The Best Sweatshirt
The humble sweater is a wardrobe staple for most. Whether you're wearing it during athletic activities, for casual comfort while lounging at home, or as an insulating underlayer during the coldest months, these versatile tops are sure to see frequent use year-round. We've selected a few of our favorites to bring you the softest fleece and snuggest insulation you can get your hands on.
What to Look For
Not all sweaters are made the same, so we paid careful attention to three factors as we selected our favorites: insulation, softness, and size options. Our top pick overall is the crewneck from Gildan. This thick blended fabric is supremely insulating while remaining lightweight, making it a perfect underlayer for the coldest climes. If you’re looking for an option that offers a little more protection when worn as an overlayer, check out the collared design from Comfort Colors. Read on below to discover the rest of our highlights.
Gildan Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt
Thick and cozy
Wrap up warm in this iconic crewneck sweatshirt from Gildan. The thick fleece lining combines snug cotton with flexible polyester at an impressive density of eight pounds per square yard, resulting in unbeatable insulation. Thanks to the soft-spun yarn on the inside, this sweatshirt is mighty comfortable; you could even wear it without an undershirt if you’d like. Take your pick between a range of classic and contemporary monochrome designs.
Pros:
- The double-stitching at the openings and shoulders is strong and resistant to scuffs and misshaping.
- The available sizes range from small to 3XL, so this is an option designed to fit nearly all body types.
- The spun yarn on the interior reduces the production of lint during washer and dryer cycles.
Cons:
- This fabric is prone to shrinking, so be extra careful with how you care for it.
Fruit Of The Loom Eversoft Fleece Sweatshirt
Enjoy the luxurious softness of natural fibers in this blended fleece. With a rich cotton content of 60%, this fleece lining is softer than your average sweatshirt. Fruit of the Loom’s patented EverSoft ring-spun cotton is the kind that keeps on delivering wash after wash, so you won’t be in disappointed the first time you retrieve it from the dryer.
Pros:
- Thanks to the ribbing on the collar, cuffs, and waistband, this sweatshirt should hold its shape better than on some other sweatshirts.
- We love that hooded options are also available here.
Cons:
- This fabric needs to be washed cold to avoid shrinking.
Amazon Essentials Women’s French Terry Fleece
This fleece from Amazon Essentials could be your next favorite wardrobe item. Its close-but-comfortable contours let you choose the fit you want, whether that’s snug and tight or loose and airy. With sizing options running from small to 6XL, there’s plenty of wiggle room on offer for all body types. We love the delicate range of pastel hues and subtle prints.
Pros:
- The ribbed elastic collars offer a snug fit at the wrist and can be rolled up comfortably.
- This 60% cotton, 40% polyester fabric is machine-washable, so it’s pretty easy to care for.
Cons:
- The stitching isn’t as secure as some other brands.
Hanes Men’s EcoSmart Sweatshirt
As we all turn our attention towards the growing concerns of climate change, it’s hard to throw our hard-earned dollars at anything without considering the environmental impact. The EcoSmart range from Hanes takes a small step towards sustainable clothing development by sourcing up to 5% of the polyester for each garment from recycled plastic. You don’t have to compromise on snugness either, thanks to the thick and luscious insulation of this 7.8-ounce fleece.
Pros:
- Easy-to-remove tags mean you won’t be left with any perforations in the fabric after you remove them.
- The lay-flat collar is better than most at keeping its shape wash after wash.
Cons:
- The sleeves are tighter than usual, so they aren’t as easy to wear rolled up.
Comfort Colors Men’s 1/4 Zip Sweatshirt
Zip up
While a thick sweater can provide the first line of defense against the cold for your upper body, crewneck designs can leave your neckline exposed to a chill. With that in mind, this high-collar option from Comfort Colors will keep your neck tucked away from any icy breeze. Best of all, the quarter-length zipper at the top lets you modulate the airflow to improve breathability if you get too warm, giving you the best of both worlds.
Pros:
- This cotton-rich fabric boasts 80% of the natural fiber, resulting in a delicate fleece that’s especially kind to sensitive skin.
- We love the range of weathered tones from the garment-dying process. Many of the colors are a perfect accompaniment to late-season outfits.
Cons:
- The sleeve length increases with size, which could result in a poor fit for some body types.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my fleece from shrinking in the wash?
The last thing we want to find after washing our favorite new sweatshirt is a shrunken approximation of the original. We all know that fleece is susceptible to shrinking, so it’s best to take care when washing these garments. Always read the advice on the label before washing. If you want to be extra careful, run your sweatshirts separately in a cold wash and leave them to air dry.
What is the length of my sweatshirt?
Most sweatshirts are designed to sit at the waistline with their elasticated waistband. Exact lengths vary and are usually detailed by the manufacturer per size. If you like to wear your sweatshirts with a baggy fit that extends below the waist, you might want to size up from your usual.
About the Author
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