Throwing on a sweatshirt is not only a great way to stay warm and comfy, it can also look effortlessly cool—just look at Zoe Kravitz shopping in SoHo or Ariana Grande, well, always. We haven’t crunched the numbers, but we’re pretty sure there are at least a zillion options when it comes to sweatshirts. Luckily, the SELF team has tried hundreds of hoodies, crewnecks, and quarter-zips over the years and for this story, we put some of the current fan-fave brands to the test to see how they stack up against the classics.
Thanks to 11 SELF editors—wearing sizes S to XXL— who put in the hours lounging, sleeping, shopping, and working out in these sweatshirts, we’re confident they’re the cream of the crop(top).
What to consider when shopping for the best sweatshirt
To help you find a sweatshirt you’ll wear on repeat until it’s threadbare, we recommend keeping these factors in mind.
On our list, you’ll find hoodies, crewnecks, quarter-zips, half-zips, and full-zips. Crewnecks are nice to nap in, since they don’t have a hood or zippers, while full-zips are easier to slip on and off. The choice comes down to your personal style and how you like to layer (plus how much room you have in your closet).
An oversized sweatshirt feels extra cozy when all you want to do is sink into the couch and binge-watch Love Island. But if you’re going on a run or bundling up with a coat over your sweatshirt, you might want something more fitted. Either way, double-checking reviews to see if your pick runs true-to-size is always a good idea.
Most high-quality sweatshirts are made from natural fibers (like cotton) that are woven into a thick, heavyweight fabric, Preeti Arya, an assistant professor in the textile and marketing department at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), tells SELF. You might also see options made from French terry—another great material, Arya says, because it’s warm, durable, and mostly made of cotton. But if you’re looking for a sweatshirt you can, well, sweat in, go for a synthetic, moisture-wicking fabric like polyester instead.
Best Overall: Lululemon Scuba Oversized Funnel-Neck Half Zip
Lululemon
Scuba Oversized Funnel-Neck Half Zip
Pros
Flares out at waistband for a roomier fit around your hips
Kangaroo pocket has a phone sleeve
Metal zipper feels luxe
Cons
May run large
“This is everything that a sweatshirt should be: soft, roomy, and warm,” one SELF editor says, adding that it’s designed with comfort in mind. “The waistband of this Lulu pullover is nice and loose—if you hold the sweatshirt up, you can see that its shape slightly flares at the bottom, rather than being a rectangle like most sweatshirts are (the culprit for dreaded tightness around my hips).”
Other small details really set this sweatshirt apart, like an upgraded metal zipper, ribbed panels under the arms that add stretch and texture, and a high collar that doesn’t feel too tight—even when it’s zipped all the way up (important!). Our tester also appreciates that the long sleeves have thumbholes to cover her wrists and that there’s a hidden opening for your phone inside the kangaroo pocket to keep it from slipping out.
One helpful hint: We noticed that the Scuba Half Zip runs large, so we recommend ordering your usual rather than sizing up. Our tester often wears a size large, so she ordered the XL/XXL for a cozy feel—turns out, it was a little too roomy.
Amazon reviewers say some colors look different in person
This simple sweatshirt is a staple, according to one SELF editor: “I love how not-flashy it is. It’s a crewneck. It’s black. It’s boxy and roomy,” she says. (What more could you ask for?) “It’s not reinventing the wheel by any means, but it goes with everything I own, has a wonderfully heavy-weight feel, and has lasted me years,” she adds.
Although it’s basic, this pullover still has some nice details, like ribbed wrist cuffs and a wide waistband. And judging by our tester’s experience, it’s well worth the under-$50 price tag. “It honestly looks as good now as it did when I got it back in 2017 or 2018,” she says. “That’s another thing—Champion never goes out of style!”
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Best Oversized Hoodie: Abercrombie Essential Popover Hoodie
Abercrombie & Fitch
Essential Popover Hoodie
Pros
Lots of colors and designs to choose from
Comes in tall sizes
Cons
No drawstrings to adjust the hood
We also love this no-frills Abercrombie hoodie, which has an extra roomy fit that only adds to how effortlessly cool it looks. It has a kangaroo pocket that you can drop your phone into, solid wrist cuffs you can roll up, and a deep hood to throw on when you pass someone you know in the grocery store. “I can even wear the hood with my hair up!” our tester says, adding that the sweatshirt is “super warm and fleecy inside.”
Product specs
Material: N/A | Sizes: XXS to XXXL | Colors: 34
Original image by senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
Original image by senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
Best Half-Zip: Abercrombie Essential Sunday Half-Zip
Abercrombie & Fitch
Essential Sunday Half-Zip
Pros
Runs true to size
Comes in a lot of colors
Cozy fleece lining
Cons
Some colors have a larger zipper, which reviewers don’t love the look of
If Lululemon’s half-zip is a smidge out of your budget, consider this Abercrombie option that also impressed us. “I like polished sweats, and this sweatshirt looks elevated but is still super comfortable,” one SELF editor says. “The sleeves hit right at my wrists, and it’s slightly cropped in a way that’s super flattering without being too short.” Plus, it’s lined with cozy fleece that keeps you at the perfect temperature: “The inside is ridiculously soft, and I haven’t overheated once while wearing it (a common problem for me),” our tester adds. “This instantly earned a spot in my regular rotation!”
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