12 Great Zip-Up Hoodies to Wear Now

2022-03-10 06:26:00 By : Ms. Nancy Yang

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More practical than pullovers, these open at the front to let cool air in (but only when you need it).

The zip-up hoodie is the convertible of clothes. Like if an all-terrain SUV came with a soft top, if that makes sense. They boast the same hard-wearing capabilities as pullover hoodies (aka ones without zippers), but they come with their own temperature regulating technology (a zipper!). If you overheat, you won't need to wiggle your way out of your heavyweight hoodie, lifting up your undershirt, ruffling your hair, and dislodging glasses or AirPods along the way.

That's a shortlist of not-so-serious problems, but when you're bundled up without room, time, or the green light to get undressed just so you don't drown in your own sweat, having the option to undo your front proves essential. On the contrary, sure, you can wear it as a top layer, too, but doing so requires an eye for fit, fullness, and fashionability. Finding one that will be as flattering as it is comfortable shouldn't be a futile fight, though. Here's a head start: shop a dozen of our favorites below.

Made in Canada at the brand's own factory, Reigning Champ's Full Zip Hoodie is an irrefutable classic — and a must-have for every man. It's soft, sturdy, and plenty structured, ensuring it can stand alone as its own top layer or be tucked beneath bulkier jackets. 

Streetwear brand Represent's hard-wearing Blank Zip Hoodie earned its spot as our upgrade pick courtesy of its 100-percent cotton construction, oversized hood, its two-way zip, and its tonal stitching throughout.

Does it get better than Gildan? Well, yes, but that's beside the point. For the price of an NYC cocktail, there isn't a better a sweatshirt. The Gildan Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hoodie weighs in at 8 oz, comes in over a dozen colors, and won't pill as much because of its cotton-polyester blend construction.

Flint and Tinder's 10-Year Hoodie comes with a few refined details: a double-lined hood, a media pocket on the inside, reinforced seams, and metal-tipped drawcords.

Made in Middlesex, North Carolina, hence the name, American Giant's classic Carolina Midweight Full-Zip is cut from 100-percent cotton. It references vintage American sportswear, but updates the silhouettes with modern styling. Nap fleece lines the inside, there are contrasting strings and zipper, and two pockets on the front.

Filson's 13 oz fleece Prospector Hoodie comes in a blended cotton-polyester construction. The latter material prevents pilling while promising warmth and durability. Filson's also considered the simple things: the cuffs don't lose their shape; the hood is generously sized; and the interior is lofted for improved insulation.

If you're a fan of Todd Snyder, you should know about his collabs with Champion already. If not, it's the American designer's way of updating some of his favorite items from the venerable brand. This Midweight Full Zip Hoodie, for example, trades typical fabrics for rich, garment-dyed 18 oz French Terry. And don't fret: the famous reverse weave construction remains.

NYC brand 3Sixteen started in denim, working the Kuroki Mills in Okayama directly to design their own editions. They've since expanded, and taken over retail space in downtown Manhattan. One of their newer designs is this hefty, ultra-durable Zip Hoody made from 500 gsm fleece knit exclusively for the brand in Canada. Claim one while you can!

Banana Republic makes a long list of basics for men. But, the brand's Organic French Terry Hoodie is a hell of an upgrade — even at under $100. It comes in blue or gray, and without the usual hood strings for a sleeker, more sophisticated look.

Buck Mason's brushed French Terry sweatshirt is thick. Truly! It's soft on the outside with a towel-like interior, promising warmth and wear that'll only better with, well, wear. Two big, contrasting strings give this option a casual feel.

Carhartt. You know I couldn't skip the classic. Their Midweight Hooded Zip Front Sweatshirt may not have the recognizability their beanie or B01 pants do, but this hoodie is still Carhartt — and representative of everything that comes with that name. 

American streetwear designer offers an assortment of edgy, hype-catering classics, like T-shirts with zippered seams, jeans with varying degrees of distress, and sneakers beloved by basketball players. But, his Flash 2 Fullzip hoodie is pleasantly simple. It comes in a few different colors — this one's Sage — with a stand collar, a Kangaroo pocket, and flatlock stitch detailing.