The Best Sweatshirts For Women
As temperatures drop, it pays to have a few toasty garments stocked in your wardrobe to stave off the cold. The humble sweatshirt is a supremely versatile option for layering, sportswear, or simply for lounging in snug comfort at home. We've put together this list of some of the best available today, so have a look below and take your pick.
What to Look For
The sweatshirt is a casual classic, but with so many options to choose between it can be hard to sort the best from the rest. If you pay attention to fabric weight, breathability, and closure style, you’re sure to find a pullover to suit your style. Our overwhelming favorite comes from RBX. With an unorthodox cowl neck, this toasty top will seal in your body heat like few others. But if you’re planning on layering, the standard-fit design from Core 10 could be your best bet. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
RBX Active Quilted Cowl Neck Pullover
Sealed in
With a comfortable and stylish fit to suit almost any occasion, this ultra-soft pullover from RBX is certainly a wardrobe upgrade. Made from a quilted blended fabric, the raised cowl neckline and snug banded cuffs will shield you from any bitter breeze. And you’re sure to keep your cool inside thanks to the loose, ventilating side slits.
Pros:
- Tunic length for extra coverage
- Thumbholes to seal in warmth
- Stretch fabric allows for full range of motion
Cons:
- Limited color options
Core 10 Cloud Soft Fleece Sweatshirt
Layer up
A thick sweatshirt can be a formidable insulator, but when temperatures drop to freezing lows, the right sweatshirt can be just as useful as a middle layer. This standard-fit long sleeve from Core 10 brings the best of both worlds with a cloud-soft fleece fabric that will keep you toasty, whether it’s worn alone or beneath a heavy jacket. The blended modal fabric is also super stretchy, so it won’t restrict your range of motion.
Pros:
- Machine-washable at colder temperatures
- Extra-long sleeves for full coverage
- Sizes run from XS to 3XL
Cons:
- The loose fit in the top half might not be flattering for all
Hanes EcoSmart Crew Sweatshirt
Cheap and cheerful
If you want to keep things local, consider this classic crew sweatshirt from Hanes that is made with cotton sustainably sourced from American farms. The mid-weight fleece fabric is blended with 50% polyester for extra stretch and breathability, offering a comfortable feel all year round. And thanks to the longer length, it will sit below your natural waistline to keep you extra snug.
Pros:
- Seams reinforced with high-density stitching
- Tagless neck for itch-free comfort
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- No thumbholes in the sleeves
Adidas Essentials 3-Stripes Fleece Sweatshirt
Racing stripes
Sweatshirts don’t share a name with the fruits of physical labor for no reason — they’re a natural outer layer to keep you cool as you push yourself to the limit while you’re working out or sporting. This iconic design from Adidas updates the vintage style with a high-performance cotton fleece design for maximum comfort, whether you’re lounging around or banging out the reps. Whatever you’re up to, you’re sure to look the part once you don these classic dual-tone stripes.
Pros:
- Ribbed cuffs and hem for a snug fit that layers easily
- Crew cut for full maneuverability at the neck
- Loose fit for breathability
Cons:
- This quintessential brand is a little pricier than some alternatives
Amazon Essentials French Terry Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt
Throwing shades
Whether or not you like to stick out in a crowd, it’s rarely a bad thing to have the privilege of choice. With this bold and brilliant selection of colors from Amazon essentials, you’re sure to find a tone to match your wardrobe. And with a cozy blended terry fleece lining to keep you snug inside, you won’t have to compromise on warmth in the process.
Pros:
- Close and comfortable fit for easy movement
- There are also stripe and print designs to choose between
- Plus sizes available
Cons:
- This crew neck is wider than some, which can let in a chill if you’re not wearing an underlayer
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my size correctly?
To ensure the best fit, start by measuring around your chest and across your shoulders. Once you have your measurements, match them to the size chart provided by the manufacturer. If you plan to wear several layers underneath, you might want to size up to leave enough room.
Is my sweatshirt machine-washable?
To avoid shrinkage and damage, be sure to check the manufacturers washing instructions before you throw your brand-new sweatshirt in with a regular laundry load. Cotton sweatshirts in particular are prone to shrinking if they’re washed too hot. For best results, we suggest air drying.
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