Layer up
Carhartt clothing is renowned for its durability and high-level functionality, and its Rain Defender sweatshirt is a shining example of the company’s commitment to quality. This sweatshirt features a thickly weighted construction and rain-repellent finish that can help keep you dry when rain showers hit. The spandex-enforced cuffs and waistband can help retain your body heat and keep you feeling warmer for longer. We also love the hidden security pocket within the larger kangaroo pocket on the front side of the garment.
Pros:
- The thick construction offers more warmth retention than many of its competitors
- Inner layer is exceptionally soft and comfortable
Cons:
- Bulky design may make it less versatile than comparable products
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a crewneck and a hoodie?
A crewneck sweatshirt features a circular neck hole without a hood attachment. A hoodie, on the other hand, does include a hood attachment. Both garments should have a place in any well-rounded wardrobe.
When is the best time to wear a sweatshirt?
One of the best things about the sweatshirt as an article of clothing is its versatility. Sweatshirts are just as optimal for layering in cold weather as they are for simply relaxing around the house. Some high-end sweatshirts are even acceptable as semi-formal attire in certain circumstances. In our opinion, any time you feel the desire to get cozy and comfortable is a perfect time to put on a sweatshirt.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.